Sunday, April 5, 2026
I had the honor and pleasure of partnering up with MacKenzie during initial training on the CRJ at Jazz (class of April 22, 2024). I got to know MacKenzie quite well during the 2+ months during the numerous intensive procedures and sim training sessions together. I mean it when I say it, MacKenzie was truly very smart, kind, humorous and fulfilling his path to become a talented top tier pilot. MacKenzie carried us through training while I was going through a difficult time personally, and I am forever grateful for that. It is no surprise that MacKenzie loved a great cup of coffee and would travel to Rapids End Coffee in Peterborough during our days off. He was also kind to offer me Kombucha, free hotel breakfast -- he was a diligent points collector :) -- and not to mention all of the drives to the training facility. A kind soul wise beyond his years who'd also lived an interesting life outside of flying. I was lucky to run into him at at the Montreal airport on February 28 while he was in line catching a positioning flight to Toronto, where he had cracked a joke because I had missed one button on my shirt behind my tie; he still carried the same professionalism, sharpness, kindness, passion for flying and humor. Forever my wingman, clear skies and tailwinds my friend. May you rest in peace.