Dapper Ronald Mackenzie was respected by all those who knew him

Published on Friday 27 February 2009 08:43

Respected rural chartered surveyor, Ronald Mackenzie, has died at the age of 81.

Mr Mackenzie, who was known for his dapper tweed suits and plus fours, was truly an Edinburgh man, having lived in Grange throughout his life.

He was born on May 11, 1927 to Alexander Mackenzie, who managed a builders' merchants on Leith Walk, and his wife Edith, being their only child.

Mr Mackenzie was a bright and enthusiastic student at George Watson's college between 1932 and 1943.

On leaving the school, he was apprenticed to Wilson Robertston of Davidson and Robertson Rural, one of Scotland's oldest established firms, and made his first steps in what was to be a lifelong, and distinguished career.

His progress as a chartered surveyor and land agent was put on hold, however, for two years' national service in the RAF, where he was a leading aircraftsman and became skilled as an amateur winder.

He returned to his training following his national service, and became a partner in the company in 1954, the same year that Wilson Robertson – or WM, as he was known – died suddenly on Gleneagles Golf Course, rumoured to have suffered a heart attack after another apprentice hit their ball into a pond.

Mr Mackenzie took on the mantle of leading the firm for many years, continuing the business as a young sole practitioner until the 1960s, when he took on junior partners.

Although not enthusiastic about sports until his later years, the speed and vigour he applied to farm inspections left many who accompanied him breathless.

He finally retired from the firm in 1987, but was not to turn his back on his profession. He gave much of his spare time in retirement to the education of those who would follow him into the field, becoming training officer for Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors in Scotland.

Mr Mackenzie also discovered a love of sport in later life, and enjoyed skiing, curling and golf, although his friends would no doubt say the latter was not his strong point.

Retirement also opened the way for Mr Mackenzie to travel the world, fulfilling a long-held ambition.

A lifelong bachelor, without children, he is remembered by his many friends as a genial, generous and caring man, who was excellent company.

This was reflected in the turnout for his funeral St John's Church in Princes Street on February 23, where the service was conducted by Dr John Armes.

Mr Mackenzie died on February 16.