Mackenzie Grant : Regional Vice President West Coast USA
Sadly Mackenzie passed away on February 24th 2022, our condolences go out to his family, friends and former colleagues at this time. Mackenzie was well respected and much liked VP West Coast USA based in LA.
In 1986 Mackenzie met Gene Roddenberry (the creator of Star Trek) at a Mess Night Dinner held by the LA Police Band Associates.
On the right a photo of Mackenzie, from Gracie Wells.
In 1986 Mackenzie met Gene Roddenberry (the creator of Star Trek) at a Mess Night Dinner held by the LA Police Band Associates.
On the right a photo of Mackenzie, from Gracie Wells.
Service details
A celebration of Mackenzie’s life will be held in Peoria, AZ and online in March.
A celebration of Mackenzie’s life will be held in Peoria, AZ and online in March.
Mackenzie Remembered
From Kay Grant
Mackenzie Grant, 81, of Peoria, AZ passed away on February 24th, 2022 after a long and valiant battle with cancer. Born on January 27th, 1941 to Alexander and Isabella Grant in Edinburgh, Scotland, Mackenzie would go on to travel the world and work as a highly respected and much-loved executive in the airline industry for nearly half a century.
In the 1960’s Mackenzie began his career with storied carriers SAS and British Caledonian in the UK (where he was one of BCal’s founding employees); Northeast Airlines (Yellowbird) in Nassau, Bahamas; and Cathay Pacific in Hong Kong. He had a tireless love of the industry that took him far, a legendary work ethic, and an infectious sense of humor and fun that endeared him to his colleagues and employees. He went on to many high-profile roles, including VP Western US at British Caledonian, at British Airways, and finally at Virgin Atlantic - first as VP Western US, then Senior VP North America, Country Manager for South Africa, Head of Africa and India, and Head of Asia Pacific.
Mackenzie was as adventurous as he was fun-loving. He had a wide variety of interests and a curiosity about every aspect of life, and was always ready to experience new things: cuisine, activities, people, or places. He was an avid biker and swimmer, and learned to play pickleball at 79 years old! His kindness, positive attitude, and enthusiasm made the lives of all those around him easier and brighter. He was always there for friends and family in need, and he showed bravery and determination in the face of his diagnosis and throughout his treatment. Mackenzie was a true Scotsman and gentleman.
He is survived by his loving wife, Kiyoung (Kay) Hong Grant, his two children Calum and Alyssa Grant, his elder brother Lewis Grant, and twin brother Morrison Grant.
From Elizabeth "Bet" Townley
Mackenzie! My very favourite Scotsman. Ah! Such a pleasure working under your leadership in LA sales in the 80’s. Your sense of humour and your delightful brogue was loved by all. It certainly was my pleasure to have known you. RIP, you delightful man.
From Tony Cocklin
Mackenzie was a long-time Caledonian/BCAL colleague, spending most of his career in the US where he settled permanently. He was a popular, well-respected person.
From Phil Bowell
I had the honour to know Mackenzie for many years and I am finding it hard to find the superlatives to describe this man. Mac was a founding member of Caledonian Airways back in the 60’s and enjoyed a long and distinguished career with BCAL till the end where he was VP Western USA based in LAX. From BCAL he went on to work for Virgin Atlantic and I met him many times when he was based in Hong Kong looking after the Asia Pacific region for them. He was the consummate professional, fun, a gentleman and just a great guy to spend time with. My heart goes out to his wife Kay and the rest of his family. RIP Mac - Fly High.
From Mick Fletcher: Very sad news indeed. I had the privilege to meet him a few times.
From John J Ruzich: So sad to hear this news. I enjoyed working with our dear colleague
From Rohan Alce
Truly one of the nicest people I have ever met. I first met Mackenzie when I joined Caledonian Airways in April 1966. He left the airline a few years later, I believe to join Cathay Pacific, but our paths crossed again in the 80s when he joined BCal as Vice President Western USA based in Los Angeles. In 1990 when I moved to LA with Virgin to launch the airline's LAX service, Mackenzie was heading up a Qantas owned ground handling company at LAX and offered me much valuable insight into the southern California travel market. A few months later when I moved back to the UK I was asked to find a suitable successor as VP West Coast and Mackenzie was the obvious choice. His career with Virgin included postings to NYC, South Africa, Hong Kong and Sydney. Colleagues and friends at Caledonian, BCal and Virgin Atlantic all had nothing but good things to say about Mackenzie. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him. RIP Mackenzie. One of the very best.
