Dr. Andrew William McKenzie passed away on Nov. 6, 2023, at Stratford General Hospital, in Stratford, Ont., at the age of 88.
He leaves his loving family: wife, Sharon; children Heather (Scott), Robert, Polly (Mark); and grandchildren, Elena (Andrew), Clara, Isaac, Julia, and Lewis.
Dr. McKenzie was born in Repton, Derbyshire, England, to parents Arthur and Mary McKenzie. He spent his childhood in Cambridge, England, and later graduated from Trinity College, Cambridge. Following his training and qualification in medicine, which he completed at Guy’s Hospital, London, he chose to immigrate to Canada in 1964, where he was eager to begin serving in this province’s public health-care system.
He met his future wife, Sharon, who was a nurse at Stratford General Hospital. The couple quickly discovered that they had both chosen this city because of their interest in the newly established Stratford Festival Theatre. They soon also connected through their shared love of classical music. Dr. McKenzie was a lifelong supporter of the arts, and he and Sharon travelled extensively for many years, enjoying performances of theatre, music, ballet, and Dr. McKenzie’s beloved opera. It was always a pleasure for them to return home, however, where, for 59 years, they have felt so fortunate to be a part of Stratford’s world-class arts community.
Dr. McKenzie served as a family physician in Stratford for nearly 45 years and greatly enjoyed getting to know his patients and their families, many of whom he had the honour of serving over several generations. He was a good listener and a calm and gentle practitioner. He also valued the strong friendships he shared with his medical colleagues at the hospital, and at his offices on Albert St., and later on St Vincent St., N.
Dr. McKenzie had many interests, and his keen sense of curiosity made him a lifelong learner. He loved being outdoors and particularly enjoyed sailing, bird-watching and cross-country skiing. He could often be seen riding to and from work on his bicycle, and he would regularly choose a route by the river where he might catch a glimpse of his favourite bird, a kingfisher. He instilled a love of books in all of his children and grandchildren by taking them on frequent trips to Stratford Public Library. In his later years, he enthusiastically embraced technology and spent many hours collecting and organizing digital photographs and recordings, which have become an important part of his legacy to his family.
The family would kindly request that donations be made in Dr. McKenzie’s memory to