Obituary of Arthur Cleveland MacKenzie

Arthur Cleveland MacKenzie passed away peacefully at home on September 4, 2019 with Inez, his wife of 73 years, at his side. Born July 16, 1922 at Pope's Harbour, and predeceased by parents, Ernest and Evelyn (Hilchey) MacKenzie, and sisters, Shirley and Velda, brothers-in-law, Frank and Burpee. Art is survived by loving wife, Inez (Currie); son, Scott (Debbie); grandsons, Ryan and Craig; daughter, Anna MacDonald (Stuart) and granddaughters, Lauren and Claire.Art served country and community his entire life. In 1942 he joined the Royal Canadian Army, 4th Division and served in the Second World War in Europe as a motorcycle escort for munitions convoys. Injured in Belgium when his bike hit a landmine, he recuperated in England and returned to the Front, crossing the Rhine River on Easter Day as the War pushed to a conclusion. Spending a year in occupied Germany, Art returned to Canada in 1946 and married his bride Inez whom he met during training camp at Niagara on the Lake, Ontario. They returned to Pope's Harbour where Art joined his father in the family transport business, MacKenzie's Transfer Limited and served on the Board of the Atlantic Provinces Trucking Association. Art began his community service joining many local groups, serving as Chair of the Board, Eastern Shore Memorial Hospital, Sheet Harbour Board of Trade, Spry Harbour Atom's Athletic Club and as Elder of Pope's Harbour United Church. Art was a Life Member of the Royal Canadian Legion, serving as President RCL Branch 58. He joined Lions Clubs International in Sheet Harbour in 1958, holding many positions in the local club and at the District (Nova Scotia) level. He was elected as Lions District Governor for Nova Scotia and was made a Life Member of Lions International. He was a recipient of his club's highest award, the Melvin Jones Fellowship and Lion's Club's International's second highest award, the Presidential Medal.Art was elected to Halifax County Council, holding the position for 25 years, and serving as one of the last Wardens of Halifax County from 1982 to 1988. He was most proud of his work initiating Bookmobile service, public libraries, seniors' residences and establishing the AeroTech Industrial Park. In 1994, he was placed on the Honour Roll of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities for his achievements as Warden. During his time on Council, he was an active member of many volunteer groups including Hope Farm Society, North British Society, Friends of Halifax Citadel, CNIB Campaign, Nova Scotia Home for Coloured Children Campaign Chair, Chair of the Halifax County Rehab Centre and the Board of the Halifax Dartmouth Bridge Commission. Art enjoyed the many trips and time spent with his family - road trips to Ontario in the Grand Marquis and visits throughout the United States, Europe and the Caribbean. He valued the many good friends he made throughout his life. A fresh plate of raw oysters and a rimmed Caesar were among his favourite things.The family wish to express their gratitude to the CBI Health caregivers who provided such good care. Especially we wish to thank Matt, whose care and concern with such compassion we will hold in our hearts forever. Thank you to Home Instead Senior Care for their ability to provide extra care when needed. It was much appreciated. Also, thank you to the VON for their many visits. We are so grateful to all for the care given during our time of need. Visitations will be held at D. S. Crowell & Son Funeral Home, 22558 Highway 7, Sheet Harbour, Monday, September 9th from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. with prayers at 7:30 p.m., followed by a Royal Canadian Legion Memorial Service and a Lions Club Memorial Service. Funeral service will be held in Saint James United Church, Sheet Harbour on September 10th at 2 p.m. with Rev. Kym Burke Cole and Rev. Glenn MacLean officiating. Reception to follow in the Sheet Harbour Lions Club on Pool Road. Interment will follow reception in Pope's Harbour United Church Cemetery. Donations, in lieu of flowers, can be made to the Lions Foundation of Nova Scotia or to Pope's Harbour United Church. On line condolences may be sent to: www.crowellsfuneralhome.ca