From David Hicks: Very sad news. Mac was a lovely man
From Peter Barry
So so sad to hear the Mackenzie is no longer with us….such a wonderful and considerate man! May he Rest In Peace.
From Alan Reeves: Very sad to hear the news. One of those Cally legends that I’d heard about but didn’t meet until HKG
From Ricky Cuss: Sad news and he was a really great bloke.
From Damian Breen: Really sad news about Mackenzie
From Sandra Heacham: My thoughts go out to his family. Sad to lose such a good friend and colleague.
From Chris Hill
So sorry to hear about Mackenzie. He was a great boss and a pleasure to work with. He offered me the position of Regional Cargo Manager West Coast based in LAX which I was more then happy to accept. The whole BCal team were a fun bunch to work with thanks to Mackenzie’s leadership. My sincere condolences for their loss.
From David Williams
It was always enjoyable working with Mackenzie. He had that charisma and personality that you loved to be around. RIP my friend. My condolences to the family
From Caron Phillips: RIP and my condolences to his family and friends
From Marion Clamp: Lovely man, my thoughts and my love are with his family.
From Jim Will: R I P Mackenzie.
From Maureen Copeland: Sincere condolences to his family. Super nice man.
From Gracie Wells: Great man
From Frank Skilbeck: Sad news indeed. May he rest in peace and his memory be a blessing for his family and friends.
From Bob Hallman
Mackenzie was a great man and a fun boss. I was the PR and Promotion lead for the LA operation. I remember finagling the opportunity for our team to have a premier table at a Hollywood event honoring Sophia Loren, with Michael Jackson escorting her into the room. I spoke about this and a few other things to Mackenzie just 3 weeks ago. He left a lasting and positive impression on me that I have carried throughout my career.
From Lindsay Biggin
Lovely man, condolences to his family. Shocked when I saw him working at Virgin Atlantic. Always stopped by my desk for a chat about BCAL
From Brian Robbins
Certainly sad to hear of this, he was a delightful guy! My contact began in 1969 when he was the Caledonian guy in charge of the Benghazi Haj flights - I was KLA Traffic Superintendent at the time and KLA/Libyan Government had chartered Cally for the flights from Tripoli, Benghazi and Sheba. Selwyn Thomas was the main ops guy for the operation so I was well involved with the operation in Libya and Jeddah. Busy times. Then had more contact with Mackenzie when he was in LAX.
From Trevor Warburton: RIP old pal
From John J Mallan: Condolences, thoughts and prayers to all Mackenzie's family.
From Don Hunter
Truly one of the standout people in our industry and in my life. I first met him in 1980 when we were both in California, but really got to know him in Hong Kong when he headed up one of the 3 ground handling companies at the chaotic opening of the new airport in 1998. Gus Hatter and I headed up the other 2. He was an honorable, ethical, tough competitor, but full of fun and kindness. Our paths crossed again at Virgin Atlantic, where he built up a great operation in South Africa. Many, many people are the better for having known Mackenzie. A legend.
From Peter Smith: Very sad. I liked Mackenzie a lot
From Neil Morrison
It was quite a shock to learn the news. It hit home a bit hard. My condolences to his wife and family. We worked together in the very early days (1965ish) when the company name was Caledonian Airways ( Prestwick ) Ltd. Mac was one of the people who formed the core of the company and his true Scottish personality will always be remembered.
From Will Puk: This is sad news. Mackenzie was a really nice person who treated everyone equally and with respect. R.I.P
From Ray Jackson
I am so sad to hear this sad news of Mackenzie passing. I was in NYC for almost five years from 1967 to 1971, and I worked with Mac for some of that time when he was Stn Mgr JFK. He was a great person, liked by everyone who came in contact, a great rep for Caledonian at that time. RIP
If you would like to leave a message in remembrance please drop me a line anytime at BCalatribute@outlook.com
Condolences have also been extended by:
Dave Thaxter, Elizabeth Townley, Peter Kenworthy, George Banks, Roger Warren, Sally Simmonds, Kris Massie, Riaz Butt, Elaine Brown, Biddi Geoghegan, Tina Harvey, Dave Phillips, Christine Jegu, Frances Taylor, Graham Waters, Pat Cresswell, David Richardson,
Close this page
.
