Obit: MacKENZIE, Renford Grant

["Eric Keys" <Eric_Keys_uid84@yahoogroups.invalid>]

Rev. Renford Grant MacKenzie
It is with great sadness the family wish to announce the sudden passing
of Rev. Renford ‘Rennie’ MacKenzie on Sept. 9, 2011, at home. Born in
Maccan, N.S., he was the son of the late John Grant and Laura
(MacDonald) MacKenzie. He is survived by his wife, Norma (Roper); son,
Rev. Bruce (Shana); five grandchildren; three great-grandchildren;
brothers, Donald (Ann) and Neil (Joan); mother-in-law, Rebecca Roper;
several nieces and nephews; and brother-in-law Bobby Roper. Besides his
parents, he is also predeceased by daughter Noreen, and son Renford. A
high school drop out, Rennie worked in the coal mines for 15 years
before embarking on a seven-year educational journey to become an
ordained minister in the United Church of Canada. He brought his fresh,
liberating and challenging theology to the New Brunswick pastoral
charges of New Bandon, Bathurst, Loggieville and Dalhouise. Rennie was
an extremely devoted husband, grandfather and great-grandfather, he
loved experiencing everything Mother Nature had to offer. Rennie left a
lasting impression on everyone he met even if it was just for a few
short moments. If our goal in life is to make the world a better place,
Rennie has done just that. Cremation has taken place and a funeral
service will be held Tuesday, Sept. 13 at 11 a.m. in Calvin United
Church, New Waterford, with Rev. Duncan Roach officiating. Interment to
follow in Union Grove Cemetery and a reception to follow in the church
hall. Arrangements are under the direction of McLellan Brothers Funeral
Home, 3183 Plummer Ave., New Waterford, 862-7500. In lieu of flowers,
donations can be made to the New Waterford Food Bank or a charity of
one’s choice. Condolences may be expressed to the family at
www.mclellanfuneralhome.com. For some of Rennie’s thinking and writing
see these websites, wwwseaside.ns.ca/-coalminer and
www.seaside.ns.ca/-rmackenzie. Also these books In The Pit, A Cape
Breton Coal Miner; “That Bloody Cape Breton Coal” and “Blast! Cape
Breton Coal Mine Disasters.”
[Monday, 12-September-2011 The Cape Breton Post, Sydney, NS]
[collected by EMKeys 2011-09-12]