George McKenzie

George Ulric Hector McKenzie December 19th 1933 -January 19th 2025

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of George Ulric Hector McKenzie on Sunday January 19th, 2025. He passed away peacefully at his home in Toronto at the age of 91 years old. He now joins his beloved wife, Celeste Icelma McKenzie (nee Shephard) who predeceased him on January 30, 2012. A devoted father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and cherished friend, George’s life was a testament to kindness and joy, as he touched the hearts of everyone he encountered.

Born and raised in Georgetown, in what was then British Guiana, George immigrated to Canada in 1956, studied Animal Husbandry and various sciences at the University of Guelph, met and married Celeste in 1959, and together raised their three children, Paul, Ian, and Christine. George’s professional life journey would take him from graduation to working for Connaught Labs and later working for the Ministry of Social Services in the Ontario Government until his retirement in the early 1990s.

He was also imbued with the sense of duty which would define and shape his life and touch the lives of the many people he subsequently served. Through his multidecade memberships with the Rotary Club, his local church, the Hospital Foundation, and organizations in his community, he participated in various initiatives which included everything from fundraising for Easter Seals and the Finch Humber Hospital to efforts that provided scholarships for students, breakfast programs in schools, sponsoring new Canadians, and sat on a resident planning committee that worked with the planners of the city of Toronto to design the future of Emery Village.

George is survived by his children, Paul and his wife Cara, Ian and Christine, his cherished grandchildren, Carly and Halle and his great-grand child Phoenix. He is also lovingly remembered by his nieces, nephews, his godson Andrew James, extended family, and a close-knit community of friends who will continue to honor his legacy through kindness and love.

We will be celebrating the life of George McKenzie at Wards Funeral Home, Weston Chapell, 2035 Weston Rd, Weston, Ontario (north of Lawrence Ave W). on Saturday, February 22nd, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM

In his memory, please consider making a donation to Humber River Health Foundation in memory of George McKenzie. To make your donation, please call 416.242.1000 ext. 81500 or Please click here to Donate to the Humber River Health Hospital Foundation