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Chris MacKenzie
Chris MacKenzie
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Chris MacKenzie Obituary
An avid snowboarder, 30-year-old Chris MacKenzie grew up in California's San Jacinto Valley, where he was a 2001 graduate of Hemet High School and a former member of the town's fire department. He joined the U.S. Forest Service in 2004, then transferred two years ago to the Prescott Fire Department, longtime friend Dav Fulford-Brown told The Riverside Press-Enterprise.
MacKenzie, like at least one other member of the Granite Mountain Hotshots, had followed his father into firefighting. Michael MacKenzie, a former Moreno Valley Fire Department captain, confirmed that he had been informed of his son's death.
"I can't talk about it," he said.
Fulford-Brown, also a former firefighter, feared for the worst as soon as he heard the news of the Arizona firefighters. "I said, 'Oh my God, that's Chris' crew.' I started calling him and calling him and got no answer," he told The Press-Enterprise. MacKenzie, he said, "lived life to the fullest ... and was fighting fire just like his dad."
"He was finishing his credentials to get promoted and loved the people. It's an insane tragedy.
Contributing to this report were AP reporters Raquel Maria Dillon in Seal Beach, Calif., Sue Manning in Los Angeles and Hannah Dreier in Prescott.
Copyright © 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
92 Entries
Love this picture always
Lisa Dylla
June 18, 2018
I just saw Only the brave a week ago I had no idea I didn't know who they were broke my heart into so many pieces and it will never get out of my mind as long as I live. Rip to all of them. I've already done a in memory site especially for the 30th of this month. Outside my patio. So sorry
July 2, 2015
Another year has gone by. Still missing you. Our prayers and thoughts continue. You will all, not be forgotten. Richard n Liz Lee
Debbie Angeloff
July 2, 2015
Sweet memorie of Chris. Always smiles and laughter.
July 24, 2014
Please accept my sincere prayers that go out to the surviving family and friends may the God of comfort continue to bless you and yours especially after such a tragic loss. Please accept my deepest sympathies. 2 Cor. 1:2,3.
How you can show support
Kathleen
November 30, 2013
Dear loved ones of Chris,
It has been nearly six months since this horrific tragedy. My prayer is for you to continue to endure in spite of the emotional pain that greets you each day. May you be comforted in knowing that our heavenly father knows how you feel and listens intently if you call on him and come and pray to him, he listens and will calm your heart. – Jeremiah 29:12
October 19, 2013
Chris- You touched a lot of lives and were the epitome of how to carpe diem. You were an inspiration to us all. Rest in peace.
A headstone in ireland quote
August 15, 2013
August 10, 2013
The world is full of men, but what of men noble and true?
Can you say that you have known such a man?
These men are far too few.
But let me tell you a a story,
About a team of men
Who left behind a legacy
That will not be forgotten.
Highly trained,
They passed every test,
Chosen to fight wild fires,
They were called the best.
One scorching June day in 2013,
When a wildfire raged
The Hotshots were called upon
To battle the fiery blaze.
Armed with tools and heavy gear,
They set out in their prime,
No job too hard for these men,
No hill too tall to climb.
Command was set, plans were made
To tackle the fire's wrath
But winds shifted unexpectedly
And they were trapped in the fire's path.
19 men were caught that day,
The fire drew quickly near
Though they knew they were truly trapped,
Not a one showed fear.
Dig your shelters, men came the command,
Each one knew what this meant
They dug with haste and with one final look
They took to their tents.
Then let us look away,
For we cannot bear
What came to each one next,
Each man endured in those fiery moments,
His final Hotshot test.
And when the aid finally found the men,
The blackened landscape bore
The testimony of death everywhere,
And the men who were no more.
Oh children, your father was so brave,
A man who did his best
In work excelled, he fought to save,
withstanding every test.
Dear widow, may you never shed
another tear at some unhappy strife
For you've suffered enough dread
The day your husband lost his life.
Young sweetheart, your hopes and dreams
Lay in ashes, from the fire's wrath
May you find hope and dream once more
Though sorrow has changed your path.
Sad mother, your beautiful son,
your joy and your pride
Whom you succored with patient love,
has bravely lived and bravely died.
Two prayers I pray for you, the first,
Though all hope now seem dim
May you have a hope in God,
And place your trust in Him.
Second, May something good,
Something beautiful and strong
Emerge from this tragic loss
From something that went so wrong.
Then like a Phoenix from the ashes
May these men and their noble deeds
Live, for love is stronger than death,
In the lives of those who who stop here to read.
