Samuel (Sam) McKenzie

Johnston

Sam McKenzie, 18, passed away Friday, January 29, 2016 at Iowa Methodist Medical Center. A celebration of life service will be held 11 a.m. Friday, February 5, 2016 at Zion Lutheran Church in Des Moines, Iowa. (4300 Beaver Avenue, 50310)

Sam was born in Des Moines and was raised and attended school in Johnston, Iowa. He was a longtime boy scout, loved to work out and ride his motorcycle, and spend time with his friends. He was always in motion and loved to help out and be kind to others. Sam signed up to be an organ donor at an earlier age and at his death his organ donation gift helped five other people. Sam was a member of Debra Heights Wesleyan Church and the Mid Iowa Trail Riders Association.

He is survived by his parents, Angela and Ron McKenzie of Johnston, sister, Kyla McKenzie of West Des Moines; paternal grandmother, Imo McKenzie of Dallas Center, Iowa; several aunts, uncles, and cousins; and his faithful dog, Nellie. Sam was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Maurice and Phyllis Borlin and his aunt, Beverly Dierdorff.

Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday at McLaren’s Resthaven Chapel in West Des Moines, Iowa. In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to Debra Heights Wesleyan Church. The McKenzie family is grateful to the staff at Methodist Hospital for their excellent care of Sam.