Harris man who died in fire “refused help” 10/11/11
The family of the late Kenneth Mackenzie who died following a fire at his home in Strond, South Harris, ten days ago say he was “an extremely independent person who frequently refused any kind of help.”
Mr Makenzie, 82, was found by his Alzheimer Scotland carer at 1.30pm on that day.
She immediately raised the alarm by contacting the local GP who arrived on the scene within minutes. He then alerted the police and fire brigade who also attended within minutes.
Mr Mackenzie was routinely seen by his GP and district nurses on a regular basis in his own home where he lived alone.
His family said he was an extremely independent person who frequently refused any kind of help until he finally but reluctantly accepted a most attentive carer who had been seeing him on a daily basis since August of this year.
Mr Mackenzie was a very proud and private individual and it was his wish that he remain and be left in his own home while he lived.
He is survived by three elderly sisters, one who lives locally and two who live in England. He also has nephews and nieces, who along with his sister, visited him and helped him on a regular basis.