-Michelle Kendall and Family, Barnet, Vermont
A mountain reflection the stars
August 9, 2013
The voyage
August 9, 2013
Sandee Garza Schock
August 7, 2013
To the Family & Friends
of Mr. Mackenzie
Please accept My deepest
sympathy in the loss of
Your HERO. May He Rest In
Peace. May God comfort You
during this difficult time.
Sincerely
Laura
July 30, 2013
To the family of Christopher Mackenzie: I'm deeply sorry for your loss of this beautiful mother, sister, wife, and friend. I see she loved justice just like God Almighty does. Acts 10:34 says, "God is not partial." And Psalms 33:4-5 says "He is a lover of righteousness & justice" May this bring you hope at this difficult time.
July 25, 2013
God Bless!
Nikki Aloisio
July 15, 2013
Lifting the family up in prayer.
"The HotShots will be loved and remembered forever"
Christine Familetti
July 12, 2013
RIP~ A true hero..
Rebecca
July 12, 2013
So sorry for your loss!! They were all heroes! May God bless this family and comfort them! God bless~
cathy kowalski
July 11, 2013
Chris you will always be in the hearts of us all. Arizona is thankful to have known you. Love Always
Layla Naasz-McCarter
July 11, 2013
I love this picture of Chris! I had the privilege to babysit him as a young boy. His family is part of our fire family and on behalf of the Naasz and McCarter families, we say thank you for sharing your heroic, beautiful son with us all. May the Lord heal your hurting hearts. Love and blessings! RIP Christopher....
walterrean salley
July 11, 2013
Deepest condolences to the Mackenzie family. “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends,” John 15:13. We will never forget, but thank Chris and the others for their timeless sacrifices. We are remembering you during this difficult time. God strengthen and keep you always.
Remember to pray for our firefighters and their families everywhere:
PRAYER FOR FIREFIGHTERS
Bless the firefighters—one and ALL;
Go before them on each call.
Protect them as they serve our kind,
Saving lives with theirs on line.
By Your mercy and Your grace,
Keep their families truly safe.
Oh, may they never suffer harm
At the sound of the alarm.
Grant them wisdom, knowledge too—
All, dear Lord, which comes from You.
Daily be their shield and guide;
Never—ever—leave their side.
Strengthen now the hands that serve
With the blessings they deserve.
© 2001 by Walterrean Salley
July 11, 2013
so sorry for the loss of this vibrant young man.May you enjoy God's blessing at this time.I-I myself am the One that is comforting you people."isah.51:12....~sadden~
July 11, 2013
We lost our beloved son at age 30 and we are feeling your pain and can only pray for Chris and your entire family at this time. Talk to Chris, talk about him and this will truly ease your pain. My husband has retired with 42 years of fire service experience ranging from riding on the back of a fire truck to a Federal Fire Marshal position with the Federal Government. He especially felt your pain as we watched the procession today as Chris is truly a member of the brotherhood and we are so proud of the kind, loving people in this community for giving Chris such a lovely tribute. May he Rest In Peace and God Bless your entire family and we will keep you in our prayers. With love and deepest condolences, Bob and Sandra Tofson Hemet
Eric Sellers
July 11, 2013
I had the pleasure of meeting Chris on a leisure trip to Mammoth, CA. We were invited on a trip that was all expense paid and really kind of a dream for anyone that loves to snowboard like we did. Beyond the week we spent we continued our friendship in Bear and Orange County as he would visit my retail store when he came "down the hill" which was always a blessing. I want you to know that this young man was an instant friend to anyone who shared his passion and I can only extend my empathy to the loved ones that shared this same passion. What a courageous, happy, and caring individual to give his life for others. God bless you Chris and family.
Kevin & John Mazur & Thomas
July 10, 2013
So sorry for your loss. He will always be in your hearts. God bless you all.
Pennie & Tammy White
July 10, 2013
Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your hearts.
Richard and Liz Lee
July 9, 2013
Mike, Lori, our deepest sympathy, prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. Chris and his crew will never be forgotten.
Richard and Liz Lee
July 9, 2013
Mike, Lori, our deepest sorrows and prayers are with you and the family. We are deeply sadden for the loss of your son. We shall never forget.
Kevin and Tasha Heaton
July 8, 2013
Our deepest condolences to you the family and loved ones of this extraordinary young man. He has touched the hearts & minds of the world with his exemplary character,integrity, passion and dedication. He will not be forgotten. His life made a difference. Our thoughts and prayers are with you now and in the days to come. May the God of ALL Comfort - comfort you as only He can. "Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed,for His compassions never fail. With great respect,
Lynda Maleta
July 8, 2013
Find healing in the cheerished memories that will live on of these devoted Angels. These "19 HEROES OF THE FOREST" will never be forgotten. Keep the Faith. Many Blessings and Hugs.
