Wendell Roy "Wendy" McKenzie

Wendell "Wendy" Roy McKenzie
1944 - 2014
Wendell "Wendy" Roy McKenzie age 70, of Star, ID returned to his Heavenly Father on Nov. 12, 2014, surrounded by loved ones, after a courageous battle with lung cancer.
Wendy was born February 4, 1944 in Emmett, ID to Kenneth Harold and Dorothy Ethel McKenzie. As a child, Wendy grew up living near and working for Edwards Greenhouse. Some of Wendy's fondest memories as a child were fishing and picnicking with his family. He also had to help with a lot of canning and churning butter, neither of which he enjoyed doing. He was introduced to his soul mate, Mary "Jean" Little by her twin sisters husband. Jean said the one thing that attracted her to Wendy the most, "was his curly hair." They were married on September 28, 1967 at St. Mary's in Boise. Through this union, they were blessed with six children. When Wendy was asked about his school years, he said he did not care much for it. He was always getting into fights. He graduated from Boise High in 1962, and went onto Boise Junior College for four years doing automotive/machine shop training. He was enlisted in the Navy as an MCB, for a total of six years, three of which was active duty. During this time, he was stationed in Rhode Island, and fought in the Vietnam War. Upon his honorable discharge, he worked for MK, ran the Chevron service station in Star, and was a mechanic for TVC, Masco, and later Schmidt Construction.
Wendys' interests included anything mechanical, spending time with his family, doing yard work with his John Deere tractor, watching his grandsons numerous sporting events, and spending time with his animals.
One of his greatest achievements was building the family home.
His greatest disappointment in life was not being able to travel once he retired.
Wendy is survived by his loving wife, Jean of Star, and four children: Mary (Dan) Bowles of Boise, Kenneth McKenzie, of Star, Delbert (Zya) McKenzie, of Star, and Robert (Jennifer) McKenzie, of Boise. Eight grandchildren: Damien, Daniel, Kayla & Andy Bowles, Bryndin (Grandpa's "Little Buddy") McKenzie, Lexus, Sariya, & Katelin "Boo Bear" McKenzie; four great-grandchildren; and his two sisters, Bobbie Butler of Tucson, AZ, and Janice (Jim) Lane of Jordan Valley, OR. Amongst many other beloved family members.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and Dorothy, twin siblings, two children, Roy & Bruce, and one grandchild, Rylee Harold.
A vigil will be held at Cloverdale Funeral Home on Wednesday, November 19, 2014 at 6:00pm with the rosary beginning at 7:00pm. Mass of Christian Burial will take place at Holy Apostles Catholic Church on Thursday, November 20, 2014 at 11:00am, followed by a memorial luncheon before proceeding on to Star Cemetery for interment.
The family suggests that memorial donations be made to your favorite charity.
The family would like to thank Dr. Langerak and his staff at the St. Al's infusion center.