John McKenzie

Johnny ‘Pie’ McKenzie

December 12, 1937 – June 9, 2018

Why did the cowboy adopt a wiener dog? He wanted to get a long little doggie. To some people, that’s just a dreadfully corny joke, but it’s just the kind of thing that Johnny ‘Pie’ McKenzie would have said and laughed about for more than a few minutes. The McKenzie family acknowledges with great sorrow that John died on Saturday, June 9, 2018.

To most people, John was the irrepressible Bruins right winger who brought maximum energy, drive, and skill to every game and who never backed down from a fight (and may have instigated a few himself). But to those who had the pleasure of knowing him off the ice, he was kind, he was stubborn, he had a lightning fast wit, and was full of fun. He loved to tell you that you had something on your shirt and poke you in the nose when you looked down to see it. Most of all he fiercely loved his family and friends.

At his roots, John was a Canadian cowboy who gave his all to every endeavor he undertook. Born on Dec 12, 1937, he spent his 80 years bringing warmth and laughter to his world, especially to his life partner Beth, daughters Bette, Jackie, Lori, Amy and Megan: sons-in-law Tim and Jamey; and grandkids David, Caitlyn, Kerry, Max, Pat, McKenzie, Sean, Casey, Samantha, Lilly, Abby, and John.

John, Dad, Grandpa Pie; the memories we have of you and made with you will warm our hearts and make us laugh forever.

As we say farewell, we ask that those who knew or admired our beloved ‘Pie’ to honor his life and legacy by living a little bit more like him. A life full of heart, determination, and forgiveness. One where you never let your age prevent you from having fun and acting like a kid.

In his own words, “If they ask what I died from, tell ‘em I had a bone in my leg.”

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