From Kay Grant
Mackenzie Grant, 81, of Peoria, AZ passed away on February 24th, 2022 after a long and valiant battle with cancer. Born on January 27th, 1941 to Alexander and Isabella Grant in Edinburgh, Scotland, Mackenzie would go on to travel the world and work as a highly respected and much-loved executive in the airline industry for nearly half a century.
In the 1960’s Mackenzie began his career with storied carriers SAS and British Caledonian in the UK (where he was one of BCal’s founding employees); Northeast Airlines (Yellowbird) in Nassau, Bahamas; and Cathay Pacific in Hong Kong. He had a tireless love of the industry that took him far, a legendary work ethic, and an infectious sense of humor and fun that endeared him to his colleagues and employees. He went on to many high-profile roles, including VP Western US at British Caledonian, at British Airways, and finally at Virgin Atlantic - first as VP Western US, then Senior VP North America, Country Manager for South Africa, Head of Africa and India, and Head of Asia Pacific.
Mackenzie was as adventurous as he was fun-loving. He had a wide variety of interests and a curiosity about every aspect of life, and was always ready to experience new things: cuisine, activities, people, or places. He was an avid biker and swimmer, and learned to play pickleball at 79 years old! His kindness, positive attitude, and enthusiasm made the lives of all those around him easier and brighter. He was always there for friends and family in need, and he showed bravery and determination in the face of his diagnosis and throughout his treatment. Mackenzie was a true Scotsman and gentleman.
He is survived by his loving wife, Kiyoung (Kay) Hong Grant, his two children Calum and Alyssa Grant, his elder brother Lewis Grant, and twin brother Morrison Grant.
From Elizabeth "Bet" Townley
Mackenzie! My very favourite Scotsman. Ah! Such a pleasure working under your leadership in LA sales in the 80’s. Your sense of humour and your delightful brogue was loved by all. It certainly was my pleasure to have known you. RIP, you delightful man.
From Tony Cocklin
Mackenzie was a long-time Caledonian/BCAL colleague, spending most of his career in the US where he settled permanently. He was a popular, well-respected person.
From Phil Bowell
I had the honour to know Mackenzie for many years and I am finding it hard to find the superlatives to describe this man. Mac was a founding member of Caledonian Airways back in the 60’s and enjoyed a long and distinguished career with BCAL till the end where he was VP Western USA based in LAX. From BCAL he went on to work for Virgin Atlantic and I met him many times when he was based in Hong Kong looking after the Asia Pacific region for them. He was the consummate professional, fun, a gentleman and just a great guy to spend time with. My heart goes out to his wife Kay and the rest of his family. RIP Mac - Fly High.
From Mick Fletcher: Very sad news indeed. I had the privilege to meet him a few times.
From John J Ruzich: So sad to hear this news. I enjoyed working with our dear colleague
From Rohan Alce
Truly one of the nicest people I have ever met. I first met Mackenzie when I joined Caledonian Airways in April 1966. He left the airline a few years later, I believe to join Cathay Pacific, but our paths crossed again in the 80s when he joined BCal as Vice President Western USA based in Los Angeles. In 1990 when I moved to LA with Virgin to launch the airline's LAX service, Mackenzie was heading up a Qantas owned ground handling company at LAX and offered me much valuable insight into the southern California travel market. A few months later when I moved back to the UK I was asked to find a suitable successor as VP West Coast and Mackenzie was the obvious choice. His career with Virgin included postings to NYC, South Africa, Hong Kong and Sydney. Colleagues and friends at Caledonian, BCal and Virgin Atlantic all had nothing but good things to say about Mackenzie. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him. RIP Mackenzie. One of the very best.