Barbara Kolb
July 8, 2013
So sorry to lose this incredible young man. There is deep sadness in the hearts of Arizonans. We mourn with you.
Mary Sue Thompson
July 8, 2013
These brave, young men will be in our hearts always! Thank you, Christopher, for your unselfish devotion!
Eileen Andric
July 8, 2013
So very sorry for your loss. A true American hero.
Angela Fernandez
July 7, 2013
Words cannot express . I'm so so sorry for your loss. It's just insane, brings tears , Christopher & his brethren & family forever in our hearts & prayers !!
Christiane Albertson
July 7, 2013
My thoughts and prayers are with you now and always. Chris was so loved by his family and friends. He will truly be missed. But will always be here in Spirit.
July 7, 2013
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Jo Allen
July 6, 2013
your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Niece (Gunter) Family
July 6, 2013
Mike, "Lou", and Aaron - Our hearts ache for your loss. Prayers for your loss. Remember Christopher as a baby and those beautiful eyes and eyelashes. So sorry for your loss. The Niece (&Gunter) family.
Steve & Diane Harding
July 5, 2013
The loss of Chris is so tragic. Chris's family along with his coworkers' families are in our thoughts and prayers.
Marjean Kinsey
July 5, 2013
May the Lord's light guide you through this difficult time and may it provide you some comfort to know that Christopher was and will always be a hero.
Debbie Luevano
July 5, 2013
Our deepest condolences. God welcomed all the Hotshots home with open arms. RIP
Miki
July 4, 2013
I am so sorry for your loss. I am praying for your family during this time of grief.
July 4, 2013
I am sorry for your great loss. RIP Mr Christopher MacKenzie. God welcomes you in his arms and comforts you when we cannot.
Hugs to family from Jettie in Vancouver, BC
clare white
July 4, 2013
From across the country and on the coast of Maine: Your sacrifice equals those of our troops whom we remember today. You died fighting to keep us safe. Rest in Peace, and may your God comfort your family.
susan cowell
July 4, 2013
Such a brave young man. To know he would put his life on the line to save others is something I and so many others appreciated immensely. Hold his memories in your heart and always know we do appreciated what these brave young men and woman do for us
July 3, 2013
our prayers are with your family
July 3, 2013
To all the Mackenzie family you are in our thoughts and prayers during this trying time. Our heart felt sympathy goes to all of you.
Tim & Sue Hoak
Patricia Torres
July 3, 2013
Very sorry for your loss. We are greatly saddened by this tragedy. We pray that you will be comforted by Gods Word, knowing that He is with you during this difficult time. (Jeremiah 29:11,12)
B. Calloway family
July 3, 2013
You will be missed and always remembered as a friend, hero and an amazing person. May you Rest In Peace forever and live on in the memories of your family and friends always. May God comfort everyone who knew you during this time and always.
Marian Marsceill
July 3, 2013
So sorry to hear about your loss. Thoughts and prayers are sent your way. God bless.
July 3, 2013
Sorrow and prayers to the family of this fine young main R.I.P.
July 3, 2013
Our sincere gratitude for the service that your loved one has given all of us. Our prayers go out to your family for you loss. Joyce, Peoria, AZ
Chelsea Russell
July 3, 2013
Sincerest condolences to the MacKenzie family through this time of profound sorrow. RIP Brother;
Chelsea Russell, Toronto Fire Services
Jenny Bruner
July 3, 2013
My deepest condolonces to the Mackenzie family. May God bless each of you during this time.
Carolyn Hettich
July 3, 2013
My heartfelt condolences. I am so very sorry for your loss; so very grateful for your sacrifice.
July 3, 2013
Stinnett Fire Department wishes to extend sympathy to the family of Christopher Mackenzie. Our prayers are with you.
Isaac Bula Urrutia
July 3, 2013
I´M Very Sorry for your lost. God bless you and your family.
Regards from Venezuela.
They are a Heroes...
Charlene Rathgeb
July 3, 2013
Sending you much love, and hope that you are granted strength in the coming days. Our sorrow is truly numbing, and our hearts are with you. Charlene and Mike Rathgeb, both with Toronto Fire Services, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
July 3, 2013
God Bless this brave young man and his fellow firefighters and families, you are all in our hearts and prayers.
July 3, 2013
The thoughts and prayers of the nation are with you as you grieve the loss of your loved one. May you find some comfort in knowing that you are in the thoughts and prayers of so many at this sad time.
