Bryan Laurie MacKenzie

September 23, 1951 – October 7, 2025

Truro, Nova Scotia

Age 74

It is with love and sadness that we announce the passing of Bryan Laurie MacKenzie on October 7, 2025, in Truro, Nova Scotia. Bryan passed away following complications from a spinal cord injury sustained in late 2023. Throughout his recovery, he faced every challenge with courage and determination, holding steadfast to his hope of returning home. His passing is a profound and unexpected loss to his family.

Bryan was a devoted husband to Jayne Marie MacKenzie (nee Vickery) of Waverly, loving father to Sara (Aaron) and Devin (Danielle), and cherished grandfather to Grace, Renton, Lila, Amelia, and Eloise. He was a dear brother to Heather Sieniewicz (Al) and was predeceased by his parents, Laurie and Jeanne (nee Cyr).

Born and raised in Lower Sackville, Bryan found early success in western Gymkhana and worked alongside his father in the family plumbing and heating business. With his former wife, Heather, they founded Kennenbrae Farms in Gays River, which he ran through the 80s. He was known as a talented farrier and horseman. During this time, he also embraced one of his greatest joys, becoming a father to Sara and later to Devin.

Later in life, Bryan married Jayne, and together they shared many happy years filled with love and laughter. They settled in Truro, where they ran a small business and enjoyed a peaceful life surrounded by their cherished border collies, Jack, Elwood, Robbie Burns, and Clare. They deeply valued their annual trips to visit grandchildren in Ontario and Alberta. Though Truro became their home, Bryan and Jayne’s hearts always belonged to Waverley, where they hoped to return one day.

A true fixture in the Maritime western and horse community, he loved spending time on the “roast beef circuit”, catching up with friends, sharing a rum and a good joke, and lending a hand wherever it was needed. He also cherished quiet days at the camp with his kids and friends, fishing, hunting, and playing crib by the fire.

Those who knew Bryan will remember him as a dedicated small business owner, a charming retired cowboy, a successful salesman, and a reluctant yet good-natured outdoorsman, whose kind-hearted spirit, sharp one-liners, and deep, steady voice could fill a room with warmth and laughter. He is deeply loved and will be forever missed by his family, who carry his spirit and love with them always.

A funeral service will be held on 2pm on Saturday, October 18th, 2025, at Ettinger Funeral Home. Cremation will take place prior to the service, and there will be no visitation. Final resting arrangements will be made privately with the family. The family invites you to share your stories, favourite one-liners, and photos that capture Bryan’s spirit. In his memory, donations may be directed to Spinal Cord Injury Nova Scotia.

Tributes, words of comfort and memories of Bryan may be shared with the family at www.ettingerfuneralhome.com