‘Tragic loss’: Owen George MacKenzie, 59, remembered as ‘special person’ after Moriac smash

A much-loved Winchelsea man with a big heart and a quirky smile is being remembered as a “great mate” after his tragic death in a horror double fatality.

Owen MacKenzie was killed in a tragic car accident in Moriac on July 8. Photo: Facebook.

A much-loved Winchelsea man with a big heart and a quirky smile is being remembered as a “great mate” after his tragic death in a Surf Coast double fatality.

Owen George MacKenzie, 59, has been identified as the second victim of the horror smash on Cape Otway Rd that also killed 23-year-old Moriac man Cameron Trevena.

Both died at the scene when their cars collided head-on between Mount Duneed and Ervins Rd.

Mr MacKenzie will be farewelled at a funeral service in East Geelong on Wednesday, with loved ones paying homage to a “special person”.

His sister and brother-in-law, Erica and Steven, and extended family have been left devastated by the accident.

They only recently endured the loss of his brother, Tim – who died suddenly from a heart attack – while his mum, Elsa, also passed away in 2022.

“A tragic loss to all families,” a moving tribute read in the Geelong Advertiser.

“It is with sadness we accept the heart breaking death of Owen.

“We share our love, respect and sympathy with his family.”

Owen MacKenzie is being remembered as a kind, giving person. Photo: Jonathan Hepner Funerals.

Lifelong friend, Phillip Knight, said in a moving online tribute that Mr MacKenzie was always willing to help others.

The deceased had been helping him and his family with heavy removal tasks in his final 24 hours “having a laugh and giving advice” before fate stepped in.

“Owen was always great company, happy with a fantastic sense of humour and a quirky smile,” he said.

“We cooked him a home-cooked evening meal, in which he always loved.

“He was such a great mate, he offered and took pleasure in such.”

Mr Knight said his family would miss Owen terribly.

Former colleague at Portland Aluminium, Peter Zordan, remembered helping Mr MacKenzie put a new engine in his beloved Ford GT.

“He loved that car, it always reminds me of him,” he said.

“On behalf of all the guys Owen worked with at Portland Aluminium, we send our condolences.”

Another friend, Robert Knight, said his family “were shocked and saddened” to learn of his sudden passing.

Originally published as ‘Tragic loss’: Owen George MacKenzie, 59, remembered as ‘special person’ after Moriac smash