Rich Reay of WHFD
July 3, 2013
God Bless the Mackenzie family during this difficult time. Chris is truly a hero for what he believed and for what he did.
linda shaffer
July 3, 2013
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
Robyn
July 2, 2013
I am so sorry for your loss of Christopher. What a lovely picture of him. He looked joyful. May peace be with you all. I hold you in my heart.
Nell Brown
July 2, 2013
You will always live in our hearts,because you gave us your unselfish service
Craig Caldwell
July 2, 2013
Lynn and I are so at a loss to find the right words..We just pray that the family will get through this horrible tragedy...May god bless you!!!
Alice hoekstra
July 2, 2013
I am at a loss for words with all those brave men. I am keeping all the families in my thoughts and prayers
Alice hoekstra
July 2, 2013
I am at a loss for words with the loss of all those brave men. I am keeping all the families in my thoughts and prayers
Gina Perry
July 2, 2013
sorry your lost my prayers are with you and your family god bless
July 2, 2013
so sorry ia praying four your famile god be with you joanna vincent chander az
Alexandria Napier
July 2, 2013
So very sorry for your loss. Your family will be in my thoughts and prayers. Christopher was a hero, and will never be forgotten.
Carol Durkin
July 2, 2013
God Bless your family.
Christopher is truly a hero --
All of Arizona grieves with you.
With Deep Sympathy --
Monica Martin
July 2, 2013
I am so sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts. No words can help at this time but please remember we share in your loss. My husband, my oldest daughter, and myself are firefighters.
rita barraza
July 2, 2013
Our prayer are with you and your family's with the loss of your love one
Sheila
July 2, 2013
So sorry for loss. May you find comfort thru God as he is the father of all comfort.
Jody K
July 2, 2013
I am so sorry for the great loss that your family has sustained with the passing of Christopher. Please know that your family and Chris's friends are in my thoughts and prayers. Prescott will never forget!
Steve and Keely Callaway
July 2, 2013
Deepest condolences to your family & friends for the loss of your dear one; a true hero. God be with you in comfort and love as you grieve the loss of this great man. Be assured he gave his life in great honor. There is no way to thank him for his sacrifice; so in the memory of his dear passed soul I thank you, his loving family and friends. You are now his legacy. My heart is broken with you. So, so sorry for you loss.
July 2, 2013
God's Blessings
Kathy & Brian Kent
Blenheim Ontario Canada
Nancy & Norm Sandoz
July 2, 2013
Please know that out thoughts and prayers are with you at this tremendous loss. God bless you with strength and comfort
The O'Coys
July 2, 2013
There are no words to ease you pain and sorrow. We are so very sorry for your loss.
We will continue to pray for you and your family.
David & Kathryn Luithle
July 2, 2013
May you find strength in God in this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Anita H
July 2, 2013
My deepest sympathy goes out to the MACKENZIE family. Time and unforeseen occurrence befalls us all but death is something we never get used to. May many wonderful memories bring you comfort and solace. May the God who gives peace be with all of you. RO 5:33
July 2, 2013
My deepest condolences to the family and friends of these fine young men that paid the ultimate price. My prayers are with you!
Dawn Norfleet
July 2, 2013
Words can not describe the sadness we feel for you and your family. I hope you can feel the prayers all around you and find strength in them.
July 2, 2013
My heart weeps for you. May God be with you all during this tragedy.
Carol Underwood, Burlington, Nc
Charlotte
July 2, 2013
My heart breaks for Christopher MacKenzie's family. I pray God will comfort them with an everlasting peace and love.
July 2, 2013
The pain of losing a love one is something we never get use to, may the Mackenzie family gain strength from God and friends.my condolences to all.
Scott Chamberland
July 2, 2013
Please accept my Deepest Sympathies
July 2, 2013
I can only hope to live life as this man did. Thank you an I am so sorry.
robert
July 2, 2013
my heart is broken. god bless him, and your family.
July 2, 2013
Thank you Mr. Fireman, Jan-Tempe, Az
Kathy
July 1, 2013
Even though I never had the honor of meeting you, you were a hero in my eyes. I have always prayed for you and the other fire fighters everyday. Thank you for all you did. May God bless you & may He bring comfort to your family & friends. Rest in peace, Chris.
Jennifer
July 1, 2013
Prayers being said for the family and friends of Chris. May God Bless You.
July 1, 2013
Dear Michael
I'm truly sadden for your lost.My prayers are with you in the days,weeks,and months to come.I can't find words, only prayers for you and your loved ones during this difficult time.
God Bless You,
A. Borelli
Prescott Valley, AZ
Dawn Stacey
July 1, 2013
Continue your watch from above :'(
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