Mackenzie (Mac) Livingstone was born into a pioneering B. C., family, became a Second World War veteran, a rancher, and a volunteer and neighbour who could always be counted on.
In later years, he also became an expert cribbage player, curler and carpet bowler; frequently winning many provincial and national seniors’ championships. But, most of all, Mac was an honest and hard working man, with dancing blue eyes, who passed on a great sense of compassion to a family that loved him.
After a long illness, Mac passed away peacefully on January 26th, 2010, surrounded by the love of his family.
He is survived by Doreen, his cherished wife of 60 years; children Michael (Val), Donna Fennell (Darrell Jones), Denis, Stuart (Bev), Janet (Gerry Simmons); his grandchildren Karin (David Fidler), Steven, Lindsay (Danny Arcand), Matthew (Aynsley), Gregory, Christopher, Pamela, Jessica, Hillary, Nicole; and his great-grand-daughters Kayleigh Mackenzie Fidler and Paige Olivia Arcand.
Mac was predeceased by his twin sister Denise (Joe Latremouille) and brother David (Lois), and sister-in-law Jean. He is survived by his brothers Jack and Don (Verna).
Born in Mt. Olie (Little Fort), B.C., on August 30, 1922, Mac was the eldest son of Roy and Wilhelmina who pioneered in the area.
During the Second World War, he joined the Canadian Scottish Regiment, served in France and participated in the liberation of Holland.
After the war he returned to Barriere to work, met the new schoolteacher, Doreen, and wisely purchased her box lunch at a social.
Married in 1950, they spent the first years of their marriage in Hazelton, B.C.
The couple moved to Chinook Cove in 1953 to take up ranching. Mac had a passion for ranching and took pride in his crops and cattle.
Mac learned about hard work and volunteering early in his youth and was involved in the community throughout his life.
He was generous with his time and always willing to lend a helping hand.
Gentle and honest, Mac cared deeply for those who were left underprivileged by life. He understood what were the important things in life and intuitively gave respect to others.
An active volunteer, he was a life member of the North Thompson Fall Fair Association, a life member, president, and service officer of the North Thompson Valley’s Royal Canadian Legion Branch 242, president of the Mount Olie Lions, and a member of other community and ranching associations.
In his early years he was active in baseball and also earned a Dominion Marksman Medal.
Throughout his life Mac enjoyed fishing and persistently worked for the preservation of local lakes and streams.
Mac faced the ravages of Alzheimer’s disease courageously.
He will be remembered for his love of family, his sharp wit, sense of humour, dignity, and commitment to bettering his community, as well as for the great amount of wisdom hidden behind those mischievous eyes.
For a long time we have missed the Mac we knew, and now he will be missed forever.
A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, February 27, 2010, in the Barriere and District Seniors Hall at 2 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Alzheimer Society of B.C., #300-828 West 8th Ave, Vancouver, B.C., V5Z 1E2, or at www.alzheimerbc.org.