Angus "Gus" MacKenzie
January 22nd, 2020
Oct 2, 1932 - Jan 22, 2020
Gus was born in Elrose, Saskatchewan and grew up on a farm where he acquired a life-long love for the land. He earned a BSc (Agr) and MSc at the University of Saskatchewan, and a PhD in soil chemistry from Cornell University. Gus spent the majority of his academic career at McGill University’s MacDonald Campus where he pioneered fertility research in crop production, maximizing crop yield and the value of fertilizer management. Forty years ago, well before its current profile, he turned his efforts towards the environment and quantification of greenhouse gas emissions from agricultural practices. He was a researcher, a teacher and a mentor. He shepherded more than 60 graduate students in all four corners of the world, imparting his sense of scientific curiosity and intellectual honesty. Gus served his university and the soil science community in many capacities, resulting in his being made a Fellow of the Canadian Society of Soil Science and being awarded the Prix Auguste Scott, the highest honour bestowed by the Association québécoise des specialistes en sciences du sol. Gus retired from McGill as Professor Emeritus, which allowed him to continue his work. Always most important to Gus, however, was his family. Left with loving memories of this kind, caring and special man are his wife, Joan; children, Doug, Sue (Al) and Ken (Dorothee); granddaughters, Carina, Shannon (Lane), Riana, Alexandra and Natasha; sister, Lois Cox (Jim); brother-in-law, Bud Phillips; nieces and nephews as well as special friends, Mingxian and Xiao Fan. A private celebration of Gus’ life will be held.
Messages:
I am very sorry to hear of Gus's passing. Whenever I saw him, he always had a smile and I'm sure that there were days for him when that wasn't the easiest to do. He was such a kind man and the staff at Garrison will miss seeing him.
Sincere condolences to Joan, Doug, Sue, Ken and family. Fond memories of the Dirt Doctor at Ken & Dorothee's wedding, driving Gus back to Vancouver from Whistler after his ski trip with Sue and Al and in Victoria, his instructions how to fix Joan's martinis. Chris
Our most heartfelt condolences to Joan, Doug, Sue and Ken. Fond memories, from a distant childhood. Noah Stevens (son of Renee and Fred).
Dear Joan and family, my sincere condolences. Gus was a great colleague, I fondly remember his gentle manner, excellent scholarship and his care for the students, generations of whom benefitted from his teaching and research supervision. My thoughts are with you at this sad time. Deborah
With fond remembrances of our most influential professor at Mac and our PhD supervisor. May his many accomplishments bring some comfort to those of us left behind. A life well lived. Au revoir a la prochaine. Gerry and Denise Neilsen
Laurie and I lived most enjoyably in your old house in Baie d'Urfe, Joan. We carefully preserved the progress of your children growing up inscribed on a wall in the basement. That is because of the attachment we both felt with you and Gus. We are saddened by his passing, and give you our sympathy and respect. -Laurie and Bruce
It is with great sadness that i read the death announcement of Gus. He was one of my favorite professors both at Mac and also while he performed research projects on my farm in Ormstown after graduation. Thank you for sharing Gus with us. Peter Finlayson MAC B.Sc. 1963
Sincere condolences to Joan and family. Remembering Gus as a kind, thoughtful and always encouraging scholar and gentleman, even in a competitive sailboat. Bon voyage, fair winds Gus.
Good memories of Joan at John Abbott College and meeting Gus on occasion.They were both accomplished and caring teachers. Sincere sympathy to the family. Peace---serenity---courage.
My mom worked with Dr. McKenzie and she always said he was a gentleman. They were fellow westerners. My condolences to the family.
Dear Joan and Family, We are so sorry to hear of the passing of Gus. We have such fond memories as your friends and close neighbors in Baie d'Urfe. Our heartfelt condolences as you hold each other close during this difficult time. Harriet and Urs Kuhnlein
My sincere condolences to the family. I fondly remember Gus as a sailor at Baie d'Urfe Yacht Club where we both raced Shark sailboats in good humor.
Dear Sue, I am so sorry to hear of your Dad`s passing. I have fond memories of your Mom and Dad walking hand in hand on the streets of Baie D'urfe when they lived on the Lakeshore. I hope that the many memories you have of your wonderful father will help get you through this difficult time. Please extend my heartfelt sympathy to your Mom and to your brothers. Lynn
It saddens me to learn the passing of Prof. MacKenzie. To my knowledge, I was his last graduate student and I will always be grateful for his guidance and support.