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Condolences:
Shannon
Gary was one of the first folks I met at dog park. Everytime someone entered the park he gave a warm welcome. I will so miss seeing him at the park. Thoughts to his family. He was such a warm and gracious man.
Lin Vincent
Gary so kindly and lovingly took us under his wing at the dog park when we were new members. our Labrador Retriever, Charlie, did not get the gene for "retrieving" and Gary worked so patiently with him - and us to get that behavior down. Charlie really only obeyed for Gary.. but it was OK. it made our times together so wonderful and joyful Gary truly had the patience of a Saint. Rest in peace dear friend
Alan Glenn
We knew Gary and his family when they lived in Mosby Woods in Fairfax, Va. He was a terrific person and contributed a lot to our neighborhood. His boys grew up at the same time as our children. Gary made a lasting impact on many of the neighborhood kids because he of his love of sports and other interests. He coached youth sports including basketball and lacrosse and his sons were all terrific athletes. He always was a positive influence with everyone and certainly left our neighborhood a better place and our lives enriched from knowing him. The picture of him here is how I remember him, as thoughtful, caring and interested in others.
Geoff Grant
I have only known Gary for a couple of years, through the dog park, like so many others. He was a kind, gentle and funny soul. He showed me comapssion, friendship and humor through my health issues. I will miss him and his cheerful "Hi Geoff, how ya doing". My condolences to his wife and his family.
Kevin O'Hara
Gary will be greatly missed. I saw him and talked to him everyday I went to the dog park
Juan Suarez
My sincerest condolences to the family, Gerri and Emily, I know he meant so much to you both, my heart is with you all.
Suzanne and John Batchelor
Our sincerest condolences to the family. Gary was such a nice man and Neighbor. He will be sorely missed in our community.
Cathy Glascock
I worked with Gary at Barnabas Center. We shared an office for quite a while until he got his pink office. They offered to paint it but he didn't care that it was pink. He was always so easy going. He always had a smile on his face. He loved his boys and was excited to marry Jeri. He would leave work to take his dogs to the dog park. He was a great man, and will be dearly missed.
Stacy Fields Hall
Gary McKenzie, the BEST Friend of my Dad - my heart breaks and my eyes are filled with tears. I've known the name "Gary" for as long as Ive been alive. Memories of the family living in Virginia, hearing about your 3 sons, knowing and feeling your pain of losing your son David, finding your wife Gerri and enjoying retirement in Florida. Gary, thank you for being my dad's best friend for more than 50 years. Thank you for the moments you spent with my Dad, mom and even me. I look forward to seeing you again, in Paradise, playing basketball with Dad and you both having good knees.
Paige Baldree
My fondest memory of Gary is when we both went to Charlotte to help with our new grandson Sullivan. Trying to adapt to a newborn's schedule, we found ourselves “high-fiving “ all hours of the night, usually on the stairs at the” shift change “! One of us going up to rest, the other coming down to take over. It was a special time we shared together! Gary was always so very good to my daughter and all of her family when we’d end up together at the McKenzie home for celebrations and visits.
Jason McKenzie
Oh man. I remember when I got a speeding ticket heading to your place in Fairfax. I remember getting the kids to clean up the house when I was sitting. I remember when you shaved your moustache off, I have a video somewhere of that. You were always welcoming and funny and on our side. I will miss you greatly Uncle Gary.
Fabian and Erin Cash
We are so sorry for your loss. We just spent those couple days with you both both. Gary was a kind soul. Love and miss you all.
Marillian Missiti
I have wonderful memories of Gary's kindness and always smiling. With deepest sympathy and prayers to his family.
Jodie Koford
My heart breaks for you, Gerri. Knowing Gary has been a treasure in my life, and I miss him dearly. You two were lucky to have each other.
Gary James McKenzie
2024-04-24
Gary James McKenzie, 71, of Fernandina Beach, Fla., passed away unexpectedly on
Wednesday, April 24, at home.
Born December.11, 1952, in Johnstown, Pa., Gary excelled in basketball, including
playing point guard for Bishop McCort High School and for the University of Pittsburgh
at Johnstown.
Gary retired from the National Pest Management Association, where he was the chief
financial officer. After retirement, he moved to Fernandina Beach and served as chief
financial officer for Barnabas Center.
In 2019, Gary married his love, Gerri. The two cherished their time together, from
traveling adventures abroad to riding bicycles around Amelia Park. Gary could also
regularly be found at Aurora’s Dog Park with Maya and Aardie, and he faithfully
attended St. Michael Catholic Church.
Everyone around him knew that Gary’s greatest joy was raising his sons, Ben, David
and Max. He loved nothing more than seeing them grow into exceptional young men.
Gary is predeceased by his son, David; parents William and Kathleen McKenzie; and
his brother, William McKenzie, Jr.
He is survived by his wife, Gerri; his son Ben, and his wife Taylor; his son, Max; and his
grandson Sullivan. He also leaves behind his sister, Kathleen; his sister Karen, and her
husband Raymond; his stepson Carson; and his stepdaughter Emily and her husband
Alex; and many beloved nieces and nephews.
A funeral mass will be celebrated at noon on Tuesday, April 30, at St. Michael Catholic
Church in Fernandina Beach. Interment will follow at a later date.
Donations may be made in Gary’s memory to Bishop McCort Catholic High School (25
Osborne St., Johnstown, Pa., 15905) or Nassau Humane Society (650 Airport Road
Fernandina Beach, Fla., 32034).
Memories