David Sterling Mackenzie died peacefully in Élisabeth Bruyère Hospital on February 19, 2020, in Ottawa, Ontario, at the age of 65.
David is survived by his children Jason, Jeffrey (Lisa), and Joey; siblings Gary, Ronald and Kevin, grandsons Keegan and Kayden, and his former spouse Diane Gareau. He is preceded in death by his parents Arnold and Eileen, and granddaughter Makayla Brideau.
David was born on August 19, 1954, in Halifax, Nova Scotia. A member of the Canadian Army Signals Corps and Canadian Army Reserve, he served Canadians in a career spanning forty years, including in Europe with NATO and UN Peacekeeping missions. David was a proud father and grandfather, “Poppa” to Avery, an avid angler and passionate about veterans issues, with a particular focus on PTSD.
David will lay in the Military Hall of Colours at the National Military Cemetery at Beechwood for a private family vigil. A funeral will be scheduled in the spring, timing to be announced. For those who wish, memorial contributions to Élisabeth Bruyère Hospital or the PTSD Association of Canada are appreciated. David’s family would like to thank the staff at Élisabeth Bruyère Hospital for their unwavering care and compassion.
Digital Guestbook
Denise St. Louis
Catherine Coles
My condolences to Dave's family and loved ones. My thoughts are with you. I only met Dave a short four years ago but was blessed with knowing his great sense of humour, caring nature, and of course his love of dance! He often spoke of the joy of caring for his son's dog and of his conversations with people at his local Tim's. He will be missed by our community. Dave, we didn't get to have the dance party you were hoping to organize but I know you are looking spiffy and dancing your heart out now! My next dance will be for you.
Ali Fuentes
The tireless dancer! Dave would light up whenever the music started. My last memory of him is dancing last Autum in Kanata. He always spoke from the heart on how proud he was of his adult kids and their life. All our lives must come to an end yet it is the memories that keep on living. Dave will lives on in all of us. Rest my friend.
Melanie Vokey
My sincere condolences to Dave’s family, Dave always shared how much love and respect he had for his boys. Dave’s life was full of service to our country, to fellow veterans and the recovery communities; he Sacrificed so much in his military career yet still had the capacity to open his heart and help others. Dave , you will be missed by many, it was honour to get to know you, and thank you for all of your service.
Melanie
Patrick Ryan
My sincerest condolences to family and friends. David was a great Veterans Advocate and He and I have talked and worked online for veterans within many veterans advocacy groups. You will be truly missed Brother . RIP / Salute to our fallen.
Lisa McLean
RIP Dave. You were always so supportive and kind in group. You will be missed by many. Sincere condolences to friends and family.
Doug Roberts
My condolences to David’s family He was a fine man friend and Veteran His loss will be felt deeply within the Veterans community
Jill Greenwood
My most sincere condolences to the Mackenzie family. I met Dave a couple of years ago when planning the Ottawa Walk for Veterans. He was a very sweet, sensitive man who cared so much about his fellow veterans. God Bless You David. Rest in Peace dear friend.
Peter Dingle
Rest in Peace old Friend. It was an honour to serve with you. My most sincere condolences to the family and friends of a good man.
Bob and Shirley Laurie
Rest In Peace Dave. We will always cherish our memories of you. Until we meet again Linemen Forever VVV ...
So saddened to hear this news. I had the pleasure of knowing Dave for many years and shared with him his love of dance on a few occasions. He will be missed by many. RIP my friend.