Richard Carl McKenzie

Carmel Valley ~ Richard C. McKenzie was born in San Francisco and moved to his beloved Carmel Valley as a young boy. He unexpectedly but peacefully passed away at his home of 50 years on January 6. He was a graduate of Monterey High School, Class of 1949 and attended Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. Richard then began a career spanning over fifty years as a building contractor and master carpenter working throughout Monterey County.

Many, who knew Richard, will remember him on the back of a horse team-roping at the Trail and Saddle Club or at Holman Ranch. He was foreman for Hank Ketcham’s ranch, the “El Robledo”, where he and his bride, Doreen, resided after they were married. Richard was active in the Carmel Valley community for most of his life, from being a coach for the Carmel Valley Little League to Chief of the Valley Volunteers Fire Department to volunteering at the Carmel Valley Community Youth Center.

A lifetime member of Lions International, Richard was a Past District Governor of Lions Club District 4C6 in 1973-1974 and a current member of the Salinas Host Lions. In the last few years of his life, Richard was embraced by a coffee club group that met at the “From Scratch” restaurant in the Barnyard, where he enjoyed sharing laughter, politics and good ole conversation (he loved you guys). Richard loved being at home watching his grandchildren grow, while working in his garden where the fruits of his labor were seen by all.

Richard is survived by his loving son, David McKenzie of Monterey, his devoted daughter, Diane McKenzie, his patriotic son-in-law, William Bledsoe and his amazing grandchildren, Victoria and Ethan Bledsoe of Carmel Valley, brother-in-law, John (Marianne) Brown of Phoenix AZ and his nephews and niece, Stewart McKenzie of Nevada City, Scott McKenzie of Fort Collins, CO and Sally (McKenzie) Plumb of Saranac Lake, NY. His wife of 44 years, Doreen, preceded him in death in 2000.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, January 25, 2014 at 11:00 am at the Carmel Valley Community Youth Center, 25 Ford Road, Carmel Valley. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Salinas Host Lions Club, PO Box 1, Salinas, CA, 93902.