Obituary of Lorenzo "Mac" McKenzie

Lorenzo was born July 6, 1938 in Marshall Texas to Frank and Margret McKenzie.  He peacefully passed on June 29, 2019 in the comfort of his home, surrounded by loved ones.  Marshall was his hometown and he graduated from Macedonia Public High School in 1956.  He went on to join the U.S. Army in 1961 and retired 30 years later as a Chief Warrant Officer 3.  Proudly serving his country for 30 years was one of his greatest achievements in life.

 

After he retired from the Army, he had a second career with the Thurston County Sherriff’s Office for 20 years.  During those years, he would end up making a significant impact on both the lives of those who worked alongside him, and on the lives of the inmates themselves, who never really felt that anyone ever respected or cared about them.  Lorenzo was the kind of man who lived his faith, morals and values every day.  Through modeling those values and taking time to counsel those in need, he changed the lives of many of the inmates and earning the loving nickname of “Mac Daddy.”   The Sherriff himself once stated in a reference letter that Mac was the one of the most effective social programs he had in the jail!

 

Still not ready to give up his passion to help young people, Lorenzo worked at Tacoma Public Schools for another seven years, first as a security guard at Stadium High School, then as a para-educator, where he continued to counsel and encourage the youth there to believe in themselves and always do their best.

 

Lorenzo was an avid Mariners and Seahawks fan and was frequently seen “sporting” his Mariners and Seahawks logos!  Second to sports, he loved smooth jazz, going to Jazz Alley and other jazz festivals.  His favorite place on earth was Cannon Beach, Oregon, where he visited as often as he could.

 

Mac was probably most famous for his wonderful “fall off the bone, finger-licking good” baby back ribs that he loved to make for his family and friends. He was also a man of deep faith since childhood and became a Deacon in the Baptist church and then in the New Apostolic Church in Olympia, Washington, where he was a beloved member for 26 years.  He was a devoted family man who truly loved everyone unconditionally and was always there to lend a hand to anyone in need, including those in his community.  He will be greatly missed by all who were lucky enough to have known him.

 

Lorenzo is survived by his wife of 17 years, Susan McKenzie; his sons, Kevin McKenzie, Cedric St. James, Victor McKenzie, and Craig McKenzie; his step-daughter, Kirsten Daley; step-son, Jeffrey Ingraham; grandchildren, Tiera and Lisa Kraft, Paige McKenzie and Ethan and Emily Ingraham, Giulia Daley; his beloved sisters, Frankie Johnson, Arnita Brown, and Juanita Craver; and a multitude of nieces and nephews and grand nieces and nephews in Texas. 

 

A Celebration of Life will be held on July 20, 2019 at the family home at 1:00 p.m. Call Susie at 360-888-9595 for address, if needed.  It will be potluck style so bring a favorite side-dish or desert if you desire, but it is certainly not necessary!  His grandson, Ethan, will be carrying on his tradition by making his famous baby back ribs, along with hamburgers and hot dogs.  Also, please bring a favorite memory of Mac to share if you desire! Please park at the Capitol Vision Church parking lot down the street.

 

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