Obituary of Joseph MacKenzie

Joseph (Joe) MacKenzie, 92, of Pomquet passed away on Tuesday, September 20, 2016 in Saint Martha’s Hospital, Antigonish. Born in Beech Hill, he was the son of the late John Kenneth and Mary (MacGillivary) MacKenzie. A World War II veteran, a 16-year old Joe followed four older brothers into conflict and bravely served his country a gunner in several European campaigns, including the Sicilian Conquest, the Battle of Ortona and the Liberation of the Netherlands. Upon his return to civilian life he worked as a hard rock blaster, picking up his colourful nickname "Dynamite Joe" and perfecting his talent for "selective hearing" along the way. In his later life, Joe enjoyed gardening, watching sports, and reading a good western. He particularly liked to entertain everyone with his mischievous smile and (mostly) tall stories. Joe leaves behind his children Joseph (Sandra), Pomquet, David (Lauren), Alysford, Terry, Ottawa; Gary (Melinda), Dagger Woods; Barry (Wanda), Pomquet, Shawn (Paula Huckerby), Edmonton, Brenda, Toronto, Cheryl Wellington Ottawa, Heather, Toronto, Angela (Jack MacLeod), Lanark; Son-in-law Patrick MacDonald Seabright, Denise (Gary DeCoste), Monastery; Tracy (Charles Murphy), Halifax; and Claudette (Martin Chisholm), Calgary; his sisters Lillian Hudson and Bernadette "Bunny" Smith, Antigonish; and brother Blaise, Espanola, Ontario. He will forever be remembered as "Papa Joe" to over 35 grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his wife, Johanna (DeYoung) MacKenzie; his daughter Arlene MacDonald; his son-in-law Dave Wellington; his sisters Margaret, Mary (Daley), Theresa (Cranston) and Sarah "Sadie", and his brothers Collie, Daniel (Danny), Angus, John, Alex, and Patrick and Albert in infancy. His family sends special thanks to the staff on the 3rd Floor Veterans’ Wing for the wonderful care they provided to Joe for the last six years. Visitation will be 2-4 and 7-9 on Thursday at MacIsaac Funeral Home, 61 Pleasant St. Antigonish. Funeral Mass will be held Friday, September 23rd at 11:00 am in St. Croix Church, Pomquet. Rev. Gary MacPherson presiding. Donations may be made to the Veterans Ward at St. Martha’s Hospital.