The brother of passionate politician, book-keeper, animal lover and former Aberdeen hotel manager, councillor Avril MacKenzie has shared memories of his sister who died aged 67.
Early years in Fife
Avril Elizabeth was born in Edinburgh on April 12 1955. The daughter of Elma, a distillery clerk, and heavy plant operator Bob Russell, the family lived in Dunfermline. However, at just two years old Avril lost her dad when he was killed in a tragic accident.
The family found happiness again when Elma married Ian MacKenzie in 1959.
Ian, from Dyke near Forres, was a welder and the family began a new life together in Moray.
In 1961 Avril became a big sister to Garry.
Hotel career
She attended Dyke Primary School then Forres Academy. A prefect, Avril also enjoyed hockey before moving on to further education at Aberdeen’s dough school, which was then part of Robert Gordon Institute of Technology.
Taught by Lord Provost David Cameron who was then a lecturer, as a hospitality student she perfected the cooking skills well known within the family, and trained in hotel management.
Her first job would take her back to her birth place, when she became manager of Dalhousie Castle Hotel near Edinburgh.
She moved back north when an opportunity arose in Culloden House Hotel, part of the same hotel group.
Opportunity in Aberdeen
In her mid 20s Avril returned to Aberdeen as Craighaar Hotel’s under-manager.
During her tenure the hotel was a “home away from home'” for many business people including the staff of the Bristow Group.
One such person was Bristow’s pilot David Stephens. Avril and David bonded over a shared love of politics, later moving in together.
In 1980 the owners of Avril’s hotel opened the Cloverleaf Hotel in Bucksburn. She became manager but just one year later changed career.
Part of her training had included book-keeping so a move into a new role as an accounts assistant felt like a natural progression for Avril.
She worked for several companies including United Wire and KBR Brown and Root until she retired in 2017.
Life, love and loss
David and Avril initially shared Persley Farm House near Danestone but later moved to Bucksburn.
Garry MacKenzie, Avril’s younger brother, said: “I always liked to tease my sister – and annoy David – with the knowledge that Avril had been in the SNP at one point.
“The pair of them loved a good debate but shared Conservative politics. They would leaflet together and Avril supported David when he stood but sadly he passed away in 2004.”
Losing David changed Avril’s life. However, her passion for local politics never waned. She also had new company in the form of a black labrador called Daffy, gifted to her by her mum and brother. More recently she welcomed a second dog – a rescue labrador called Loki – into her life.
Aberdeen City Council
Ten years after first standing as a Tory candidate Avril became the councillor for Dyce, Bucksburn and Danestone in 2017. She was then elected a second time serving the communities where she lived and worked herself.
“My sister was passionate about everything she was involved in, especially her role as councillor and the issues affecting people in her ward,” added Garry.
Avril died on Thursday December 1 suddenly at home following a period of worsening health since August.
Still a serving councillor, tributes were paid to Avril in Aberdeen City Council chambers on December 15, led by Lord Provost David Cameron.
Private health battle
Garry said: “She had been having health issues since the summer. She was getting scans and treatment had started but kept most of that to herself. The day before she passed away the dog walker found her in a pain. I called my daughter – a nurse – and we had to get her help.
“That day the doctor visited her twice and my daughter left saying she would see her in the morning.”
When she returned she discovered her aunt had died.
“We’re all really devastated. No matter how many times you encounter a loss of life it’s a different thing when it’s your sister. I only had one sister.”
‘Passionate about people’
Avril’s funeral took place at Baldarroch Crematorium, Crathes.
A lifelong Runrig fan, her casket was brought in to Loch Lomond and music by Neil Diamond accompanied a slide show of treasured family photos.
“All the stories from the funeral described Avril as kind, compassionate, funny and a mentor to others in politics,” said Garry.
“However, for me I will remember my sister as a great cook and brilliant host. Someone who loved her family, who was strong willed but passionate about people.
“We’re sad, you know. She was talking about getting another house. I don’t think she believed she was going to go. She’s a huge loss.”
Avril Elizabeth Russell MacKenzie is survived by her mother, Elma and brother Garry and his family.
Conversation