Stephen John (Steve) MacKenzie, 88, Sydney, NS died January 19, 2018 at Cape Breton Regional Hospital after a brief illness. Born in Red Islands, Richmond Co., where he resided for his first 19 years, he was one of 12 children born, January 10, 1930 to the late Alex and Sadie (MacInnis) MacKenzie. He had been an active member of Immaculate Heart Parish, Mira Road for many years until its closing. 

Steve was employed by Sydney Steel for several years during its heyday, then with Dept. of Transport & Telecom as a radio operator, proficient in Morse code, for 17 years. On April 20, 1970, Steve was the radio operator who received the distress call from the railcar ferry MV Patrick Morris east of Cape Smokey after it was hit by a 30 ft. wave and began taking on water as it was responding to a distress call from the herring seiner FV Enterprise. He relayed the distress signal which resulted in 47 survivors being picked up by another ship in the area. Steve ended his work career with Sears Canada as an Electronics Technician for 8 years before retiring in 1988.

Steve is survived by his wife, Annabelle (Campbell), residing at The Cove Guest Home; daughters Lisa (Dawn Shickluna) of St. Catharines, ON, Charlene (Cliff Billesberger) of Calgary, AB, and son Greg (Andre Jobe) of Quispamsis, NB; grandchildren Alexandra (Raef), Bhreagh & Josh. He was predeceased by brothers Peter, Lawrence, Leonard, Philip, Bill and George, and sister Marguerite (in infancy) . He will be missed by his sisters Marie Morrison, Sr. Ann (CSM) and Frances (Byron) Howat, and Doris Brown as well as several nieces and nephews.

Steve always had a warm place in his heart for the good people along Route 4. All who knew him will remember him as the gentlest of souls who greeted you with a good joke and a great smile. He loved to golf with his fellow duffers, especially his grandson Josh, brother-in-law Byron, Doug & Albert. He was an avid member of FSNA and a lifelong follower of Cape Breton fiddle music. 

Heartfelt thanks are extended to Dr. Murdock Smith and 4B staff of the Cape Breton Regional Hospital plus staff and his extended family at MacDougall Court, Kenwood Hall at Harbourstone Enhanced Care. Also, thanks to Sr. Franklyn Ferguson for her much appreciated help and support.

Cremation has taken place and visitation will be Thursday, Jan. 25 (2-4 pm & 7-9 pm) at T.W. Curry Parkview Chapel, 755 George St., Sydney, NS. Funeral mass will be held at St. Marguerite Bourgeoys Parish, 40 Cabot St., Sydney, NS on Friday, Jan. 26 at 11 am. A private interment will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations, in Steve's name, be made to Cape Breton Coalition for Social Justice or Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia. Online condolences may be sent to the family at: www.twcurry.com.

*Grieve not for me, I am with the Lord, my family journey is completed. What is important now is how you share your lives with each other*

(Source: Digniity Memorial)

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