Roderick John MacKenzie

The Eternal Optimist

Roderick John MacKenzie, 89, beloved husband of Margaret (Peggy) Lee MacKenzie for more than 61 years died, April 11 at St Vincent’s Hospital. Mr MacKenzie was born in Bridgeport to David Harley and Isabelle Berwick MacKenzie on January 2, 1918.

In addition to his devoted wife, Mr MacKenzie is survived by his son-in-law, Robert Murray of Newtown; his beloved children, Roderick J. MacKenzie, Jr, of Menlo Park, Calif., Malcolm MacKenzie and his wife, June, of Fairfield, Missy Cumings and her husband, Michael, of Huntington, and David MacKenzie and his wife, Mary, of Fairfield; his grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; and his dear sister-in-law, Virginia O’Brien. He was predeceased by his daughter, Isabelle MacKenzie Murray; and his brothers, Ronald B. MacKenzie, David H. MacKenzie, and Kenneth MacKenzie.

Mr MacKenzie was a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, and was president of its Fairfield County Alumni Association at a time when they brought the Mask and Wig Club of the University to perform in Fairfield County. He worked at Remington Arms in Bridgeport and Denver before serving in the US Army during World War II. After the war, he joined his brother and father in the family painting business, David H. MacKenzie, Inc, where he retired as president.

Mr MacKenzie was chairman of the State Union Painting Contractors Association and trustee of the Union Painters Pension Fund. He was former board member of the Bridgeport YMCA, Goodwill Industries, Citytrust Bank, and St Vincent’s Hospital. He was an executive aide to the Barnum Festival. He resided in Fairfield for a good part of his life, where he was very active in politics. He was a member and Finance Chairman of the Republican Town Committee for 22 years; he also served as Chairman of the Board of Fairfield Tax Review. He was past president of the University Club of Bridgeport and a member of the Penn Club of New York and the St Andrew’s Society. He was an avid golfer and a longtime member of Brooklawn Country Club and the Connecticut State Seniors Golf Association. He was recently honored with lifetime memberships by the Bridgeport Rotary Club, First Presbyterian Church of Fairfield, and the St John’s Lodge and the Hamilton Commandery.

Rod, Dad, Gramps will be remembered lovingly for his sense of humor, kindness, and devotion to family. He was greatly appreciated by his family for being the eternal optimist.

Funeral services were held April 16 in First Presbyterian Church of Fairfield with the Reverend Edward Duffy, pastor, officiating. Interment followed in Oak Lawn Cemetery, Fairfield.

Donations in his memory may be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Fairfield, 2475 Easton Turnpike, Fairfield CT 06825 or The Brooklawn Caddie Scholarship Fund c/o Brooklawn Country Club, 500 Algonquin Road, Fairfield CT 06825.

The Newtown Bee        April 20, 2007