From David Hicks: Very sad news. Mac was a lovely man
From Peter Barry
So so sad to hear the Mackenzie is no longer with us….such a wonderful and considerate man! May he Rest In Peace.
From Alan Reeves: Very sad to hear the news. One of those Cally legends that I’d heard about but didn’t meet until HKG
From Ricky Cuss: Sad news and he was a really great bloke.
From Damian Breen: Really sad news about Mackenzie
From Sandra Heacham: My thoughts go out to his family. Sad to lose such a good friend and colleague.
From Chris Hill
So sorry to hear about Mackenzie. He was a great boss and a pleasure to work with. He offered me the position of Regional Cargo Manager West Coast based in LAX which I was more then happy to accept. The whole BCal team were a fun bunch to work with thanks to Mackenzie’s leadership. My sincere condolences for their loss.
From David Williams
It was always enjoyable working with Mackenzie. He had that charisma and personality that you loved to be around. RIP my friend. My condolences to the family
From Caron Phillips: RIP and my condolences to his family and friends
From Marion Clamp: Lovely man, my thoughts and my love are with his family.
From Jim Will: R I P Mackenzie.
From Maureen Copeland: Sincere condolences to his family. Super nice man.
From Gracie Wells: Great man
From Frank Skilbeck: Sad news indeed. May he rest in peace and his memory be a blessing for his family and friends.
From Bob Hallman
Mackenzie was a great man and a fun boss. I was the PR and Promotion lead for the LA operation. I remember finagling the opportunity for our team to have a premier table at a Hollywood event honoring Sophia Loren, with Michael Jackson escorting her into the room. I spoke about this and a few other things to Mackenzie just 3 weeks ago. He left a lasting and positive impression on me that I have carried throughout my career.
From Lindsay Biggin
Lovely man, condolences to his family. Shocked when I saw him working at Virgin Atlantic. Always stopped by my desk for a chat about BCAL
From Brian Robbins
Certainly sad to hear of this, he was a delightful guy! My contact began in 1969 when he was the Caledonian guy in charge of the Benghazi Haj flights - I was KLA Traffic Superintendent at the time and KLA/Libyan Government had chartered Cally for the flights from Tripoli, Benghazi and Sheba. Selwyn Thomas was the main ops guy for the operation so I was well involved with the operation in Libya and Jeddah. Busy times. Then had more contact with Mackenzie when he was in LAX.
From Trevor Warburton: RIP old pal
From John J Mallan: Condolences, thoughts and prayers to all Mackenzie's family.
From Don Hunter
Truly one of the standout people in our industry and in my life. I first met him in 1980 when we were both in California, but really got to know him in Hong Kong when he headed up one of the 3 ground handling companies at the chaotic opening of the new airport in 1998. Gus Hatter and I headed up the other 2. He was an honorable, ethical, tough competitor, but full of fun and kindness. Our paths crossed again at Virgin Atlantic, where he built up a great operation in South Africa. Many, many people are the better for having known Mackenzie. A legend.
From Peter Smith: Very sad. I liked Mackenzie a lot
From Neil Morrison
It was quite a shock to learn the news. It hit home a bit hard. My condolences to his wife and family. We worked together in the very early days (1965ish) when the company name was Caledonian Airways ( Prestwick ) Ltd. Mac was one of the people who formed the core of the company and his true Scottish personality will always be remembered.
From Will Puk: This is sad news. Mackenzie was a really nice person who treated everyone equally and with respect. R.I.P
From Ray Jackson
I am so sad to hear this sad news of Mackenzie passing. I was in NYC for almost five years from 1967 to 1971, and I worked with Mac for some of that time when he was Stn Mgr JFK. He was a great person, liked by everyone who came in contact, a great rep for Caledonian at that time. RIP
If you would like to leave a message in remembrance please drop me a line anytime at BCalatribute@outlook.com
Condolences have also been extended by:
Dave Thaxter, Elizabeth Townley, Peter Kenworthy, George Banks, Roger Warren, Sally Simmonds, Kris Massie, Riaz Butt, Elaine Brown, Biddi Geoghegan, Tina Harvey, Dave Phillips, Christine Jegu, Frances Taylor, Graham Waters, Pat Cresswell, David Richardson,
Close this page
.
