Tom McKenzie

1947 - 2026

With sadness we share the passing of Thomas Sherman McKenzie of Bow Island. Tom was born November 5, 1947, and passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 16, 2026 at the age of 78 years.

Tom was loved and cherished by many people including, his wife Irene McKenzie (née Kellough); daughters Shannon (Victor) McKenzie Bael of Taber and Neilly (Leroy) Becker of Bow Island; grandchildren Zackery (Vanessa) Giesbrecht-Bael and Georgia Giesbrecht-Bael of Taber, Haidyn and Quyn Becker of Bow Island as well as many relatives in Lakefield and Peterborough, Ontario.

He was predeceased by his parents John “Jack” and Denise McKenzie of Lakefield, Ontario; parents-in-law Fred and Margaret Kellough of Stettler.

Tom was born in Peterborough, Ontario and lived in Lakefield, Ontario until he was twenty one. On January 13, 1969, he joined the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and did his training in Regina and Penhold. Tom spent twenty eight years of service in Olds, Stettler (where he met and married the love of his life Irene Kellough), Ponoka (where his two daughters, Shannon and Neilly were born), Slave Lake, Bow Island, Wabasca-Desmarais and the Calgary Airport and then he retired in Bow Island.

During his R.C.M.P service, Tom was honored to receive the R.C.M.P Commissioner’s Commendation, The Star of Courage (second highest honor in Canada) by Governor General Ray Hnatyshyn in Ottawa and the Carnegie Medal from the Carnegie Hero Fund Commission. Tom loved his country, his occupation and his family. He was especially devoted to his daughters and grandchildren. Tom loved having them all near him and was so happy they lived close by.

He had many interests: bowling, curling, fishing, baseball, track and field, cards, especially crib with anybody and everybody. After moving to Bow Island, he took up golf and spent many hours on the golf course with anybody who would golf with him. Tom enjoyed working with his hands, always willing to help anyone he could when in need. Even after Tom retired, he was a policeman until his last days, always willing to help people.

Everyone is invited to a Celebration of Tom’s life at the Golden Age Club, 206 - 5 Avenue East, Bow Island on Thursday, July 30, 2026 at 1:30 P.M.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Tom’s name may be made directly to a charity of one’s choice.