William Kyle McKenzie, known to all as Bill, was born in Highland Park, Michigan on May 10, 1945 and passed away on February 27, 2021 in Livonia, Michigan. He was the only son of Archie and Jane McKenzie and loving brother to Jo Culp.
Growing up in Detroit, Bill discovered his love for music early. He played the piano and tuba. He attended Redford High School where he was a member of the school band, graduating in 1963.
Bill attended Central Michigan University where he earned a Bachelors of Science. He was a member of the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity, developing lifelong friendships. His brothers knew him best as “Mac”. It was also through the fraternity that he met his wife, Barbara. She called the fraternity in hopes of arranging a drive back home to Lincoln Park. Bill accompanied the drive home. The rest, as they say, is history…
Bill and Barb were married on July 20, 1968 at St. Henry Catholic Church in Lincoln Park. They became parents to five children, Jeff (Linda), Michele (Pete), Marla (Jason), Marti, and Zac. Bill was a devoted father, always on hand for any school project or a needed drive to practices. It could be at a moment’s notice and he was there, no questions asked. That devotion never faded. It only grew and moved on to his grandchildren: Alex, Kyle, Garrett, Jack, McKenzie, Andrea, Connor, Caden, and Claire. His love extended to his two nieces, Janille and Tanya, and their families as well.
Bill was employed by IBM for 25 years. He was a Marketing Support Specialist. After taking retirement from IBM, he continued his career at Nistem and Difco companies.
Bill’s passion for music was always to be admired, particularly with the 60s. He was talented and would treat the family on holidays to playing and singing along on the piano. He was an active member of the Harmony Town Chorus and Redford Harmony Club where he showcased his baritone skills amongst the barbershop chorus. He looked forward to their weekly rehearsals and enjoyed the various shows they performed each year. A highlight of his barbershop career was winning a statewide competition which advanced his chorus to a national competition in Connecticut.
Bill spent his time in various ways. He loved to just get in his car and drive, no place in particular. Playing golf and pool were joys of his as well. If the TV was on, it was bound to have Jeopardy, Law & Order, or historic documentaries when Bill was in control of the remote. Time with family was something he always valued. Road trips were designed to sleep overnight in the economy van while parked in KOA campgrounds. Euchre games were almost a given at any family gathering, with Bill winning more games than not. He had his routines as well. Each morning, breakfast included a cup or two of coffee while reading the newspaper. Once finished, he would pull out his pen and start doing the crossword puzzle.
Bill was a very generous person by nature. Over time, he donated at least 12 gallons of blood to the American Red Cross, having a rare blood type. A familiar sight was Bill on his riding lawnmower, cutting the grass for numerous neighbors each week. One time, drivers along 6-Mile Road were given a site with Bill driving his lawnmower over to Michele’s house because their own mower had broken down. Those small and memorable gestures were just who Bill was…
While Bill has left us, he is never forgotten. He never demanded a spotlight, but has left an everlasting light on the hearts of those who got to know the quiet, generous person that he was.
Family and friends may visit on Thursday - March 4, 2021 from 9:00 until the time of the funeral mass at 10:00 a.m. at St. Colette Catholic Church - 17600 Newburgh Road, Livonia, Michigan 48152. Procession to Michigan Memorial Park immediately following the burial for committal prayers and burial.
Please share a memory of Bill or condolences with his family at his online guestbook below.
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