John Loggie MacKenzie
19 April 1914 - 7 December 2002
It was a cold April 19th in 1914 when my great uncle Johnny came into this world, or so the story goes. His mother, Elmira, was in labour that day, and told her husband, “Klondike Will” MacKenzie, to fetch the doctor. Dr. John Bradshaw MacKenzie was the country doctor at the time, and had gained experienced in almost every field of medicine. He was the nearest physician, so my great-grandfather MacKenzie set out to Charlie Bremner’s, across the frozen Napan River, to use the telephone. The times were primitive, and, naturally, telephones were a scarce commodity.
He told he doctor that he would wait at the corner where the Loggie Road crosses the North Napan sideroad. On his feet, Grampie MacKenzie wore snowshoes, and in his hand, he carried an extra pair for the doctor, whose early snowmobile could take him only as a far as Campbell’s corner. The snow was far to deep and soft for horse and sleigh, and the roads had not yet been plowed. Even old Jen the mare could not get him there any faster that the snowshoes he wore.
After some struggling, Grampie MacKenzie completed the three-mile hike to the end of the road and stopped to visit a neighbour while he waited for the good doctor. Having always been the talkative type, my great-grandfather decided to sit and talk to his neighbour a while, and before long, quite some time had passed while they spoke of the success of the fishing industry thus far that season.
After Grampie had been there some time, the old man questioned him about his business there, to which Grampie replied, “Elmira is going to have the baby and I’m waiting for the doctor.”
The reply was heard, “The doctor went up the road some time ago, Will.”
Yes, Grampie had missed the doctor, and left him to wade through the drifts by himself. By the time Dr. MacKenzie reached the house, the baby had already been delivered by his grandmother, Elizabeth MacKenzie, commonly and affectionately known as “Auntie Betsy.” As the story goes, the newborn had also become quite concerned with the doctor’s tardiness.
When the doctor knocked, and was admitted, he was met with a curious, “What kept ya?” from the newborn baby, my great uncle John.
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John Loggie MacKenzie (named so for his grandfather John MacKenzie-who died from a fall in 1886-and his mother’s maiden name, Loggie) was born 19 April 1914. John was the son of William and Elmira Alexis (Loggie) MacKenzie of Centre Napan. William was a former resident of the Yukon territory, and had panned for gold during the great Gold Rush of the latter nineteenth century. Of a rugged constitution, Will was born in the Hardwoods of Little Branch, Black River Bridge. Having lost his father at age nine, he was an important part of the family of two sisters that his father left behind. He died in 1957 a very well respected man, known the county wide for his kind nature, and wonderful stories of the 1897 Harvest excursion, his trip through San Francisco, and the great Gold Rush.
It is often said that Johnny got his story-telling ability from the MacKenzies, but he definitely got his stature and features from the Loggies. One of Northumberland counties earliest non-United Empire Loyalist (don’t fear, they were still Loyal, but just had come too late!) Scottish immigrant families, the Loggies had long been known for their input in the merchant world, and several of Elmira’s cousins were businessmen, and a few, politicians. It is often said that Johnny got his height, “from the Loggies.”
Uncle John was long known for his involvement in the taxi business. I was told the other day by a family friend that her mother would always call Johnny when sending one of her children to town. He was the one man she trusted with her children, her own most precious commodity, and for this and many other reasons, we should be thankful for the wonderful life Uncle John shared with us.
He will now be at peace with his beloved son, Billy, who was so tragically taken twenty years ago. I’m sure he’s been looking forward to seeing Bill for many years. May Aunt Lorna, Joan, Bliss, and all the family be comforted knowing how special Uncle John has been to us all, and how greatly he will be missed.
May he rest in peace.