By Viveka Ohman

Jo Ann MacKenzie, a past member of Nature Vancouver, and White Rock & Surrey Naturalists’ Society, passed away in July 2025, at the age of 93. Jo Ann and her husband, Hue MacKenzie lived in Ottawa, and belonged to the Ontario Field Naturalists. Both had acquired 5,000+ species of birds in their lifetime.

After retirement, in 1983, they moved to Vancouver and joined Nature Vancouver. They regularly participated in birding field trips and Birders’ Night programs. This is where I first met them. They were always working on their life list. They were serious in their approach to birding and we all learned from them. Their office was full of field guides and journals, all organized and labeled. Jo Ann was also known for her bird photography skills, long before the days of digital photography.

I became friends with Hue and Jo Ann, as I shared birding interest with them. They first introduced me to White Rock and Surrey Naturalists around 1995 and I have been a member ever since.

Together we participated in international birding trips to Taiwan, India, Cambodia, Vietnam, Bulgaria, and Panama. I found them both interesting to talk to. Jo Ann and Hue were very serious about bird sightings and record keeping, but they were always very willing to share their knowledge with new birders like me. 

Then came the time they asked me if I would be interested in coordinating the White Rock and Surrey, and Langley Christmas Bird Counts. I did that for 20 years though apprehensive at first about taking such a responsibility on. 

I enjoyed Jo Ann’s quiet but strong and steadfast company. She was always game for a birding adventure. No effort was too much for her, even in her later years. Her last trip, in her late eighties, on her own, was to Lithuania, to see the Black, and Capercaillie Grouse. 

Her note taking skills were admirable, with a beautiful script acquired from having been a teacher. All the notes and daily journals went into one hard bound book.

Lest we forget those who have gone before us, like Jo Ann MacKenzie and Bill Merilees, both sadly around the same time. Their contributions and friendships were invaluable in providing education for all of us. Moving on may we remember!