McKENZIE - Robert D.
January 26, 1926 - March 17, 2023 Robert D. McKenzie - Blessed, Independent and lead a Full, Wonderful Life! Robert D. McKenzie of Hamburg, NY. Was born on January 26, 1926, in Newark, New Jersey to the late James and Annie McKenzie. He moved to Buffalo, New York in 1927. On Friday, February 17, 2023, our father peacefully entered eternal rest with his daughter by his side at the age of ninety-seven. Bob was a World War II veteran serving in the Army from August 1944 until August 1946 as a Military Policeman. When Bob finished his tour of duty, he attended Milwaukee School of Engineering and worked at Rochester Plumbing until 1949. After leaving Rochester Plumbing, he worked for Crane Plumbing and Heating until the company was purchased by Westbourne Supply for twenty years. He worked until the age of sixty-five and then started working part-time until he was seventy-one years of age. Bob was always known for wearing a white shirt and bow tie to work. Bob and Georgina belonged to a Fellowship Group at the First United Presbyterian Church in Buffalo, New York. The group was led by Rev. Albert Dobbs. There were twenty-six people in the group, thirteen men and thirteen women. All the men served in the military during World War II. As a fortuitous coincidence, they started to marry within the group. Rev. Dobbs was the chaplain for most of their marriages. After the couples married, they started meeting at each other’s homes for years once a month. As their families grew, they would include the children and have picnics at Chestnut Ridge, Wendt Beach Park or Valentines cottage on Beaver Lake. Bob married Georgina McGeachie on November 29, 1952, they were married for fifty-two years, 11 months, and 6 days as he would tell his friends. From this union, they had four children, Lynette, Anne, Roberta, and James. He was a dedicated husband and father who was there for his family and friends when they needed him. Bob loved to camp. Bob and his family belonged to the Masonic Camping Group “Trails and Squares”. After all the children grew up and moved away Bob and Georgina bought a trailer and had it permanent at Mariposa campground in Houghton NY until 2011. Here he started his camping family. The camping friends all moved to Rolling Acres Golf Course and Campground in the fall of 2011. He retired his trailer to one of his camping families and stopped at age 94. Bob and Georgina squared danced on Wednesday nights for over 25 years. Bob joined Tyrian Lodge # 925 on April 24, 1954, and was active till he transitioned. Bob was also a Member of the Shriners. He joined the Shriners on December 11, 1962, and was a member for 61 years. Bob volunteered as a driver for the Shriners Hospital for Children, he was a part of this organization for 35 years. They drove 30-36 trips a year and Bob supported them for over 350 trips. Bob is survived by two children, Anne McKenzie and James McKenzie; two granddaughters, Keshia LeVan, and Monica Vincent. Friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life service at the Hamburg Presbyterian Church on Saturday, May 6th at 11:00 AM. His burial will be at the Western New York Military cemetery in Pembroke NY on May 8th at 11:00 AM with Full Military Honors. Flowers gratefully declined, memorial contributions to the Shriner’s Hospital for Children. Funeral Arrangements by Loomis & Loomis Funeral Home. Please share memories and condolences at www.loomisoffersandloomis.com. “I have fought the good fight. I have finished my course. I have kept the faith.” 11Timothy 4:7