James “Jim” Stewart McKenzie

James “Jim” Stewart McKenzie passed away peacefully at home on July 13, 2024, at the age of
83.
Jim was born on March 20, 1941, in Dundee, Scotland, to James and Florence “Winnie”. He was raised in Edinburgh where he had a rich family life, living with his mother and father, brother Arthur, grandfather Thomas, and grandmother Jessie.

During his time in Edinburgh, Jim began a career in engineering and a lifetime of building, fixing, and tinkering. He attended the W.M. Ramsay Technical Institute and took courses leading to an apprenticeship. One of the most memorable experiences of his professional life came early when he was contracted for maintenance and repair at the Bell Rock. He proudly told others he installed the lighthouse’s first working toilet.

Jim immigrated to Canada with his mother, father and brother, initially settling in Ottawa before moving west to Victoria. A short time later, he was introduced to the love of his life, Carol. They were married on October 28, 1967, and shared 56 years of adventures – many recounted with smiles and laughter at the family dinner table.

Along with their first daughter, Catrina, they made several stops around British Columbia – Sayward, Prince Rupert, and Mill Bay – before planting their roots in Victoria. There, the clan grew, with the addition of children Rhondda, Blair, and Colin. Throughout their travels, Jim’s passions for machinery were fuelled on weatherships, at the forest service, and at a pulp mill. A short-term contract eventually turned into 29 years of service for “Jimmy” with the Government of Canada at the Victoria dockyard.

To say Jim retired in 1998 is not completely accurate. Equipped with a workshop overflowing with tools, he had the means to solve any problem his family could throw his way. Jim and Carol became the after-school care for their grandchildren – Lance, Taira, and Amber. They also fit in as many trips as possible to Ontario and Alabama to see grandchildren Keighan, Devin, Ayden, and Colin. “Papa” went above and beyond for his grandchildren and dreamed of one day winning the lottery for them.

Jim’s workmanship and perseverance carried into his hobbies. Beekeeping, gardening, geology, and genealogy were among the interests that required his shrewd hand. His pointed curiosity kept him engaged in current events and history through the news, documentaries, and YouTube videos – in between afternoon naps and tending to the evening fire. It kept his bank of trivia loaded full of Did You Know questions, primed for family, friends, and strangers at the grocery store.

In his signature wool sweaters, Jim was a consistent, comforting presence to all around him. His legacy lives on through his many household projects and his kindness, wisdom, and unwavering dedication to his family.

In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, donations in memory of James McKenzie may be made to either the BC Children’s Hospital foundation, or a charity of your choice

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