October 16, 2009

Canadian Baptists were saddened to learn of the death of MerleMacKenzie on Friday, October 16th  in Vancouver.  We are thankful toGod for a life well-lived.

Merle served as a veteran missionary in Angola, the Congo and Kenya with her husband Eric.  In 1957, they were appointed to CBFMB for ministry in Angola and later served in Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of Congo) as agricultural specialists for CAM.  They were Africa Reps in Nairobi, Kenya from 1991-1994.  Merle and Eric retired from CBM in 1996 after a distinguished 39 year career.  During their years in Angola and Zaire, Eric's agricultural training and Merle's expertise in food science, home economics and education (she had 3 degrees from the University of Manitoba) enabled them to make significant contributions in developing more nutritious and higher yield crops that enhanced family health and nutrition for the communities that they served.

Merle and Eric had celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in September 2008 at West Point Grey Baptist Church, Vancouver, where they have been very active members.  Merle had recently been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer that spread.  After a brief hospitalization, she was moved to Marion House Hospice at Windermere Place, near Vancouver General Hospital.  The first nurse she encountered at Marion House was a Congolese woman who was related to people in the Congo that Merle knew - a wonderful blessing from God at a difficult time.

Merle is survived by her husband Eric, their children Craig (Joyce) and Norma, and two grandchildren.  A memorial service for Merle will be held on Saturday, October 24th at 11 am at West Point Grey Baptist Church (4509 W. 11th Ave.) in Vancouver.  Donations to the Sharing Way in memory of Merle would be welcome.