Donald Gordon "Red Dawg" McKenzie

1935 - 2010

BORN

1935

DIED

2010

Donald McKenzie Obituary

"Red Dawg" Donald Gordon McKenzie, age 75, unexpectedly passed away on December 15, 2010 in Los Angeles, CA. Don had just recovered from open heart surgery and was planning on moving to Colorado Springs on December 15, 2010 with his girlfriend, Barbara and his son, Scott. Don had spent the last several weeks meeting with friends and family members in anticipation of his planned move to Colorado Springs, CO. Unfortunately, he died of a subdural hematoma after he slipped and fell after having a farewell dinner with his friends and family in Torrance, CA on December 14, 2010. Don was raised in San Pedro as the only child of Kenneth "Don" and Gertrude (Milsap) McKenzie. He graduated San Pedro High in 1953. He was a salesman his entire life, having worked at the former DiCarlo/Wonderbread Bakery in San Pedro, CA. He worked several different delivery routes before entering management. After retiring, he continued to work security for various companies and communities. He served twenty years as a volunteer reserve police officer for the cities of Palos Verdes Estates, CA and Torrance, CA. Don is survived by his three sons, Kevin of Lomita, CA, Kenneth of San Antonio, TX and Scott of Colorado Springs, CO; granddaughters Kandace, Kassi, Kelley, Megan and Ciara; grandsons, Ian, Robert and Dillon; and his girlfriend, Barbara Nisley. Per Don's wishes there will be no memorial service and his remains will be scattered off the coast of his hometown, San Pedro, CA. Please sign the guestbook at www.dailybreeze.com/obits.

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Published by Daily Breeze on Dec. 28, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Donald McKenzie

9 Entries

March 7, 2011

We were very saddened when we read about Don passing away. We became friends when he and my husband worked together at the Ormsby House in Carson City, Nev. Don watched over our son Patrick when we moved from CC to Fresno and he even attended our son's graduation from the Police Academy in S.Maria in 2002. He was a great man and friend to many, including us. Please accept our sincerest condolences and if you'd like to contact us, feel free. George and Judy McNeal, Fresno - [email protected]

Carl Cunningham

January 7, 2011

Dear Kevin,Ken,and Scott,
I just learned of your dad's (my first cousin's) passing and am so sorry. When we were kids our families were very close -- frequently visiting back and forth between Bellflower and San Pedro. I'm sure that was in part because your grandfather was my mother's much favored little brother Don. In addition, Donald and I were both only-children and the only boys among our cousins in CA. He went on backpacking trips with my family and got me my first summer job (with DiCarlos.) So I tended to look up to him like the older brother I never had. Later after I left to join the Foreign Service in Washington DC and then went overseas our contacts of course became much less frequent. But I still have fond memories of him and of those happy earlier times. He will be much missed by all those whom he touched in so many ways.

January 4, 2011

I was so stunned and saddened to hear of Don's passing, after just talking to him at the services for Tony. My heart goes out to you. Don was truly one of the "good" guys. June Spinosa (Tony's wife)

Jackie Bruce

December 29, 2010

Don was my husband's closest friend. When my husband passed away, three years ago Christmas Day, Don wrote the most beautiful tribute to him. I will forever be grateful for that. Don was a good man and an exceptional friend.

Jackie Bruce (widow of PVE Police Lt., Curt Bruce)

lynn pisel

December 28, 2010

sorry to hear about Don. great guy,fun coworker crossword wizard.Ill miss him. kevin,I know this is not much,butIm so sorry.really liked your dad lynn pisel

Brian Burchfield

December 28, 2010

I'm sorry to have learned about the death of Mr. McKenzie. As a child my family lived across the street from the McKenzie's on Huber Ave. I grew up with the McKenzie boys. I too lost my father this year.

Brian Burchfield

December 28, 2010

I'm sorry to have learned about Mr. McKenzie's sudden death. It sounds like he was looking forward to a new chapter in his life when tragedy struck. As a child my family lived across the street from the McKenzie's on Huber Ave and I grew up with the McKenzie boys. My dad also passed away this year so I can relate to what they are going through. I wish the McKenzie family well during this sad time.

December 28, 2010

My mom (Genny Burchfield) just sent me this link. I'm so sorry to hear of Mr. McKenzie's unexpected passing. We grew up on Huber Avenue across the street from the McKenzie's and my brother and I often played with Kevin and Kenny. I have many memories of your family and want to express my condolences for your loss. Valerie Burchfield Rhodes

December 28, 2010

DEAR SCOTT, KEVEN, KEN AND BARBARA,

CAN'T TELL YOU HOW SORRY I AM ABOUT THE PASSING OF DON. IT WAS SUCH A SHOCK.

HE AND I WENT TO SCHOOL AND GRADUATED TOGETHER. WE ALSO KEPT IN TOUCH THROUGH EMAIL FROM TIME TO TIME.

I WAS SO HAPPY FOR HIM THAT HE WAS MOVING TO COLORADO SPRINGS WITH BARBARA AND SCOTT.

PLEASE ACCEPT MY CONDOLENCES TO ALL YOUR FAMILIES.

NINA CRACCHIOLO MARTORELLA

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