In Memoriam: Terence Mackenzie

The University of Toronto is remembering professor Terence Mackenzie, an influential teacher and mentor in the field of pain management. Mackenzie died of cancer on November 24 at St. Michael’s Hospital surrounded by his family.

Mackenzie grew up in Birmingham, England where he later earned his medical degree at Birmingham University Medical School in 1962 and completed his residency and fellowship in anaesthesia.

When Mackenzie immigrated to Canada in 1972, he brought an expertise in regional anaesthesia, which wasn’t widely practiced in Canada at that time. He joined the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Medicine in 1976. Mackenzie had a deep interest in pain management and co-founded the Wellesley Hospital’s chronic pain management clinic, which was one of the first of its kind in Toronto.

For more than 35 years, Mackenzie worked in teaching hospitals affiliated with the Faculty of Medicine, including the Wellesley Hospital and St. Michael’s Hospital. His expertise led to several crucial developments in the area of nerve blocks and pain management methods. Mackenzie was also a mentor to many of today’s pain management specialists.

Mackenzie is survived by his wife Kathleen, and their children Christian, Roberta (Jon Veale) and Katie (Mark Ferley) and grandsons Finn, Isaac, Tatum and Tristan.

As per Mackenzie’s wishes, there will be no funeral. Should you wish to join the family in celebrating his life on January 7, 2016 in Toronto, please respond to celebrateterrymackenzie@gmail.com with your intentions and further details will be provided. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Georgian Bay Forever an organization dedicated to scientific research and public education on Georgian Bay's aquatic ecosystem, or to the charity of your choice.

The University of Toronto will lower its flag to half-staff on January 7, 2016 in Mackenzie’s honour.