In Memory of
Gary McKenzie
In memory of Gary McKenzie, much-loved colleague and friend.
Gary McKenzie was our straight-talking London gent, well-liked and respected throughout the industry and never short of a funny quip or a holiday destination recommendation.
Gary joined Freyssinet in 2011 to work on some of the company’s most complex projects, including Gatwick Airport MSCP 6 refurbishment, London Gateway Port cathodic protection and spray concrete works and Connaught Tunnel refurbishment. He was instrumental in the development of our Southern region team and successfully led our sales activity to establish the Freyssinet and FOREVA brands in the south.
Outside of work, he enjoyed travelling, and owned a greyhound, a racehorse and was a part time poker player. ‘Hence why I am still working’, he once said.
Above all, Gary was a devoted husband and family man, and our heart-felt condolences go to his wife Lyn, his children and grandchildren.
We invite you to share your messages and memories.
Book Owner: Lynn Collinswood
Book Size:Â 200 Messages
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Guillaume Black
Gary, It has been such a pleasure and honour to cross paths with you for which I feel very priviledged. You have taught me a lot in our small time together. I take confort in that you truely knew how to live and shall remain an example and inspiration. You have been taken too early, will be greatly missed but never forgotten. Thank you I particulary think of Lyn and your familly….
Kevin Bennett
Ah Gary, what fun we had, you teaching me all about tunnels and me your willing pupil. You gave me a tour of Connaught Tunnel, explained how you’d taken the value from a few quid for a little bit of leak sealing injection, to £Millions for wholesale rebuilding of large sections. We took a trip to Puymorens Tunnel in the Pyrenees, and you told our host he was doing the sheet membrane all wrong. But your teaching worked, I became a “10-minute” tunnel expert and we only went and won SPT! It was brilliant working with you. You will be so sorely missed. Thanks for all the great memories and rest in peace old friend….
Keith Moloney
Gary, you’ll always be remembered for your high spirits and ability to brighten up a room by simply walking in. Always on hand to give unique advice, not just in work but invaluable life lessons over a beer too! You knew what was important, family and friends above all else. You’ll be sadly missed and I count myself lucky to have know you for your final years. My thoughts are with your family. Keith…
James Chandler
So sorry to hear this sad news. Such a genuinely nice guy with a fantatsic ability to always be glass half full. …
Maxime JANAUDY
Mon ami, Some days were necessary to accept this deepest sadness, but I feel so lucky to know you and sharing a part of my life. From Gatwick to Mortlake office we spent hours together sharing site difficulties/solutions, life experiences, jokes, English meanings, typical British or French meals… I know it was not easy for you to accept me as a coffee drinker without milk, also not eating mince pies or porridge… From my side, I struggled to understand the first time I’ve heard your best site saying, “If you can piss you can paint!” … Looking back, I should thank EasyJet to let us 24 hours stuck in Jersey after an epic carpark site visit. We’ve learned a lot from each other, and we finally became good friend. I will never forget our good times in your favorite “London’s boozers” telling me how it’s important to enjoy our life afterwork and taking care of the loved ones. Our last moment together was pictured at the end of the Three Peaks Challenge and as always you let us your famous grin. We can’t share a last drink with you, but for my next visit in London I will have…
Paul Bottomley
Gary, A life well lived…. The poems could have been written about you. It was a privilege to know you these last years Our relationship extended beyond the many interesting projects we worked on together You quickly became more than a colleague and I respected your thoughts, benefitted from your experience, laughed at your jokes but more than anything just enjoyed your company I will miss you and regret that I couldn’t say farewell in person You were taken too soon and our world has lost a special person, but all who knew you will remember you forever with great fondness Goodbye my friend…
Len Lewis
RIP Gary, Jim introduced me to you within days of Makers joining the Midas Group, of which I was Chief Executive Chairman and your characteristic cockney charm, warmth and wit were welcome characteristics to me, also a Londoner born and bred. Jim clearly had the very highest regard for you in every way, as did I as time passed and I came to understand the loyalty, dedication, hard work and steadfastness for which you were admired and appreciated by all. It was a great pleasure and privilege to have known you. You have been heartbrokenly taken far too young….
Kenneth Dykes
So sorry to lose such a great colleague and friend. I’ve known Gary for over 30 years and it was always a pleasure both working and socialising with him. One of the good guys who will be sorely missed. My condolences to Lyn and family. Rest in peace mate….
Deborah Lawley
Gary, It was a pleasure to know you and to have worked with you. I don’t think I ever did quite manage to keep you in line with filling in the correct forms!…But your personality and passion to “get the job done” made up for that in spades. Thanks for all the straight talking life lessons over the years, you didn’t half have some stories! I’m glad we managed to catch up again recently, really didn’t expect it would be the last time we would speak. All my love to Lyn and your family x Rest In Peace x…
Boris
Dear Gary, It has been a pleasure and an honour to know you and to work with you. You taught me a lot about life, it is very sad to see you leaving us. Boris …
Phil Watkins-Smith
We have lost a good friend, a great character and all-round decent person. Gary – I thank you for your great company, your good advice, willingness to help, and your genuine desire to help colleagues suceed – and all done with humour and goodwill.We will all miss a very rare man….
John Barry
Gary, I can count myself truly lucky to have called you a friend and mentor. For all the advice, sharing of life lessons, countless laughter and more than occasional beverage or two we shared since I arrived in the UK – I thank you. My life is the better for having crossed your path. I will miss you greatly mate. ‘Go n-éirí an bóthar leat, Go raibh an ghaoth go brách ag do chúl, Go lonraí an ghrian go te ar d’aghaidh, Go dtite an bháisteach go mín ar do pháirceanna, Agus go mbuailimid le chéile arís, Go gcoinní Dia i mbos A láimhe thú’. Lyn & Family – deepest condolences from myself, Caroline & the boys….
Bertrand Robiquet
Gary, Our encounters can be counted on the fingers of one hand, but sometimes it doesn’t take more than that to leave very good memories, a pleasant, positive feeling, a reflection of a very beautiful person. I was very sad to learn of this disappearance. All my condolences to the family,…
Carol Jones
Gary, Whenever you were in the office or on the phone you were always cheerful and full of life, making me laugh with your stories, teaching me cockney rhyming slang, trying to convince me to eat jellied eels. I will miss our holiday chats you were like a travel agent recommending places to go. You have left a big hole in the Freyssinet family and You will be sadly missed. Sending love and my sincere condolences to all your family and friends at this very sad and difficult time. Rest in Peace Gary….
Louis Michel
Gary, You will always surprise us until the very end. You have lived your life knowing there was only one to live. You used it as a playground field and you enjoyed it so much. You never took yourself too seriously and always advised to enjoy what we have in the moment. Even the way you go is certainly the way you always wanted it to end. The last time I saw you you were in such a good shape and this is how I will always remember. I wish I had spent more time with you talking about how much experiences you went through, the ups and downs, always keeping a big smile. I will deeply miss you. Louis…
