Peacefully passed at the Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre on Sunday, April 12th, 2026 at the age of 90. Beloved husband of the late Vera McKenzie (née Smith) for over 67 years. Loving father of Warren McKenzie (Jocelyn), Wayne McKenzie (Nancy), Ruth-Ann Langman (Joe), Catherine Jandl (Klaus), Sharlene Collins (Rob) and Karen Byl (Kevin). Proud grandfather of 17 and great grandfather of 26. Predeceased by his parents Hubert and Ethel (née Kell) and his siblings Gordon McKenzie and Joyce Hayes. Will be sadly missed by extended family members and dear friends.
Doug was born in Mimico and was the youngest of 3 children. He met Vera at a Youth for Christ event in 1956 and they were married two years later. Within a year they bought and moved to a farm in Egbert, an hour from the city, where they wanted to raise a family. Doug had spent his summers as a teenager at his Uncle’s farm on the 7th of Essa where he got the farming bug. Most of the farming years were spent raising pigs and the market was a big challenge for Doug over the years. None of his children knew of those challenges as there was always enough.
Loving Jesus and attending church regularly was the highest priority for Doug. He instilled good work ethics and high morals in his family in a gentle but firm way. He made life on the farm fun and allowed his children the freedom to explore and learn. After they sold the farm in 1996 they retired to Muskoka Lake and had many years enjoying family and being on the water.
Doug and Vera together enjoyed volunteering for Red Cross once they moved back to Barrie. They loved the people they met as they drove them back and forth to appointments.
The last two years they lived at Allandale Station Retirement Home, where they met some wonderful people including the PSW’s who treated them really well.
Once Vera passed away, Doug was lost without his soul mate. 25 days later he joined her in heaven.
Visitation will take place at the First Baptist Church, 550 Grove St E., Barrie on Friday, April 17th, 2026 from 11 am until the time of service at 1 pm. Guests are invited to remain for a reception following the service in the Church hall. Interment will take place in the spring at the Thornton Union Cemetery.
Donations in Doug’s memory may be made to the Saint Elizabeth Foundation or the Canadian Red Cross are greatly appreciated by the family.
Online condolences and memories may be shared via www.steckleygooderham.com