Allan MacKenzie

MacKenzie began his flying career with British Overseas Airways Corporation in Jamaica, which led to him to move to Canada in 1950 to join the Royal Canadian Air Force, where he trained as a pilot.^[1][2]

After completing officer training and pilot training, he commenced his flying duties in 1952, as a Flying Officer. During his career, he commanded a squadron, a base, and the Maritime Air Group. In 1978, MacKenzie was promoted to the role of Lieutenant-General, and appointed Commander, Air Command (also known as the Chief of Staff for the Canadian Air Force). He retired from the Air Force in 1980.^[1][2]

In retirement, he joined Gendis Inc. in Winnipeg, Manitoba, from 1980 to 2002, where he served as Executive Vice-president, Chief Operating Officer, and later President and chief executive officer.^[3][2] He also served a year as President of Sony of Canada, as well as being on the company's board of directors.^[4]

He served as a member of the Regional Advisory Board for Carleton University, a Governor of the Canadian Corps of Commissionaires, an advisor to the Association of Canadian Police Chiefs.^[1]

MacKenzie was decorated a Commander of the Order of Military Merit on June 18, 1979,^[5] as well as an Officer of the Order of St. John's, and the Canadian Forces Decoration. He was also a Knight of the Order of St. Lazarus of Jerusalem, and received the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal.^[1][6]

He was appointed the Honorary Chairman of the Manitoba Provincial Committee of the Air Cadet League of Canada in 2010.^[1]