Patrick McKenzie
March 11, 1925 ~ August 27, 2018
Monterey
Patrick "Pat" McKenzie died peacefully at his home at Merrill Gardens, Monterey, in the early hours of Monday, August 27, 2018. Patrick was surrounded by the love of his family and friends, near his beloved wife.
Born and raised in Baguio, the Philippines, on March 11, 1925, to George and Maria Lopez McKenzie, Patrick lived a charmed life with three sisters and one brother: Elizabeth Abrigo, Simeona Tiongan, Irene McKenzie, and Paul McKenzie, who all preceded their brother in death. The McKenzie Family survived the Depression and World War II. On August 27, 1952, Patrick married Estela Dixon Fernandez - a loving union that would flourish until his passing on their 66th wedding anniversary.
Patrick was a resident of the world having lived in Europe, Asia, and many parts of the United States. His travels in large part were due to his successful career in the military. From 1948 to 1968, Patrick, with his wife and seven children, proudly served his country in the US Army. During his decorated career, Patrick participated in the Korean conflict and served at numerous stations earning a Good Conduct Bronze Medal (recognized twice for this award), National Defense Service Medal, Japanese Occupation Medal, Korean Service Medal, and Expert Badge with Carbine Bar. While in the Army, Patrick and family made homes at Clark Air Force Base in the Philippines; Kaiserslautern, Germany; and in Washington, Colorado, and California. At each stop and station, Patrick made sure that he and his children explored their surroundings engaging in many excursions through Europe, Asia, and the United States - in later years, many an evening were spent by the McKenzie Clan watching the "slide shows" of Rome, Paris, Munich, the Swiss Alps, Tokyo, Denver, Seattle, Spokane, and San Francisco.
In 1968, Patrick retired from the military and settled in Seaside, California. For the next 19 years, Patrick enjoyed a career at Monterey Peninsula College. During this time, Patrick, with his wife Estela, engaged in nurturing his children through school, life, spirituality, and family. A lifelong Catholic, Patrick was a faithful servant at local churches, including St. Francis Xavier in Seaside and Ord Military Chapel on the former Fort Ord military base. In his later years, in addition to his love of Christ, Patrick had a deep devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, praying the Rosary faithfully each night. And, of course, being an Irishman, he loved his Patron Saint, Patrick.
A fine craftsman, Patrick enjoyed building furniture and construction - first for the benefit of his family and then his children's families. His workmanship was excellent, detailed, and thoughtful. But, beyond the craftsmanship, was the knowledge that each piece was a Patrick McKenzie "original" replete with a provenance unique to him and the recipient of his generosity.
After his children had grown, and moved on to their own families, Patrick resumed his travels, revisiting Europe and embarking on new adventures in the Middle East, returning to the Philippines, and discovering the Midwest and East Coast of the United States. Often the trips coincided with another new adventure - grandchildren. All in all, Patrick and Estela were the proud grandparents of 16 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren (plus 11 granddogs and 2 great granddogs).
Patrick loved golf (although in his later years, his golf enjoyment was limited to watching his favorite player, Tiger Woods, on the television), the culinary arts, good wine, and film. Trained as a chef in the military, Patrick passed his love and talent for cooking to his children and grandchildren. An accomplished baker, his children and grandchildren savored his delectable delights. Although not an avid reader, Pat enjoyed perusing the Monterey Peninsula/County Herald cover-to-cover through the years.
Pat is survived by his loving wife Estela. For 66 years Pat and Estela knew an enduring and endearing love, one that will surely continue on through eternity. And Pat is survived by his 7 children: Miriam "Mimi" Schwertfeger married to RC, Patrick McKenzie married to Agnes, Raymond McKenzie married to Sandra, Marie "Mia" Myers married to Stephen, Thomas McKenzie, J. McKenzie married to Karen, and Arthur McKenzie married to Rosa; 16 grandchildren: Marisa Merkle (Mimi Schwertfeger), Andrea (Patrick McKenzie), Allyson, Mathew (Ray McKenzie), McKenzie Carrion, Alexandria Pinta, Kailla, Cydney (Mia Myers), Zachary, Krystina, Marcus, Jessica, Kaitlyn, Lily (Thomas McKenzie), and Luke, Kylie (J. McKenzie); and 13 great-grandchildren: Magdalena, Cecilia, Thaddeus, Xavier, Teresa (Marisa and Thomas Merkle), Grant (McKenzie and Chad Carrion), Noah and Estela (Alexandria and Steve Pinta), Cali and Zachary (Zachary and Katrina McKenzie), Jenna and Khloe (Krystina and Josh Deese), Mana (Jessica McKenzie and Michael Block); and many family (in-laws, nieces, nephews, grand nieces, grand nephews, great-grand nieces, and great-grand nephews) and friends.
Patrick's wife and children are very grateful to all of the kind and devoted caregivers at Merrill Gardens, although too numerous to mention, the family would like to especially thank Belinda Scolari and Ahsan Gill for their spirit and care for "Mama and Papa" - the family is amazed at the daily gentle, humorous, and loving manner the MG staff bestows on residents and guests at the facility; to the excellent medical care team at the VA Hospital in Marina, especially America Planas and Dr. Allen who always met Pat with a warm smile and a generous spirit; and, finally, VNA Hospice of Monterey, especially Maryam Finnegan, who consistently made Patrick feel comfortable and cared for in these last few weeks.
A Vigil Service and Rosary will be held on Thursday, August 30, 6:00pm at Mission Mortuary, 450 Camino El Estero in Monterey, California. Funeral Mass is scheduled for Friday, August 31, 2:00pm at St. Francis Xavier (SFX) Church, 1475 La Salle Avenue, Seaside, California, with reception to follow at the SFX Parish Hall. Christian Burial is Saturday, September 1, 11:00am at Mission Memorial Park, 1915 Ord Grove Avenue, Seaside, California.

View the online memorial for Patrick McKenzie