Obituary of Allister William MacKenzie

MacKENZIE, Allister W. River John MacKENZIE, Allister William - Age 92, of River John passed away peacefully May 31st, 2023 in Aberdeen Hospital, New Glasgow. Born in Diamond on June 17, 1930, Allister was the son of the late Alexander and Bessie (Holmes) MacKenzie. Allister is survived by 8 children, Sharon (Gary) Johnson, Donna MacKenzie, Mildred "Mimmie" (Reg) Baillie, Seldon "Seldie" (Marion), Elaine MacLellan, Blake, Neil (Lynne), and Tanya; 11 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his wife, Alice Isabel MacKenzie; his common law partner, Anna Mae Heighton and two sisters, M. Vera Edwards and Mary Allena Langille. Allister worked as a postal clerk and then postmaster in River John, and operated a hobby farm, logging and firewood operation on off-hours and after retirement. Allister was one of the founding members and co-president of the River John Lions Club and continued involvement in the Lions for 50 years plus and was a member of the River John Volunteer Fire Department. He enjoyed RV camping at bluegrass festivals, travelling, Ford F150 pickups (always competed to have the best one in town), telling jokes and stories (sometimes diverging to side- stories, but always getting back to finish the first one), good listeners, good food and being spoiled with attention. Allister's family would like to thank the staff at nursing homes Gables Lodge (Amherst) and Glen Haven Manor (New Glasgow) and the Palliative Care group at Aberdeen. Cremation has taken place. There will be no visitation or life celebration event as per Allister's wishes. A private graveside burial will take place at a later date. Donations in his memory may be made to the River John Volunteer Fire Department, the River John Lions Club, or the Aberdeen Palliative Care Society.