Ronald graduated from Bakersfield High School in Bakersfield, California in 1952. From 1953 to 1956, Ronald proudly served his country as a United States Marine, during the Korean Conflict. After his honorable discharge, Ronald attended Fresno City College and earned an associate degree.
Ronald began a 34 year career with Pacific Gas and Electric in Bakersfield and later in Fresno, California in 1959. He retired in 1993.
Ronald married the love of his life, Nancy Vanderpool, in 1965 in Bakersfield, California. The couple had two daughters together, Jeanne and Laura.
The MacKenzie family enjoyed traveling together in their RV. A favorite destination was Pismo Beach, California where the MacKenzie family engaged in "clamming." Ronald was an avid outdoorsman all of his life. On the family's 5-acre plot, Ronald planted walnut trees and grafted them. He also planted fruit trees and raised vegetables. Ronald even tried his hand at animal husbandry by mating two desert tortoises. The result was several desert tortoise hatchlings. As a devoted family man, Ronald took his wife and daughters to their swim meets and Clovis High School band competitions.
Ronald is survived by his wife, Nancy; his daughters, Jeanne Elizabeth Wells and Laura Diane MacKenzie; grandchildren, Keaton MacKenzie Sullivan, Kade Loren Sullivan, Russell Henry Wells and Garrett Ronald Wells.
The family would like to extend thanks to the staffs and caregivers of Auspice Home Care; Optimal Hospice; and the Veterans' Administration for all the care rendered to Ronald and the care and support to his family during his battle with Alzheimer's Disease.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.boicefuneralhome.com for the MacKenzie family.
