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Ronald McKenzie Obituary

Ron McKenzie, 80, of Green Bay, WI, formerly of Minneapolis, MN, passed away peacefully at home quietly encircled by three generations of family on March 30, 2013.



Ron was a graduate of the University of Minnesota, School of Journalism. He went on the serve as captain in the US Air Force, Headquarters of the 18th Air Force, 1955-1957 in Greenville, SC, as Public Information Officer (journalist and photographer) where he had opportunity to travel the world including assisting in the production of the 1958 Cinerama adventure film, "Search for Paradise". He later completed an MBA at the University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh where he went on to teach business classes. In the late 1960s, he was an original founding member and first president of the board of the Boy's Club of Green Bay (now the Boys and Girls Club of Green Bay) and has been the longest serving board member in full-standing, serving without interruption from the early 1970s until this year where he remained committed to serving the changing needs of boys and girls in the Green Bay area in the 40 years since inception of the organization. Along with his wife, Ann, they established the Mark McKenzie Scholarship Fund which offsets tuition costs to assist students with disabilities in attending St Norbert College in De Pere.



Ron was witty, sharp and good-natured with a dry sense of humor and one who delighted in making connections with everyone he met along the way. A passionate actor, he held his first role in theatre at 11 years old in a University of Minnesota production and his last, at 80 years old, in "The Sound of Music" with the St. Norbert College Music Theatre with many productions in the interim decades. As an accomplished watercolorist, he could be found in classes at The Clearing in Door County and NWTC in Green Bay with brush in hand exacting technique until very recently. For many years he completed the New York Times crossword puzzles…in pen. An appreciator of great music from big band to Canadian Brass to bagpipes, he was of the generation of men who learned to dance well and was able to sweep many lovely dance partners across the floor with confidence and grace. He found freedom in raising sail on all of the Great Lakes and in worldwide travel with his wife, Ann.



Ron is survived by his three children, Angela and her daughter, Thu; Ron Paul (Lori) and their son, Matt; and Greg (Keli) and their children, Mark, Ryan, and Katie. He was preceded in death by his parents, his son, Mark and his wife of 49 years, Ann Devoy McKenzie. Also surviving is a sister Jan (Maynard) Anderson. He will be fondly remembered by many loving family members and friends across the US.



Visitation will be held at St Norbert College Parish at Old St. Joseph Church on Wednesday, April 3rd, 2013 from 4-7pm followed by a short memorial service at 7:00. Visitation will continue on Thursday, April 4th, 2013 beginning at 10am. Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11am with Bishop Robert Morneau officiating. RYAN FUNERAL HOME is assisting the family. Please visit www.ryanfh.com to send online condolences to the McKenzie family.



In lieu of flowers, memorials in his memory would be greatly appreciated by family to the Boys and Girls Club of Green Bay and the Mark McKenzie Scholarship Fund at St Norbert College in De Pere.



Published by Green Bay Press-Gazette on Apr. 2, 2013.
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Memories and Condolences
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Dear Mckenzie Family,
I first met Ron when he came home from school with my brother
Joe Mulcahey. I am not sure if it was grade school first but they took the same streetcar to DeLasalle high school . Ron became a good friend to me and was always willing to be my date at a holy Angels function. We had wonderful times in those years . Ann and I went to grade school together and his sister Jan I also knew.
When they moved from MPLS I was sorry to see them leave. Ron was very funny, bright , and a loyal friend. I do not know any of Ann and Ron,s children, my loss, still I send my prayers to all of you, I bet each of you have a gift from his being your dad.
Mary Lou Ott

Mary Lou Mulcahey-Ott

April 20, 2013

we send our thoughts and prayers to Angela, Greg and Paul. Your parents were good friends of ours. May they rest in peace.
Betty & Fred Murphy
Destin, Fl

April 4, 2013

I worked with Ron at the Press-Gazette. I remember him for his humor and fun and miss that. I have him in my thoughts and prayers. Truly one of the good guys!

Susan Rosin

April 4, 2013

Dear Angela, Ron Paul and Greg and families,

I am deeply saddened by your dad's passing and my dad is filled with sorrow. I know that this is the cycle of life and I know that your dad is in a beautiful place with your mom and Mark, but I also know how heavy your hearts are. I could hardly believe it when my dad told me the news. I hold you all in prayer and I wish I could be there to attend services. It seems like yesterday that we moved in next door and I can hardly believe that we are at this place in our lives. Words fail me right now, but now I am keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers.

Love, Sarah

Sarah Brown Bryan

April 3, 2013

Rest in Peace Dad. You're my hero!

Love,
Paul

Ron Paul McKenzie, Jr.

April 3, 2013

The Press-Gazette had a crummy cafeteria, but lunch there with Ron and some others often was a delight. I admired the way he took life's punches in stride and with a smile.

Bob Woessner

April 3, 2013

We were shocked to hear the news that Ron passed away. We knew Ron for almost 60 years. A group of us did many crazy things over the years and always enjoyed having Ron as a part of our craziness. Some of our best memories included time together on Lake Gogebic, where Ann's had a cabin(I believe they still have the place). We were all married and had children over the years. Though separated when Ron and Ann moved to GB, we kept in contact and saw them,Ron after Ann's passing, with too infrequent visits. Ron always sent me a birthday card-snarky, of course, and I would sent it back to him when his birthday rolled around. His frugal nature rubbed off! May he rest in peace with Ann and Mark. Don and Joyce Johnson

April 2, 2013

Ron was a delightful guy and will be missed by many, many friends.

Marian Hoslet

April 2, 2013

Ron and I became close friends during our Air Force time at Donaldson AFB, Greenville, SC. We stayed in touch and he visited here several times in recent years and I spent a week with him in 2010 while attending the Oshkosh Air Show. A witty, wonderful guy - he will be missed very much.

Ron Copsey

April 2, 2013

I extend my deepest sympathies for your loss. I loved Ron and Ann. I had the pleasure of working with Ron at the Press Gazette and with him at Gannett. I had the chance to connect with him recently and catch up on his life. My thoughts and prayers are with you in this difficult time.
Roxanne Beverstein
Cupertino California

April 2, 2013

My sympathy to the family. I worked with Ron for many years, not only at the PG, but in the promotion of the Press-Gazette Bowling Tournament where he enjoyed a Irkwell-Pilsner beer. RIP.

Jim Zima

April 2, 2013

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