Western alumnus, former adjunct Law professor and honorary degree recipient Angus McKenzie died Monday night in London at the age of 83.
McKenzie was a founding partner of McKenzie Lake Lawyers LLP, where he specialized in estate law. Last June, The University of Western Ontario conferred an honorary degree on McKenzie (listen to his Convocation speech) for his role as a champion for a number of community-wide charitable initiatives.
London lawyer and community volunteer Angus McKenzie received an honorary degree from The University of Western Ontario in June 2008.
His community involvement included such organizations as the YMCA of Western Ontario Strong Kids Campaign, University Hospital Foundation, Museum London, Orchestra London, King’s University College, Youth Opportunities Unlimited and Childreach.
“Angus McKenzie was a prince,” says Western Law Dean Ian Holloway. “He was the sort of person who made you feel proud to be a lawyer. And we have had few more staunch allies than him. He will be missed.”
Born in St. Thomas, McKenzie obtained his first degree from Western in Honors Economics and Political Science in 1949. Subsequently, he attended the Osgoode Hall Law School, and since his Call to the Bar in 1953, has practiced law in London for well over half a century.
Holloway says the university owes a particular debt to McKenzie for he was one of the small band of London lawyers who, in the late 50s, were determined to win a law school for Western.
“His loyalty and commitment to us, and to Western generally, was commemorated by the honorary doctorate that the university bestowed upon him last spring,” says Holloway. “I should tell you that he was exceptionally proud of this, and he made a special point of showing me his framed diploma the last time I was at his office, just before Christmas.”
Visitation will be held Thursday from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. at First St. Andrew’s United Church (350 Queens Avenue) in London. Memorial service will be held Friday at First St. Andrew’s United Church beginning at 2 p.m.