The Port Alberni sports community is mourning the loss of a popular young athlete.
Bobby McKenzie, a multi-talented athlete from Port Alberni, died on July 3, 2024 after a motor vehicle crash. He was 20 years old.
McKenzie was a multi-sport athlete, who played hockey, baseball, wrestling, golf, soccer and rugby. He was a member of the Alberni Valley Wrestling Club, with whom he won a provincial wrestling title in 2018, and a member of the Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League's Port Alberni Bombers.
McKenzie was also a member of the Mid-Island Pirates Baseball Club, based in Nanaimo.
"Bobby will forever be remembered as one of the best Pirate Brand Ambassadors to wear the P," the team posted on Facebook on July 3. "The program was truly honoured to have had such a great kid be a part of its program. Today we will all remember the countless memories you left us on the field and off. Thank you Bobby for being an amazing person, we will never forgot."
The Bombers said they were "devastated" to learn of McKenzie's passing.
"The world feels darker for having lost the light that Bobby brought to every interaction with anyone who was fortunate enough to share one with him," the team posted on their website. "To Bobby’s family and friends: thank you for sharing him with us. Bobby embodied the dream that fuelled the passion that brought the Bombers franchise to Port Alberni — the dream of giving an opportunity to local players to play for their hometown team. Bobby fought hard through training camp to make the team, and battled equally as dedicated in practice every day to earn an opportunity to play."
McKenzie scored his first career VIJHL goal on Sept. 29, 2023 against the Comox Valley Glacier Kings.
Bombers head coach Brad Knight said that McKenzie played because he loved the game.
“On nights when we needed some energy, care, and passion, Bobby just knew we needed it and he brought it to us," said Knight.
Assistant coach Mike Doucette also added his condolences.
"Bobby was loved by his teammates and was very coachable and willing to fill any role that was asked of him," said Doucette.
Bombers captain Kai Verbrugge said that McKenzie was a great teammate, but an even better human.
“I have never met a person who looks out for his friends and teammates more than Bobby did," said Verbrugge. "He would always put everyone first. Bobby was someone that every single guy on the team got along with. You never saw him without a smile on his face. He was a great ambassador for our team and any of the teams he played for, by giving it all he had, in everything he did. He will be missed immensely."
