John C. McKenzie

McKENZIE
JOHN C.
1920-2005. On Sat., December 3, 2005; beloved husband of Jeanne R.; loving and devoted father of Wayne and Mark. John's wife of 58 years, Jeanne had been his devoted caregiver throughout his illness (Lewy Body Disease) of almost five years. John is also survived by Wayne's wife Deborah and their four children; Erin, Evan, Shannon & Blaire. John has one surviving brother, Charles and three deceased siblings; Betty Braden, Evelyn McKenzie and Harry (Bill) McKenzie. Also surviving John are Jeanne's siblings, Virginia Zambrano and brothers, Max Rosarius and Johnny "R" Rosarius and Jeanne's deceased brother, Paul Rosarius of Heidelberg, Germany. John and Jeanne have many nieces and nephews. John was an avid gardener. He found great satisfaction in making the world a more beautiful place. He took an early retirement to take care of his sister, Evelyn, at his home until her death. Often, he would work outdoors from daybreak until well after dark and spent the winter months indoors reading gardening books and catalogs to orchestrate the spring planting. In addition to keeping the gardens and lawns around his home immaculately groomed, John's vegetable garden the his "barn" grew larger every year while the family was young. The entire family would gather every fall for long sessions of harvesting and canning which increased in size every year. Eventually, the vegetable garden was slowly replaced by well chosen perennials, emulating a Monet painting. John also volunteered at Phipps Conservatory and in the Pittsburgh Zoo greenhouse following retirement. John loved a pun. Even throughout the progression of his dementia, he loved word games. John was remembered by many during a recent stay at a rehabilitation facility by his harmonica playing and enthusiastic shouts of "Hurrah Hurrah" followed by a joyous refrain of the carol 'Jingle Bells.' John's life was his message. He truly was the salt of the earth. He was selfless, generous, reliable, humble & humorous; always offering a safe harbor to all of those who knew and loved him. John will be greatly missed by many. A Memorial Service will be held this spring. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of John can be sent to" Forbes Hospice, 115 South Neville Street, Pgh., PA 15213. (412) 325-7787 or The Good Grief Center for Bereavement Support, 510 East Tenth Street, Munhall, PA 15120 (412) 461-1776. Arrangements by FINDLAY C. WYLIE FUNERAL HOME INC., Penn Hills (412) 731-2901.
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