Celebration of Life for Former Mayor of Vegreville, Kay McKenzie

Celebration of Life for Former Mayor of Vegreville, Kay McKenzie

Rosanne Fortier News Correspondent

Remembering a life well-lived leaves a special comfort and joy to those left behind. On Former Mayor of Vegreville, Kay McKenzie’s journey through life she left behind large footprints which impacted too many people’s lives to name.

Hence, a Celebration of Life was held at Vegreville United Church on September 8 to honor Kay and reminisce about Kay’s life and her book load of achievements.

Kay’s son, Kevin was the emcee where he opened the celebration by saying he grew-up attending Vegreville United Church and he had many fond memories of this time. His mother was such a huge part of the Community of Vegreville when she lived here for 19 years and was instrumental in bringing to life many of the things people now enjoy about Vegreville. He went on to read the obituary Kay’s children composed for her while he added details and his own thought on his dear mother’s life.

Kathleen Margaret Kay McKenzie (nee Dwyer) was born February 22, 1927 and she passed away on November 28, 2018. Kay was born in Vermilion, Alberta where Kay’s mother died during childbirth. “Mom had a rough start because her father either in grief or his inability to care for Kay, left her in the hospital where the length of time reminds undetermined but we heard it was up to two or three years.”

Kevin said they believe that the loving care, Kay received as a baby, from the doctors and nurses, and numerous volunteers helped Kay become the great woman she became. This is a great example that it takes a village to raise a child.

Growing up motherless in the first years of her life they believed instilled the fortitude, survivor ability, and determination to grasp life and make herself and the world around her the best it could be.

In 1952, Kay married the love of her life, Chiropractor, Dr. Robert (Bob) McKenzie and moved to Vegreville where she helped him grow his practice.

She met Bob when she was skating with a girlfriend. At this time, Kay told her friend that Bob was the guy she was going to marry someday. Kevin then said it would be impossible to list all of his mother’s accomplishment but some which stand out are Vegreville Town Councilor from 1970-1989, first female Mayor of Vegreville from 1989-1994. Canadian Cancer Society Chairman, Super Mom, Fantastic Grandmother and Super Fun Great-Grandmother, Volunteer Merit of Canada, Alberta Urban Municipalities Association Chair and Kay was best known for being instrumental in Vegreville Pysanka World’s Largest Ukrainian Easter Egg, a project of the Chamber of Commerce. Most of all, Kay always welcomed new people and was the first one to step up whenever anyone was in need or crisis.

Kay’s good friend, Li Giebelhaus took the mike next where she mentioned all the wonderful memories Kay left behind and said the day wasn’t a sad time but a time to remember a special person who enriched the lives of many people.

Kay’s daughter, Robynne’s address presented many humorous (frozen memories) of her mother during Robynne’s youth. Kay concluded by saying her mother had fire under her feet and at times, she was unstoppable.

After this, Robynne presented an adaptation of a song sung by John Denver, ‘It is in Every one of Us’ as a dedication to her mother, Kay, and father, Bob.

Town Councilor and Deputy Mayor of Vegreville, Ann Waters presented a speech next where she mentioned Kay was a big part of Vegreville’s downtown core revitalization. The Town of Vegreville is honored that they will be having a plaque on this sidewalk in remembrance of former Mayor, Kay McKenzie. This plaque will be placed in front of the town’s office.

Then an Open Mic was presented where many people gave their brief memories of Kay.

Following this, everyone was treated to a buffet luncheon catered by Royal Canadian Legion Ladies Auxiliary Branch No. 39 which Kay was involved with for many years.