Obituary: Jan Lynette McKenzie - 7/11/2024
Jan Lynette McKenzie (28/05/1957 - 21/10/2024)
Jan was the daughter of Robin and Joy McKenzie. The McKenzie Institute was an important part of her life. She made many contributions to the Institute and she served it in many ways.
Jan’s initial involvement being the model for the photo’s in the original “orange” version of Treat Your Own Back. When Robin established a residential rehabilitation centre for patients with chronic low back at ‘The Lodge’ in 1990, Jan was involved in administration of the program and assisting patients. Following closure of ‘The Lodge’, Jan took over the management of Spinal Publications which she continued until the mid-2000’s.
Jan was appointed to the original Board of Trustees of MII in 1994 and remained an active member on subsequent Boards, including the current one, until the last few months. Her son Simon was appointed to the Board in February 2023 and will continue the important role of representing the McKenzie family.
Jan attended many of the Institute’s International conferences, the last being San Francisco in 2017. After Robin’s death in 2013, Jan became the ambassador for the McKenzie family, reconnecting with old friends, welcoming new members to the Institute and helping to maintain Robin’s legacy.
In recognition of her long years of outstanding service to the McKenzie Institute, Jan was the recipient of the 2021 McKenzie Institute International Extension Award
Outside of the Institute Jan had many passions, most notably her family. Her son Simon described her as “my mother, father and best friend”.
Field Hockey was also an important part of Jan’s life. She represented New Zealand as a player at Masters Level and was manager of the New Zealand Masters team and Chef de Mission at the Barcelona World Cup in 2018.
Jan loved travelling the world and exploring New Zealand in her motor home, which she continued to do despite her failing health. At home she was frequently to be found on Paekākāriki Beach walking her two dogs.
Despite having to deal with many life challenges, including health and personal loss, she remained positive and lived life to the fullest. She touched the lives of many within the Institute and she will be deeply missed.
She is survived by her mother Joy, son Simon, brothers, Alister, Andrew and David and multiple cousins, nieces and nephews
Condolences can be posted at https://tributes.co.nz/ViewMyTribute.aspx?id=20675