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Cheryl Campbell

Executive Director (paid)

I moved to Mackenzie with my family in 1976 as a young teenager. After graduation from M.S.S. I moved to Saskatoon for 5 years but moved back to Mackenzie to be closer to my family and raise my young family. All four of my children were raised here and graduated from MSS, just like I did. Remarkably, my oldest daughter graduated 20 years after I did, and my youngest son followed 30 years after my own graduation. Now, I'm blessed with nine wonderful grandchildren who mean the world to me. I worked in the Pulp and Paper Operations for FFI/Donohue/Abitibi operations in many capacities but as a Buyer before the mill was permanently shut down. I have supervised a maintenance work team and provided project management for the subsequent closure of the mill and construction of the Co-Gen plan. When the chance to work with seniors presented itself, it truly struck a chord with me. My experience and genuine care for seniors made this role an ideal fit for my final job. The opportunity to be part of a senior society excites me because it allows me to contribute to a community filled with wisdom, shared experiences, and meaningful connections. Being able to engage with and support seniors brings joy, purpose, and fulfillment to my life.

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Marie Nygaard

President

Marie is on the Board of Directors of the Mackenzie Autumn Lodge Society and holds the position of Treasurer since February 2024. Marie lived in Mackenzie for 11 years from 1993 to 2004. Her Career took her to work in other areas of northern and coastal BC and she returned to Mackenzie in July 2019. Marie is a retired CPA, CPHR with over 40 years of management experience in Finance, Human Resources, Operations Management, and Project Management. Her work career spanned multiple industries including logging and sawmill operations, pulp and paper, home building, and health care.

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Wally Wysoski

Vice President

Wally has live in Mackenzie for 38 years. He was an equipment operator for FFI. In retirement, he enjoys driving the bus for Mackenzie Seniors, Meeting up with his friends to play cards (mostly sticks and Crib). He enjoys working with other people to get things done, and has spent 35 years serving the community as a Search and Rescue Volunteer.

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Dorothy Morrison

Secretary

Dorothy has lived in Mackenzie for 54 years. She was the financial administrator for Mackenzie Counselling Services for 32 years, and prior to that she worked as a Bookkeeper and Admin support for various companies. Dorothy chose to work with the Mackenzie Autumn Lodge Society because the population in Mackenzie is aging, and many people are choosing to stay in town to retire. There are even retirees moving here from other communities. MALS is an active part of providing services to the seniors in town, and she likes that activities are planned to help keep our seniors active and healthy. She enjoys being part of the board because as a long time resident of Mackenzie, she is excited to see what is becoming available for seniors.

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Marion Talbot

Director

I was born in Ontario, attended Mount Allison University in New Brunswick and in 1964 began my teaching career in Labrador City. It was here I met my husband to be, Dennis, an Electrician by trade. We married in 1967. With the birth of our son, Dale in 1970, we began to think about moving west and in 1973, chose the scenic little town of Mackenzie as a place where we would like to live, work and raise our family. Shannon was born that fall and we soon settled into a life that revolved around our love of sports- curling and softball, and the outdoors- camping and fishing. I taught at the Mackenzie Elementary School from 1974 until retiring in 2002. At this point in our lives, Dennis and I decided to join the many Canadian Snowbirds and in the fall headed south across the border for 5 months of the year in Arizona. After the passing of my husband in 2013, I continued to spend the winter months down south, accompanied by my dear little Arizona Rescue dog, HOPE, until Covid ended all that in 2020. Faced with Charting a new path, I let it be known that I was interested in volunteer work. Fast forward- I am now a member of the hospital Auxiliary and help out at the thrift store. I also look after the book carousel in the mall. As a board Director, I am actively involved with our lunch program and on the fund raising committee. I enjoy what I am doing and am thankful for these opportunities to add purpose as I carry on with my journey.

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Debra Gait

Director

I came to Mackenzie in the spring of 2023 from having lived a few years in Granisle on Babine Lake and later living in Prince George and McBride, BC. I graduated from nursing school near Tulsa, Oklahoma, receiving my registered nursing degree in 1983. After starting as a nurse’s aide at age 15 then L.P.N. at age 19. I worked in Oklahoma, Montana, Vicotria and Prince George, BC. I was a nurse in several different departments including ICU, Intensive Coronary Care Unit, E.R. and general hospital psychiatry. The Mackenzie seniors are so personable and joyful. They of course have so much life experience and advice. Seniors are sometimes overlooked by modern society as being an integral part of society and continued values and cultures. I’m excited to be on the Board, to really be abreast about what is going on with the senior programs. It’s very nice to be included in ideas for up-grading and added positive directions. I think everybody involved in Mackenzie Seniors add such nice inputs that are integrated or started in Mackenzie Seniors. I have two grown sons living in BC and one grown daughter living in Arkansas. I like piano, singing and painting art.

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John Freeman

Director

John has been in our community for 53 years. He worked with BCFP (Canfor) for 43 years, as a heavy equipment operator and a charge hand. He also worked with the Canadian Pacific Railroad from 1967 to 1972. He likes working with the Autumn Lodge society because it provides him with companionship, and because he enjoys helping Seniors, who truly appreciate what you do for them. He enjoys attending meetings with a great bunch of people who try to make life better for the local seniors. He volunteered with the Mackenzie fire department for 28 years, until he retired as assistant chief.

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Lucy Hinkelman

Director

Lucy has lived in Mackenzie for 34 years. Her career was at the post office, and after retirement she chose to become President of the Autumn Lodge Society because she loves helping people. Her goal is to help Seniors enjoy their lives and have a great future. When she isn’t working as President, she enjoys creating Diamond Dotz masterpieces, and quilting.