Bruce passed away peacefully on March 28, 2020 in Parkstone Enhanced Care, Halifax. He was 96.

Bruce was born in Bridgewater, NS to JD and Sadie McKenzie (Walker). At a very young age, the family moved to Middleton where he lived for most of his life. Despite some early health challenges including a congenital hearing loss that required he wear a hearing aid throughout his life, Bruce remembered a happy childhood; playing hockey, riding his Sable Island pony, and spending time with his beloved dog, Skippy. He excelled academically, winning the Lieutenant Governor's award for the highest marks in high school and graduating at the top of his classes at Nova Scotia Agricultural College and Ontario Agricultural College.

During the war years Bruce joined his father in the family dairy business. After his father's untimely death, he assumed ownership and management of the business and became a successful, respected businessman in his own right. Over his 30 year career, he operated several businesses; including McKenzie's Milk Products, McKenzie's Creamery Ltd., McKenzie's Sales Ltd., MSL Food Brokerage Ltd. and Q & E Foods Ltd. He served on the Nova Scotia Dairy Commission, the Canadian Dairy Advisory Council and was vice-president of the National Dairy Council of Canada. Upon Bruce's retirement, he assisted 100 small businesses under the C.A.S.E. program of the Federal Business Development Bank.

Bruce loved his hometown of Middleton and the Annapolis Valley. He was a stalwart of the community and devoted much of his life to serving and enriching public life. He was one of the founding members and President of the Middleton Rotary Club. He was President of the Curling Club and Board of Trade. He served on Town Council and the Middleton Regional High School Board. He was Chairman of the Board of Stewards and the Board of Trustees for St. John's United Church. He served as President of the Annapolis Valley Affiliated Board of Trade and was a Member of the Atlantic Development Council. He was a founding partner in Twin Oaks ski club where he and his family spent many happy weekends during the winter. He was also a founding member and Chairman of the Management Committee of the McDonald Museum and a Director of the Annapolis Valley Historical Society. He served as President of the VON Annapolis County foundation.

Bruce was a beloved husband and father. He adored his wife, Joyce and credited her with giving him a wonderful life. They spent more than 65 happy years together, sharing many interests including gardening, skiing, snowmobiling, sailing and travelling. When Joyce fell ill with dementia, Bruce unhesitatingly took over her care at home for 10 years. After it became necessary to move Joyce to a nursing home, Bruce was there every day.
Bruce loved cottage life at Zwicker Lake where he and his family spent many fun-filled summers from the time he was a young boy. In recent years, he delighted in watching his children and their families enjoying the lake just as much as he always had.
Even in his old age, Bruce maintained a delightful sense of humor, at times surprising both his children and his caregivers with his quick dry wit. He remained a perfect gentleman until the end.

Bruce will be greatly missed by his children and their families: Colin (Cheryl), Halifax; Jan (Wayne Mulock), Upper LaHave; Paula, Halifax; Evan, Nelson B.C; Rebecca MacIntosh (Don), Halifax; 9 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his beloved wife Joyce, his parents J.D. and Sadie McKenzie and his brother, Alec. The family would like to thank Bruce's many caregivers over the past few years; particularly the Parkstone Enhanced Care team who so kindly administered to Bruce`s palliative care. Special thanks must also go to Gerry Meleck, Middleton and Roxanne Murphy, Kingston both of whom were not only exceptional caretakers but great friends to Bruce.

Due to the circumstances of the Covid 19 pandemic, a celebration of life will be held at a later date. Donations may be made to the MacDonald Museum, St. John's United Church, Middleton or the Alzheimer's Society of Nova Scotia. All arrangements are in the care of Middleton Funeral Home, 398 Main Street (902)825-3448. Online guest book may be signed by visiting: www.middletonfuneralhome.com