A. R. "Andy" MacKenzie Squadron Leader (ret'd) RCAF
Passed away at Kemptville District Hospital, after a long battle with cancer, on Monday, September 21, 2009 in his 90th year. Dearly loved husband of Alison Tucker (nee Sparks). Predeceased by his sister Rita of Montreal, his devoted wife Joyce and two of their children Robert MacKenzie and Joanne Lemoine and cherished grandson Keith MacKenzie. Andy is survived by his sister Edna Watson of Guelph and his dear children Tara MacKenzie, Ron (Carol) and their son Ian MacKenzie, Scott (Margaret) and his son Sam MacKenzie. Also left to mourn are Alison's children, Barry (Sherry) and his children Michelle, Justin, Sarah and Bronson Tucker; Barbara (Paul) Mylemans and their children Marcia (Marc) Theoret and Stephen (Katherine) Mylemans; Trish (Mike) Wilson and their children Elizabeth (Brad), Scott and Kim Wilson; great grandchildren Emily, Mathieu and Amanda Theoret. Andy had a distinguished career in the RCAF for twenty-seven years first serving as a Spitfire fighter pilot during the Second World War on 421 and 403 Squadrons, and post war flying Sabres as commander of 441 Squadron. He volunteered to do a tour of duty with the 51st Interceptor Wing of USAF in the Korean War, was shot down by friendly fire and became a prisoner of war in China for two years. He served thirteen more years in the service, a portion of which was as Intelligence Staff Officer in NORAD and ending his career as CADO, Chief Administrator Officer at Rockcliffe. After retirement, he was hired as an ad hoc Commissioner of the Canadian Pension Commission for some years. He is a past president of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 604, the founding president of the Korean Veterans Association Capital Unit 7, the first official president of C.F.P.A. (Canadian Fighter Pilots Association). A director of SPAADS (Sabre Pilots Association Air Division), a member of 410 RCAFA W. Barker, V.C. Wing and the POW (Prisoners of War) Association. A service of remembrance will be held at the Beechwood Cemetery Chapel, Ottawa on Saturday, September 26 at 10:30 am. followed by interment in the National Military Cemetery. Those who wish may make memorial donations to the Kemptville District Hospital Foundation. Arrangements under the care of Grant Brown Funeral Home Rolston Chapel, Kemptville 613-258-2435.