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Daryl McKenzie Obituary
Daryl was born July 2nd in Anchorage, AK along with his twin brother to Diana and Rob. He grew up in Palmer with 4 brothers and 3 sisters. Daryl married the love of his life Nicole on August 21st, 2010.
Daryl graduated in 1995 from Palmer high school, where he excelled in soccer and was proudly one of the top hockey players to wear a Palmer High School jersey. Daryl worked the majority of the last 11 years on the North Slope with both AES and UOSS and had an unwavering passion to contribute to the betterment of his work and inspire those around him.
Family was Daryl's life, and meant absolutely everything to him. Daryl had a tremendous heart, and one of the most generous spirits you will ever know. He lived to bring smiles to people's faces. He would do anything in his power to make your day better, and was always there for you, without ever expecting anything in return. Daryl had a positive outlook on every aspect of life, and every action came from a place of pure kindness. He was a devoted, loving, and selfless son, brother, husband, and friend.
Daryl was a very proud descendant of one of the original valley colonists, Helen Palmer, and had a deep appreciation and admiration for the town of Palmer, and for always...living it UpsoM.
Daryl is survived by his wife Nicole; mother Diana (Rick) Kaspar; father Rob (LeaAnn) McKenzie; brothers Dave (Connie), Duane (Jennie), Robbie (Felicia Sandvik), Dylan (Kim); sisters Virginia Kaspar (Jake Minturn), Robin McKenzie and Michelle (Kelly) Shults; nieces and nephews - Blake, Taylor, Americus, Isaac and Declan McKenzie Hayden and Delaney Shults; father and mother in law, James and Barbara Pulkrabek.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial account has been established at MVFCU acct. #141093.
Contacts:
Diana Kaspar 745-6776
Kehl's Palmer Chapel 745-3580
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Daryl McKenzie
Jacky Rabaino
December 13, 2012
Dmac, I remember the very first time I met you in Hawaii at the UH graduation, then chillin at Ala Moana as if it were just yesterday. Although it was short I remember the feeling of knowing how happy you made my Helga. My best friend, & my sister. I guess what I wanted to say was, thank you. Thank you for being such a great husband, and best friend to her. I love the two of you and am so honored to have known you. Rest in Love brother, until we meet again! Xoxo!!
Monkey See Monkey Do!!!
Tayloy McKenzie
December 13, 2012
Mike Kirkpatrick
December 12, 2012
I really wanted to share my thoughts at Daryl's memorial but w/so much to say and nothing written down, I feared that my emotions would get the better of me and I wouldn't be able to truly say what I wanted.
I know that many of you were fortunate enough to know Daryl since birth or grow up w/him from the earlier years. To be honest, I didn't ever meet Daryl until I was a senior in high school (2yrs. older than him, class of '93). To be fair, there wasn't a lot of time spent hanging out other than me going to root for the Moose at a hockey game or the occasional social gathering.
It wasn't until a couple summers after Daryl's senior year that we both found ourselves working for the grounds crew at the Alaska State Fair. It didn't take long for management to decide that one of the best jobs for a couple of jokers like Daryl and I were to shovel out the equestrian stables on a regular basis throughout the summer. Being an avid hockey fan and an elite player at NHL'93 (video game) the first real common ground we both had was hockey. At that time I had never even played a pick-up game or even really skated all that much but was amazed at how quick Daryl could take me down when we did mock face-offs w/our pitchforks, rakes and shovels. He would show me other skills as well which still usually ended in the same result...me on the ground laughing, promising to exact my revenge next time. To pass the time we would quiz each other on our knowledge of past and current NHL players, using the numbers on each stable as our source of trivia.
After a few short weeks of working together we would start to hang out afterwards and enjoy many of the activities that Palmer had to offer in the summer time (hiking, swimming, bonfires, hanging out w/friends, goofing off, etc.).
With both of our lives on different trajectories at different points (college, various jobs, living in other states, etc.) there would be good periods of time where we wouldn't see each other. Although, all it took was a run-in during the holidays or any other random time for our friendship to be rekindled.
Making shirts brought us closer probably more than any other one thing. After mentioning that he, Heath and his brother Duane had purchased a silk-screen machine and that I should come print w/them sometime was all that it took. A couple of ideas, some graphics I had whipped up using my design skills and a day in the Lounge and I was hooked. It wasn't that we were both just doing something we loved but it was a chance to really get to know each other; to catch up on what we had missed during the years apart and where we hoped to go and what we wanted to achieve.
I had always seen glimpses of Daryl's spirit, selflessness, fun & goofiness (I think this is where we were peas in a pod) and kindness but it was during these years that I truly began to understand what a very special and unique person he was; and I truly felt blessed to have a person like Daryl in my life.
