Boston Herald RIP John 'Pie' McKenzie (1937-2018)

[Fenway]

Prayers for Pie

Big, Bad Bruin Johnny McKenzie won his biggest fight off the ice

Johnny is dying. He is confined to a bed inside the comfortable Wakefield home he shares with longtime lady friend Beth Romanelli, his hands resting on his belly, his eyes still rich and blue, but staring off at not much of anything. Johnny no longer speaks but Beth says, “He can understand everything you say to him. I know it.”
Johnny’s 80-year-old body is ravaged by time, by too many hockey fights and, perhaps, by the residue from all those late nights all those years ago when the Big, Bad Bruins tore up Boston and, for that matter, every port of call in the National Hockey League.

Johnny was a hockey nomad until the Bruins acquired him from the New York Rangers midway through the 1965-66 season for Reggie “The Ruffian” Fleming, who had passed through Boston in the middle of his own journeyman’s career.

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[Chief Nine]

Prayers for Pie

Big, Bad Bruin Johnny McKenzie won his biggest fight off the ice

Johnny is dying. He is confined to a bed inside the comfortable Wakefield home he shares with longtime lady friend Beth Romanelli, his hands resting on his belly, his eyes still rich and blue, but staring off at not much of anything. Johnny no longer speaks but Beth says, “He can understand everything you say to him. I know it.”
Johnny’s 80-year-old body is ravaged by time, by too many hockey fights and, perhaps, by the residue from all those late nights all those years ago when the Big, Bad Bruins tore up Boston and, for that matter, every port of call in the National Hockey League.

Johnny was a hockey nomad until the Bruins acquired him from the New York Rangers midway through the 1965-66 season for Reggie “The Ruffian” Fleming, who had passed through Boston in the middle of his own journeyman’s career.

One of my all time favorite players

 

[Fenway]

One of my all time favorite players

 

[sooshii]

Sad news.

 

[BNHL]

Added so much excitement to the Big Bad Bs,instigator extraordinaire. I always remember him running goalie Ernie Wakely and as Don Earle would say "and away we go!"

 

[Ladyfan]

I am sorry to hear...sigh....As you get older you lose family , friends, music people you loved and hockey players who added enjoyment to your life.

 

[Kovi]

Be well in your transition

*stick tap*

 

[Chief Nine]

Great save by one of my other favorites from that era, Don Awrey. Love Espo jumping in there and getting the 3rd man call. Johnny Peirson was all over that right off too. Him and Fred Cusick were great

 

[jgatie]

Met Pie at an post alumni game party about 20 years ago. He was as gracious and gentlemanly off the ice as he was truculent on the ice. Johnny Bucyk had him fetching plates of food from the buffet, just like he used to dig out pucks in the corner in the old days. Let his twilight be as peaceful and sweet as he was that night. God's speed #19.

 

[ODAAT]

a bit before my time but sad to read nonetheless

 

[Terrier]

I recall watching him play for the B's Alumni against members of the 1980 U.S. Olympic team at Matthews Arena a few years ago. Always smiling, and back then he could still motor.

 

[Gee Wally]

f***.

My very first jersey was Number 19. My dad got it for me because I always had my elbows high going into the corner. I was short at 8 or 9.

I still have fond memories of Pie.

(taps stick)

 

[TP]

Good luck, Piesy!

 

[bobbyorr04]

One of my favorite old-time Bruins for sure. He was as tough as they come.

May the good Lord shine His light on you! .....*stick tap*

 

[skullguise]

Very sad, but so uplifting to read the article and see how he battled and beat his demons, and reconciled with an estranged family. Others have said it well....wishing good thoughts for a peaceful transition, with all the best to family and friends.

 

[OV]

The candy bar character Mckenzie was nick named after...

 

[Dr Hook]

The candy bar character Mckenzie was nick named after...

Nice. "Nuff for a Nickle" Ahh the days before spellcheck

 

[BMC]

Blessings to him and his family. I hope he passes peacefully.

 

[bobbyorr04]

Nice. "Nuff for a Nickle" Ahh the days before spellcheck

"Fat Emma" and "Pie Face"..... Ahh the days before political correctness!

 

[KnightofBoston]

Damn, peace for him and his family

 

[Gordoff]

I am sorry to hear...sigh....As you get older you lose family , friends, music people you loved and hockey players who added enjoyment to your life.

...and may I add that when we get to a certain age we have more family and friends "on the other side" than we have here. I heard about this a long while ago but was afraid to inquire any further because, obviously we wish to remember the person, the player when they were at the top of their humanity. So sad.

 

[Baddkarma]

Best wishes to all time Bruins great.

 

[Fenway]

...and may I add that when we get to a certain age we have more family and friends "on the other side" than we have here. I heard about this a long while ago but was afraid to inquire any further because, obviously we wish to remember the person, the player when they were at the top of their humanity. So sad.

I have known for awhile but I was not going to post anything until it became public.

 

[Orr2Neely8]

Bummer....very sad to read this...he was also (Next to Neely /Orr) my Favorite player Thanks for the update

 

[Orr2Neely8]

This clip looks like it was posted in 2014 ....he looks well (Pie face !..love it)