Ian Roderick MacKenzie

Ian Roderick MacKenzie died September 8, 2020 in New York City. Ever discreet, he kept his cancer secret from almost everyone until his last few days. As was his wish, he remained at home until the end, tucked in with his requisite pressed and starched sheets. He was interred in Prospect Hill Cemetery on Nantucket. A celebration of his life will be held at a future date when Covid allows us to gather.

Ian was born May 27, 1940 at Doctors Hospital in NYC and raised in Palm Beach. He attended Palm Beach Private, Choate in Wallingford, CT and graduated from Washington and Lee in Lexington, VA. In an attempt to emulate his esteemed uncle, Dr. George Rich, Ian enrolled at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons. During his daily commute as a first-year medical student, he realized he preferred reading The Wall Street Journal over his textbooks. It soon became obvious that his interest lay in the financial world where markets, rather than microbes, would become his calling.

After a few years at Goldman Sachs, Ian and two friends, Lionel Goldfrank and Tom Borger, who were each heads of their departments, decided to launch their own firm. In 1968 they founded American and Overseas Asset Services, wisely renamed Intermarket, which still exists today.

Ian was happiest on Nantucket. During college summers he worked at Bosun's Locker (a beloved local watering hole) where his earnings exceeded his beginning salary at Goldman. In those early days on the island, Bob "Diesel" McGrath befriended Ian and led him to his love of Nantucket's open spaces and the Nantucket Conservation Foundation. In later years Ian faithfully returned to the island with his family, first renting Tina Craig's (then) cottage on Hulbert Avenue for Labor Day. In 1992, Carolyn and Ian bought a house at 35 India Street, which they remodeled, delighting in the adventure of collecting marine antiques and furnishings from around the world. Ian loved all things Nantucket, evidenced by his carefully-curated Nantucket library and his Nantucket-related scrimshaw collection, both reflecting his passion for the island, her history and her people.

For many years the MacKenzie family gathered on India Street in the summer and also for extended stays over Thanksgiving. During that holiday time they entertained many friends with themed parties to spread cheer and goodwill. In 2003 they bought a boathouse on Old North Wharf. It became Ian's office; with a watchman's eye, he installed a porthole so he could look up from his desk and see his Hinckley picnic boat, Flashpacket.

Ian generously gave back to the community he loved. He served for many years as a Trustee of the Nantucket Conservation Foundation, on both the Nominating and Governance Committee and the Cranberry Committee. He remained an Advisor to the Foundation until his death. He was a member of The Friends of the Nantucket Historical Association and belonged to the Nantucket Yacht Club, The Anglers' Club, The Wharf Rat Club, and The Westmoor Club. In New York he was a member of The Links, The Brook and The Knickerbocker Club. His rare wit, sharp humor and ability to jolly-up any situation will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

He is survived by his wife, Carolyn Boyce Johnes MacKenzie, whom he married in Zermatt, Switzerland in 1986; his cousin, Dolina Rich Frease (Locust Valley, Long Island); his daughter, Alexandra Dolina MacKenzie (from his marriage to Eugenia, who died in 1981) and her husband, Justin Levi Doan and their daughter, Dolina Anne Doan (Lincolnville, ME); his stepdaughters Stephanie Bradshaw Johnes (Nazaré, Portugal), and Alexandra Wallen Johnes & Gerald Michael Gilhool, Jr. and their son, Quinn Patrick Ian Gilhool Johnes (Ojai, CA). He is also survived by his long-time, faithful and beloved assistant, Patricia Neild Hijazi, with whom he meticulously planned extravagant surprise parties for Carolyn, and who was instrumental in helping plan trips to exotic places, from Antarctica to India to the Marquesas, and to restful vacations on other islands, including Barbuda and St. Barth's.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Nantucket Conservation Foundation. Telephone 508-228-2884.