Philanthropist Sir Roy McKenzie died yesterday at age 84 in his hometown of Wellington.

"Sir Roy truly embodied philanthropy - where it is not just about giving, it is also about a generosity of spirit," said Philanthropy New Zealand executive director Robyn Scott. "New Zealand is much better off as a result of Sir Roy's philanthropy."Philanthropist Sir Roy McKenzie died yesterday at age 84 in his hometown of Wellington.

"Sir Roy truly embodied philanthropy - where it is not just about giving, it is also about a generosity of spirit," said Philanthropy New Zealand executive director Robyn Scott. "New Zealand is much better off as a result of Sir Roy's philanthropy.""His support, both grants and personal support, were often directed at issues that were before their time or even unpopular. He could see beyond the immediate towards what would be good for the future of our communities," said Ms Scott.

He was the son of Sir John McKenzie, founder of McKenzie's chain stores and the J R McKenzie Trust, which was established in 1947 and still operates today.

Sir Roy founded a number of organisations, including the Roy McKenzie Foundation and the Centre for the Study of Families at Victoria University. He was patron of the Arts Foundation and the Outward Bound Trust and councillor at the Council for Educational Research.

He also gave significant support to charities including Women's Refuge, the Deaf Decade Trust, Birthright, the hospice movement, and the Nga Manu Native Reserve Trust.

He was knighted in 1989 for his services to education and the community, was made a member of the New Zealand Order of Merit, and holds an honorary doctorate in Commerce from Victoria University.

He was also credited with working towards professionalising philanthropy in New Zealand, with the Roy McKenzie Foundation becoming the first grantmaking trust to employ professional staff and to send both staff and trustees on sabbaticals.

4/9/07