Hugh Maxwell MacKenzie Sr.

Chaplin - Hugh Maxwell MacKenzie Sr., of Chaplin, died on Dec. 20, 2013.

He was born Oct. 31, 1924, in New London, the son of Hugh MacKenzie and Nettie Viola (Edwards) MacKenzie. He was raised on the family dairy farm located at Durfee Hill, Waterford, which was purchased by his father in 1917. He graduated from Chapman Technical High School in New London, in 1942, and received a bachelor of science degree from the University of Connecticut's School of Agriculture in 1951.

Throughout his adult life, Hugh was active in numerous religious, social, political, cultural, and agricultural organizations in Waterford, Pomfret, and Brooklyn. He served as a 4-H Club leader and was selected by the International Farm Youth Exchange to teach farming methods in Mexico for several months.

Hugh married Mary Carol Hoffmeyer on May 17, 1958, at Kirkpatrick Chapel, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, N.J.

He devoted a substantial portion of his life to public service. He served five terms as a state representative in the Connecticut General Assembly. He was a member of the Waterford Board of Selectmen from 1957 to 1963 and was Waterford's First Selectman from 1963 to 1967. During his tenure on Waterford's behalf, some of his accomplishments included the purchase of the Waterford Town Beach, the establishment of the Eugene O'Neill Theater Center, and the siting of Millstone Nuclear Power Station.

Hugh was also an auctioneer who lent his talents to fundraising events for the Oswegatchie School PTA and other community groups.

Hugh was employed by the Connecticut Department of Economic Development during which time he brought many businesses to the state including Frito-Lay in Dayville, Staples in Putnam, and numerous businesses to the Norwich Industrial Park and surrounding towns.

During his retirement, he was active in the Scotland Highland Festival Association of Eastern Connecticut. He recited the poetry of Robert Burns at Scottish events for many years.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his son, Hugh Maxwell MacKenzie Jr. of Chaplin; two daughters, Kate MacKenzie of New London and Cameron MacKenzie, Esq. of Waterford. He is also survived by his four grandchildren, Jessie and Warren MacKenzie of New London, Evelyn and Hugh MacKenzie, and their mother, Carol MacKenzie, of Columbia.

He was predeceased by a daughter, Molly MacKenzie Blauvelt, and two sisters, Margaret and Mary.

Arrangements will be private.