Réal J. MacKenzie

Réal J. MacKenzie, age 84, of Gansevoort, passed away peacefully in the comfort of his home on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family.

Born on March 31, 1942, in Sainte-Praxède, Quebec, Canada, Réal was the beloved son of the late Roland and Estelle MacKenzie.

A hardworking and dedicated man throughout his life, Réal spent many years working in the construction and logging industries. He approached every job with determination, integrity, and an unmatched work ethic, earning the respect of all who had the privilege of working alongside him.

Réal found his greatest joy in the simple pleasures of life. Whether he was enjoying a favorite sweet treat, hunting in the woods, camping beneath the stars, riding his four-wheelers, caring for his horses, or traveling with those he loved. The outdoors was his sanctuary, and he cherished every opportunity to spend time surrounded by nature.

One of Réal's favorite daily traditions was meeting his friends each morning for breakfast at Mama's Café in Fort Edward. Those mornings were filled with laughter, stories, friendship, and countless cherished memories. The family extends a heartfelt thank you to all of his breakfast buddies for the friendship and joy they brought to his life over the years.

Above all else, Réal's greatest treasure was his family. He was a devoted husband, a loving father, a proud grandfather, and an adoring great-grandfather. His family was the center of his world, and nothing brought him greater happiness than spending time with those he loved. His kindness, gentle spirit, unwavering love, and quiet strength will forever remain in the hearts of all who knew him.

Réal is survived by his beloved wife and best friend of 63 years, Edith MacKenzie (Fortin); his loving sons, Gary MacKenzie, Carl MacKenzie, and Joel MacKenzie; his cherished grandchildren, Rachael MacKenzie Brayton (Brian), Jesse MacKenzie, Russell MacKenzie (Chelsea), Harley MacKenzie, Dakota Watkins (Ana), and Kylie MacKenzie (Tyler); and his adored great-grandchildren, Alexia and Arlo Brayton, Reed and Arizona MacKenzie, Dakota and Isaiah Watkins, and Brayden Orminski. He is also survived by his brother, Raymond MacKenzie (late Relyne); his sister-in-law, Celine MacKenzie; along with many cousins, nieces, nephews, dear friends, and neighbors who will forever remember his humble spirit and generous heart.

In addition to his parents, Réal was predeceased by his brother, Michel MacKenzie; his beloved twin brother, Gérald MacKenzie; and his sister-in-law, Yolande MacKenzie.

Réal was truly one of a kind—a man with a heart of gold whose life was defined by love, humility, hard work, and devotion to his family. He will be remembered as a faithful husband, an exceptional father, a proud "Poppie," a loyal friend, and a man whose quiet strength and genuine kindness touched the lives of everyone fortunate enough to know him. His legacy of love, compassion, and dedication will continue to live on through the family he cherished so deeply.

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects on Monday, June 29, 2026, from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Compassionate Funeral Care, 402 Maple Avenue, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. A funeral service celebrating Réal's life will immediately follow at 4:30 p.m.

Following the service, family and friends are warmly invited to continue sharing memories and fellowship at one of Réal's favorite places, Mama's Café, 134 Broadway, Fort Edward, NY 12828, where so many mornings of friendship began.

The family invites those who knew and loved Réal to share online condolences and memories by visiting www.compassionatefuneralcare.com.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.