Obituary of DONALD JOHN MACKENZIE

Donald John MacKenzie, "Ginger", 91, a longtime resident of East Elmwood, Winnipeg, died peacefully of natural causes in Concordia Hospital on March 2, 2019. Don was born in Inverness, Scotland on March 1, 1928 and attended Merkinch Primary School before progressing onto Inverness Technical School, now known as Inverness High School.  He emigrated to Winnipeg in June 1956, moving his young family where he would remain until his death.  An electrician by trade, Don would spend his days in the Great White North working for Winnipeg Hydro before retirement.

Don joined Inverness Caledonian Football Club in 1946 where his illustrious playing career began.  The striker began playing at Muirpark before progressing to 2nd Caledonian. His entrance to the Highland League would come during the 1947-48 season.  "Ginger", as he was affectionately known for his flame-red hair, would go on to win three Scottish Qualifying Cups with The Blues between 1948 and 1950.  In a career spanning nine seasons with Caledonian, Ginger would score a remarkable 425 goals, making him the club’s all-time top goal scorer. 

In Winnipeg, Don played for the AN&AF Scottish soccer teams from the late 1950’s through the 1960's.  He coached at East Elmwood Community Club, for Tatra Soccer Club, and he was the Head Coach of Manitoba's soccer team in both the 1973 and 1977 Canada Games...winning the Bronze medal in 1973. 

Don is survived by his son, David (Jacqueline) MacKenzie. Don dearly loved his grandchildren, Derek, Garrett (Renee), and Travis (Kristin) MacKenzie and great grandchildren, Arleigh, Adelina, and Astella MacKenzie.  Don is survived by his sisters Belle, Margaret, and Mary; along with many nieces and nephews in Scotland, England, Canada, and the United States.  Don was preceded in death by his daughter Linda, sister Cathy, and brother Duncan. 

Of special note, Don's family would like to thank Don’s girlfriend Edna McLeod, our family’s great friend Barry Kibsey, and the staff of Despin Residence in St. Boniface, for their friendship and caring during Don's final years. 

There will be a celebration of life service for Don at Grey Street United Church on Saturday, March 30th at 1:30 PM.  He was a member of the Grey Street congregation since the early 1960's.