Obituary

Ed MacKenzie of Hidden Valley passed away Sunday, September 27th. He was born on October 25th, 1929, and spent his early childhood in Nova Scotia, Canada.

He attended primary schools in Melrose, Massachusetts followed by high school at Fryeburg Academy, Fryeburg, Maine and was a 1951 graduate of Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts.

His life-long career in aviation began with his years in the Air Force as a fixed-wing and helicopter flight instructor. As a civilian he was employed by Southern Airways in Mineral Wells, Texas as a helicopter instructor. Subsequently be was hired by Cessna Aircraft Co. of Wichita, KS as a marketing executive. In 1974 he began his career with Page Beechcraft at Allegheny County Airport, West Mifflin, PA as general manager. Rural Route 259 in Fairfield Township became the family home until retirement in 1990 brought him to Hidden Valley. Golf, racquctball and grandchildren were the primary focus of these leisure years. His most recent business endeavor was the launch of the aircraft brokerage firm EdsonAire in partnership with his eldest son.
His life’s journey left him with many close and valued friendships.

The family who has shared his life include his wife of 54 years, Patricia, son Gregg and his fiance Meredith Holliday of Tones Mills, his children Merrill Varchetti, husband Travis, Margo, Melinda and Morgan and their mother, Holly MacKenzie of Somerset. Son Brian,’ wife Fatryce,and children Maxim and Anna of San Francisco. Sister-in-law Jane and husband Walter Shuman of Oakland, Maine and their children Wendy, Beth and Brenda^s well as numerous relatives residing in Nova Scotia, Canada.

Ed was a founding member’of the Unitarian Univcrsalist Fellowship of the Ligonier Valley. A celebration of (jfe service will be held at Hidden Valley in the Aspen room at the ski lodge Saturday, October 3rd at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, suggested donations may be made to the Hillman Cancer Center of Pittsburgh, Somerset Hospital, The Unitarian UniversaiistFellowship of the Ligonier Valley, or the charity of your choice.