Robert McKenzie

Robert (Bob) McKenzie, age 81, of Vicksburg, MI passed peacefully from this life at his home once shared with his children and beloved wife, Joyce on the evening of October 8, 2017. At the time of his passing, he was surrounded by his loving family and his faithful dog Cocoa. Bob was born in Kalamazoo, MI on March 15, 1936, the son of Charles and Helen (Foley) McKenzie. On June 21, 1958 he was married to the love of his life, Joyce Ilene (Bocher) McKenzie Bob received his Bachelor's Degree from Western Michigan University in 1958. Following graduation, Bob worked in Sales throughout his early career, relocating to Dallas, Texas for five years. Bob concluded his career retiring from the Upjohn Company. After Bob and Joyce retired they traveled most of the West and East Coasts, ultimately becoming "Snow Birds" in South Padre Island, Texas for over a decade. Bob was a life-long Parishioner at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Kalamazoo, MI. Bob is survived by his two children (and spouses): Robert Bruce McKenzie, II (Mary); Tamala Irish (Michael). Grandchildren: Robert Bruce McKenzie, III (Abby), Hunter Knight Kring; Taylor McKenzie Kring; Brandon Gregory Irish; and Ryan Joseph Gage (Courtney). Great grandchildren: Liam Michael McKenzie, Connor Knight Kring and Elliott William Gage. Bob is also survived by his brother Charles Arthur McKenzie (Jenn) and sister Karen Ann McKenzie-Vosburg; his sister-in-law, Bonnie McPherson and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife Joyce; their daughter Suzette Marie; his grandson, Jonathan Michael Irish; his parents Charles Alexander and Helen Rose; his sister, Jean Simmons; his father-in law, Robert Bocher; mother-in-law, Corrine Haas; sister-in-law, Mary Bocher; his brother-in-law, William Peck and another brother-in-law, Warren Lee Simmons. A memorial Mass will be celebrated Friday Oct. 13, 2017 at 11:00AM at St. Joseph Catholic Church 936 Lake St. with a luncheon to follow. Avink Funeral Home.