WINTER HAVEN - Mr. R.J. McKenzie of Winter Haven, FL, passed away Monday, March 17, 2008 at the Winter Haven Hospital. He was 70 years old.
A native of Burlington, VT, born May 9, 1937, R.J. first came to this area in 1969 before moving to Riverview in 1991 then returned to Winter Haven in 2005 to be closer to his children, and grandchildren.
He was a veteran of the Marines, the Army, and the Air Force during the Korean War, a lifetime member and former Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus #4726 of Winter Haven; and he was a member of St. Matthew Catholic Church.
R.J. is survived by his wife: Dr. J.C. McKenzie of Winter Haven; his former wife and mother of his children: Judith A. McKenzie; his sons: Raymond J. “Jim” McKenzie of Auburndale, Erin McKenzie of Winter Haven; his daughter: Sarah Riaski of Winter Haven; his step children: Dr. Christopher Schultheiss of Virginia, Jason Schultheiss of Largo, FL, and Joy Robertson of Wichita, KS; his brothers: Mike McKenzie of VT; Tom & Mark McKenzie of CA, Sean of VT, Tim of Lake Worth, FL, Kevin of New York, his sisters: Mary LaVallee of VT, Jane Chapman of DE, Martha Akey of Burlington, VT, and Maureen McKenzie also of Burlington. R.J. also has 7 grandchildren.
Vigil services at Oak Ridge Funeral Care on Monday, March 24, 2008 from 5 to 8 PM will include prayer service conducted by St. Matthew bereavement team, and the Knights of Columbus Honor Guard, with special music by Dr. McKenzie’s Haitian friends.
Funeral mass will be held Tuesday at 9:00 AM at the St. Matthew Catholic Church. Interment will be at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell with full military honors.
A dinner will be at the Knights of Columbus Hall at 3308 Avenue W, NW later in the afternoon upon returning from the cemetery. Oak Ridge Funeral Care, Winter Haven, FL in charge of arrangements.
