Dr. Kevin J. MacKenzie
1975 – 2021
Kevin MacKenzie
It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we announce that Dr. Kevin J. MacKenzie passed away on August 25, 2021, at the age of 45, while living in Sammamish, Washington. Kevin was the adored husband of Carrie, devoted father to Caelan and Cameron, proud son of James and Ann, loyal brother to Sharon, and a mischievous uncle to McKenna, Morgan, Jason, and Emily. Kevin was preceded in death by his devoted mother, Ann.
As the beloved husband of Carrie Chalmers, he vowed to make her laugh every day, and did just that. Throughout their 22 years together, their home was always filled with fun, laughter, and a bit of adventure. Kevin was happiest when spending time with his children, Caelan and Cameron, whether it be out on a bike ride, hiking trail, at home building Lego, or playing Dungeons and Dragons. He cherished these moments. As an exceptional bass player, Kevin was incredibly proud to have passed down his musical talents to his children. He ensured the house was always filled with music, and often broke out in silly joyful dance.
After receiving his Ph.D. in Psychology from the Centre for Vision Research at York University, Toronto, Ontario, and working as a postdoctoral fellow at Bangor University, Wales, Kevin’s career continued in the technology industry. Microsoft brought Kevin and his family to the Northwest, where he conducted research on visual perception and human factors for wearable AR displays. He was currently working at Facebook Reality Labs as the Lead Research Scientist of the Applied Perception Sciences team, focusing on vision research involving Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality.
Kevin felt very fortunate to have lived in many beautiful places throughout his life, making close friendships and wonderful memories in Guelph, Ontario; Toronto, Ontario; Menai Bridge, Anglesey; and Sammamish, Washington. Kevin was always willing to lend a hand, ear, or time to friends, colleagues, and neighbours, reminding all of us of the importance of kindness and compassion. As a close friend and colleague described Kevin recently, “those of you who knew him will know he was generous with his friendship, his time and his laughter.”
Kevin, you will be greatly missed.
Due to COVID-19, the family will hold a virtual memorial event and a celebration of life in honour of Kevin’s life at a later date. Please connect with Kevin’s wife, Carrie, for further information.
The family requests that memorial gifts be made in support of angiosarcoma research at UW Medicine in Seattle, Washington, or to Hospice Wellington in Guelph, Ontario, Canada, an organization very close to the MacKenzie family’s heart. Please indicate that the gift is in memory of Kevin MacKenzie.
For UW Medicine research, you may make a gift online: https://give.uwmedicine.org/give/?page=make&source=SARCOM. Or checks should be made payable to the “UW Foundation” and mailed to: UW Foundation, Box 359505, Seattle, WA 98195‐8045.
For Hospice Wellington, please visit: https://www.hospicewellington.org/donate.
9 Responses to “Dr. Kevin J. MacKenzie”
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My sincere condolences to Kevin’s Wife and Children, Sharon & Mr. Mackenzie. Such a Great Loss…. May fond Memories Lighten your hearts and bring you joy and comfort each and every day.
Thinking of you all,
Beverley and Family
❤️
My family and I are deeply saddened by the loss of Kevin and the pain that his tragic passing has caused so many. I have many fond memories of Kevin from highschool and in to adulthood through adventures with Sharon and my lifelong friendship with the family. Kevin was such an intelligent, kind and talented young man that my heart breaks for all of his family and friends and we are here to support all of you in any way that we can. Sending Love and support. Sincerely Dawn, Tennison and family.
This is an beautiful tribute to an amazing man who was lost to us way too soon.
This beautiful tribute shows how Kevin’s life has meaningfully and positively impacted so many people. It’s devastating that Kevin’s time on earth was so short. My sincere and deep condolences to Carrie, Caelan, Cameron, Jim, Sharon, McKenna, Morgan, Jason and Emily, and to Kevin’s wider group of friends, family and colleagues.
My sincere condolences to you, Jim, and your family. It is truly sad when someone is taken so young.
My heart goes out to all those that loved Kevin. It is clear that he was a wonderful man taken too soon and that he will be deeply missed.
Kevin was nothing short of one of the most genuine, salt of the earth, wonderful people I have ever had the opportunity to spend time with. The world is an emptier place without him and his vibe. All our love to you Carrie and the kids…
I remember Kevin from my time at York’s Centre for Vision Research, now close to 15 years ago. I remember that Kevin was always generous with his time, and helped me so much with MatLab coding. He had a brilliant mind and was a genuine and easy to talk to person. My heart goes out to his loved ones, and may the memories of him bring some comfort.
We have been so saddened to hear of Kevin’s illness and passing. Kevin was a devoted family man, and he has been taken far too soon. Our hearts go out to Carrie and the kids, and the rest of his family.