Ronald “Ron” McKenzie
Aug. 9, 1955 – Nov. 25, 2024

It is with great sadness that the family of Ronald “Ron” McKenzie announces his sudden passing away on Nov. 25, 2024, in the surroundings he loved at the age of 69 years.

Ronald Edward McKenzie was born Aug. 9, 1955, to Mildred and Edward McKenzie. He was the oldest of nine children. He attended school at Rocky Mountain House Jr./Sr. High School where he was a straight A student. At a young age he explored a career in the oilfield and rodeos, but his true calling was the family outfitting business, McKenzie’s Trail West. This is where he honed his skills as a hunter and became one of the best-known sheep guides in the country, mentoring many local guides along the way.

He married Laurie Schochenmaier and was especially proud of his son Eddy and his daughter Shyla who both shared his love of hunting and horses.  He was a guide for the world record bighorn sheep in 2001. He continued to manage the family business from 1995 until 2013, when Ron then decided to step aside for the younger generation to take it over.

One of his many talents was the ability to fix almost anything with minimal resources. He spent his last few years as the heartbeat of the David Thompson Resort west of Nordegg. He lived and died in the North Saskatchewan valley that he loved so much.

He is survived by his loving wife Laurie; his son Eddy McKenzie; his daughter Shyla Christiensen and grandchildren Wyatt and Cassidy; brothers: Tom (Tracy), Randy (Lana), Darren (Angela) McKenzie; sisters: Tricia Dahms, Bonnie (Gil) Perreault, Linda (Scott) Collinson, Shelley (Kelly) Schenk; and sister in-law Sandi McKenzie. He will be missed by numerous family, friends and acquaintances. He is predeceased by his parents Mildred and Edward McKenzie, brother Russell, niece Nicole McKenzie and brother-in-law Evan Dahms.

A memorial mass will be held at the St. Matthew Church Catholic Parish, 5208 - 53 Ave., Rocky Mountain House, Alta., on Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024, at 2 p.m.

Condolences may be forwarded to www.rockyfuneralhome.ca.

Rocky and Sylvan Lake Funeral Homes and Crematorium, your Golden Rule Funeral Homes, entrusted with the arrangements.