Michael MacKenzie

Michael Joseph MacKenzie died peacefully of complications from Multiple Sclerosis on April 28, 2013. He was born to Robert and Marguerite on June 29, 1945 and grew up in San Francisco. He graduated from Lowell High School and University of San Francisco where he earned master’s degrees both in political science and counseling. Like his father, Michael primarily pursued a career in education. He taught in several Bay Area junior high schools and at College of Marin. He later joined the Department of Corrections where he worked as a correctional officer, teacher and an administrator of education. He was a veteran of the Vietnam War, during which he earned two Bronze Stars and several meritorious service medals. Following his tour of active duty, Michael went on to serve in the U.S. Army Reserve for over thirty years and retired as a lieutenant colonel.

He is survived by his wife of 42 years: Cristina; his two sons: Matthew Lawrence and Adam Christopher; his daughter-in-law: Francesca; his grandchildren: Colin Michael and Caitlin Anne; his brothers: John, Thomas, Joseph and Stephen; his sisters: Marguerite, Anne and Kitty; and a multitude of in-laws, nephews, nieces, grandnephews and grandnieces. Michael was preceded in death by his mother: Marguerite; his father: Robert; his brothers: Lawrence, Robert, Edward and David; his sister: Mary; and his stepmother: Marjeanne.

Michael was an avid reader of history and political science with a special interest in the Kennedy era. He enjoyed coaching his two sons in soccer, watching sports on television, and spending quality time with family and friends. He was a devoted husband and father and was very courageous throughout his long struggle with M.S. and accepted his challenges with dignity and grace.

A vigil is scheduled for Monday evening at 7pm, May 6th, at Keaton’s Redwood Chapel of Marin, 1801 Novato Blvd., Novato, CA. There will be a Mass at Our Lady of Loretto in Novato on May 7th at 10:30 am followed by burial at Valley Memorial Park, 650 Bugeia Ln., Novato, CA. Family and friends are invited to a reception immediately following the burial.

Donations can be made in his name to Hospice by the Bay, 17 E. Sir Francis Drake Blvd., Larkspur, CA 94939 or the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, P.O. Box 4527,

New York, NY 10163.