Richard A. McKenzie

Richard A "Dick" . McKenzie Sr. 75 of Carp River died unexpectedly friday evening, October 24 at his home on Mackinac Trail, River Bend, St.Ignace Township. He was born January 20,1939 in St.Ignace Township to George and Gladys (Alkire) McKenzie. He graduated in the class of 1956 from LaSalle High School. He entered the United States Navy in 1956 and served 7 years 8 months and 14 days and was discharged on May 31,1964 as an E5., and his last command was at the NAS Brunswick, Maine. Naval Station.He married MaryAnn Andrews on November 2,1958 in Newport, R.I. ; and she died December 19,2013. After service they lived in Racine,Wisconsin and moved to Carp River in 1983 when they purchased River Bend Resort, cabins, store and station. This was a very popular hunting destination for many and they operated the store until 2005 when Mary Anns health caused him to devote full time care for her. He devoted 12 years for her care, and she died at home on December 19,2013. He was an avid sportsman, hunted and fished, and loved bird hunting. He and his wife took care of a deer herd that visited their backyard for years,often coming to the windows of the house for a treat. The day Mary Ann died the deer came to the deck and watched as she was taken to the hearse. Dick was a gun collector and avid NASCAR fan and collector of memorabilia. He also loved to play cribbage, and belonged to a league at one time. He was a member of the St.Ignace American Legion Post. Dick will be sorely missed by his many friends and family. He is survived by a son;,; Brian McKenzie of Kenosha, Wisc.; 2 daughters, Debra (David) VandenBranden, Racine,Wisc.; Deanna L. McKenzie, Carlsbad, California; a daughter in law, Susie Glashaw, St.Ignace; 2 sisters, Margaret O'Dell, in Rhode Island; Patsy and Tom Soeltner, Rudyard; 4 brothers, Tony McKenzie, Gulliver; John (Karen) McKenzie, Kenosha,Wisc; Glen McKenzie, Carp River; Jim McKenzie, Kenosha,Wisc.; grandchildren, Vanessa, Erica, Leah, Candace, Keith and Wade; and greatgrandchildren, Kaydi, Ethan, Althea and Evan. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, June French. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, November 1 at 3 pm at Dodson Funeral Home. with Pastor Dan Williams and Dan Johnson officiating. Visitation will be at the funeral home from 1 to 3 pm. Burial will be in Carp River Cemetery beside his wife. The American Legion Post, St..Ignace will conduct graveside services. Pallbearers will be Jacob Soeltner; Tom Soeltner Jr.; Patrick Soeltner; John Soblaski; Dustin McKenzie; Matt Dumas. Vanessa Nelsen and Leah VandenBranden.;

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Richard A. McKenzie

October 24, 2014