November 4, 2026
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Dietrich James McKenzie of Kincardine died peacefully, with family by his side, Nov. 1, 2026, at Huron Shores Hospice, Tiverton, after a courageous fight with cancer and providing a powerful example. He was 51.
Loving husband of Leah (nee Bailey) and proud father of Brendan Busch, Dylan Busch, Mackenzie (Chris Howell) Busch, and Kaedan.
Brother of Heath, Larry (Cristina Soto), Heidi (Steve) Pargeter and Danielle DeGraff (Hector Sandoval).
He will be dearly missed by his stepmother, Sylvia McKenzie; his many brothers-in-arms and his brothers by choice, Tim Rowe and Alex Bishop; as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.
Predeceased by his parents, Larry McKenzie and Heike DeGraff; and his sister, Angela.
Dietrich was a member of the Canadian Armed Forces from 1991 to 2018. He served his country honourably on three deployments overseas: Bosnia in 1998 and 2001, and Afghanistan in 2003.
He was a full-of-life man who accepted all for who they were and loved all those around him, equally and without exception.
Dietrich met and married the love of his life, Leah, while still living in Manitoba. In that time, he became a proud stepfather to Brendan, Dylan and Mackenzie. Soon after, Kaedan was born to the happy couple.
After the military, he and Leah decided to move to Kincardine to enjoy small-town life. Dietrich has had many health challenges resulting from his military service.
His service continued through several community organizations, including the Kincardine Legion and the Kincardine Air Cadets, as well as serving many people anonymously.
Dietrich was a proud Canadian, but most of all, he was a proud husband and father. His legacy will be the friendship and happiness he brought to all, unconditionally and without faltering.
A memorial service to celebrate Dietrich’s life will be held Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2026, at 11 a.m. at the Cameron Funeral Home, Kincardine.
Interment, Kincardine Cemetery, followed by a reception at the Kincardine Legion.
As expressions of sympathy, donations may be made to the Kincardine Legion Poppy Fund. Donations and condolences may be made on-line at www.cameronsofkincardine.com.
Written ByLiz Dadson is the founder and editor of the Kincardine Record and has been in the news business since 1986.
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