Many more adventures followed (from celebrating my 35th birthday by flying to DC and Pittsburgh for 5 days to sliding down the slopes of Alyeska and everything in between), thousands of shirts were made, and the momentum and plans just kept getting bigger and bigger. I always reminded Daryl that despite what I had lined out for his time home from the Slope (in regards to the Print Lounge) it was to be second fiddle to spending time w/Nicole and his family. Yet he always would leave a stash of shirts either in my car or on my porch on his way back to the airport to return to work.
As I write this now I even catch myself rambling. There simply are too many good memories and great things to say about Daryl. I loved him like a brother (I figured one more wouldn't hurt) and have struggled daily since his passing. There is no replacing a soul like Daryl (not even close) but it's the good memories (which again, seems to be like a never-ending supply) and the sharing of stories that will keep him close in our hearts. Try to treat people the way Daryl would've, non-judgmental and w/kindness. The kind of man who would give you the shirt off of his back (and often did:) just to make your load a little lighter or your day a little brighter.
In closing I would like to share something that I came across in a text message between D-Mac and I, shortly after I had heard the tragic news: "Thank you for making me better then I ever could've been by myself. Safe travels, see you soon. Very thankful for our friendship" - Daryl M.
Funny thing is those sentiments are how I feel exactly and know that there are many others that can say the same. That being said, "Thank you for making me better then I ever could've been by myself. Safe travels, see you soon. Very thankful for our friendship". I love and miss you Daryl and I sure hope to God that you've got everyone in stitches up there. Rest in peace my friend and someday we'll meet again.
Your friend, - Michael S. Kirkpatrick aka Capt. Kirk aka Yeti
Jesse Jelinek
December 12, 2012
To the guy that always reminded me to live it Upsom! I'll never forget that smirk that would hit both of our faces when we saw each other across the room. You brought happiness to so many people on a daily basis and your presence in a room always brought good vibes. Your mentoring advanced my career in more ways than 1 and I will always be thankful for that. I'll never forget the time we flew off the slope to attend leadership training and you were the only guy that left the bar to hang out with me because I was the only person in the bunch that wasn't 21. I'll miss our epic ping pong battles at lunch time and sharing music during break. You were an awesome friend, and I sure hope to see you on the other side. Live it Upsom Mac, KuPARuk is not the same without you.
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Steve Grantland
December 6, 2012
I have fond memories of Daryl. When he stepped onto the ice he was a force to be reckoned with. I'm sure he approached everything in life with the same zest. May God bless and comfort both friends and family that mourn this loss.
Steve & Becky Grantland
December 6, 2012
Our prayers and sympathy to all of the family. Daryl was an awesome kid.
Dane Vucinich
December 2, 2012
D- YOU Are closer than a brother to me and it is because of you and who you were that my life will never be the same . I never understood how you treated everyone equally and how you were always able to light up the room...the only thing that makes since to me now is that you are an Angel, a gift from God , and I know this because I know you will always be with me, I will always strive to be like you my brother because of your loving kindness I love you and see you soon
Shawn Haygom
December 1, 2012
I love you Daryl! You were a champion on earth and you will be a champion in Heaven. I will see you on the other side. Heaven will never be the same! UPSOM!!!!
November 29, 2012
Such a nice kid, always smiling and polite. A huge loss. You will be missed by everyone that ever met you Daryl. Robbie and Diane and the whole family, I feel for you from the bottom of my heart. Deb Alsterberg
Palmer
Owen
November 25, 2012
We were so saddened to hear of the passing of Daryl. Our hearts go out to the Mckenzie family and friends.Jesus Christ promised that all those in Jehovah's memory will be resurrected. Billions of people like Daryl now have that hope.
Morgan Jett
November 25, 2012
P town all the way, hockey for life bud, we will see you soon at the stairway brother and you will always be missed till then.
George & Totsie Pursey
November 24, 2012
Rob and Leann, we are so sorry to hear of your loss. May God be with you in this difficult time and bring you comfort.
Fred Thome
November 24, 2012
I was always greeted with a smile! My condolences
Jeremy Johnson
November 23, 2012
Thanks for always being there for me buddy and of course for always living it UPSOM!!!!
Melanie Dwyer
November 23, 2012
You'll be thought of often and always missed Daryl. You'll never be forgotten.
Wendy Hale
November 23, 2012
RIP, hang with Chris and you will fine. He can show the way it goes in your new life. Smile down at your Mom, she is going to need all the help she can get.
Tyson Hall
November 23, 2012
Thank you for all the wonderful memories. You are greatly missed and will always be with me and never forgotten. RIP, brother.
November 23, 2012
Feel grateful to have many happy memories of Daryl and the McKenzie family through the years. From playing soccer as kids, to practicing powderpuff football in the McKenzie yard.
You will be missed Daryl.
Cerise
Andrea Day
November 23, 2012
You will be greatly missed, thank you for the many memories you have left me with.
Shasten Marshall
November 22, 2012
I vaguely remember you from JR High,and I send my condolences to your family! God bless you!!
Keri Lyons
November 22, 2012
God bless you, I know your in heaven smiling down on all of us. You will be sorely missed.
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