Michael McKenzie Obituary

I just heard of Mike's passing. So sorry to hear and deepest condolences to the family. I worked for Mike at SCDNR for several years. Issuing Capers camping permits and various office duties including helping to get the Edisto interpretive center up and running that he coordinated with SC State Parks. We were both from Georgetown and graduated from Winyah although he was a few years older. He was our paper boy when he was young as we also lived in the same neighborhood.
Mike was the greatest. A genuine person with wit,grace,charm, humor and compassion. You name it. He was the greatest to work for and with. What a legacy.
Again, so sorry for your loss.
T. Thomas

I began my career at the Marine Resources Center in June, 1970 under the leadership of Dr. James Timmerman, Jr. Dr. Timmerman hired me, before we even began construction of the Marine Center. Mike was one of the first people I met and was always so kind and thoughtful to everyone he met. I worked for Dr. Timmerman, Dr. Joseph, and in the Education office in the Marshlands House which made up 30 years of work there. My last job was with and for Michael McKenzie. He was very special to me and we spent a lot of time together in the car going back and forth to the ACE Basin and to the Columbia Office for meetings and other activities. Sharon, the children and grandchildren I am so sorry for your loss. RIP Mike. We love you.

To Sharon and the McKenzie family, our deepest sympathy and God's blessing for your hearts at this difficult time.

Mike and I met at age 16 in Winyah high school - I was head cheerleader and he was the 'star' of our Gators...so it was 'natural' that we would become joined together for many years. I always respected him and his easy way of dealing with wildlife....he had a passion that never left him and this is instilled in his children today. My most outstanding memory was of Mike when he was called out to Kiawah Island due to a porpoise kill.....they were 'huge' to me but he handled each one like a child and tried to see if each could be 'saved'....many were. He will be remembered always for his love of the outdoors and its inhabitants. Rest in peace, Michael....you will be missed by all who knew you. See you on the 'other side'.

I love you Dad

I am honored to have been raised by such a wonderful man as my Father Michael Durant McKenzie. Few could imagine what a wonderful childhood that I had. He was quite a role model for not just me but for anyone who knew him. He would take my close friends,family, my entire 8th grade class as well as my boyscout troop camping offshore on Capers Island. I spent most of my summers camping and fishing on Capers Island and hiking with Dad on the Appalachian trail in the North Carolina mountains. I am happy to see my childhood friend Bryan Collins here in his remembrance of Dad as well. When I was growing up Dad was strong man. A bodybuilder, a blackbelt . My friends knew. He was very wise, caring and giving. He was always there for me. I am reminded of many good times. I had the opportunity to hold Dads hand for over an hour before he passed at my brother Josh's. To know He is no longer suffering and in Heaven with his Mother Ida McKenzie and his Father Durant McKenzie is everything. Dad was a direct descendant of Francis Marion aka the Swamp Fox on his Mothers side. To all of our family and friends God bless us all and thank you for honoring my Father with us. Love Chris

Dear Family and Friends,
My heartfelt condolences are with each of you as we grieve the loss of our beloved Michael. A man with the kindest heart and most gentle spirit who loved his family, friends, and colleagues in more ways than I can enumerate. He lived as Christ expects of all men and he fulfilled his purpose in life with honor, dignity and LOVE. Thank you for the many, many contributions protecting the pristine South Carolina ACE BASIN - I will always remember our talks about your adventures there. An incredible legacy and privilege.

Michael, I will forever remember your reference to Sharon as "my heart" - indeed she is the heart of all of us. Your loving heart beats also in us, you are always with us and we love you. Go rest high Michael until we meet again my friend.
Pam

I am sad to know that Mike died. I worked with him for many years on the ACE Basin National Estuarine Research Reserve. He was admired by many at the National and local level for his avid work to protect the ACE Basin. Always a gentleman, Mike had a wonderful sense of humor and shared many great stories of his years in marine science. Charlie and I extend our condolences to Sharon, his children, and grandchildren on Mike´s passing.

I'm saddened to hear about Mike's passing. I was very fond of Mike. He was actually my mentor as a kid and a young man out of college and even now. Mike was the one that introduced me to the outdoors as a kid that I wanted to pursue a conservation oriented career. He had a major impact in my life. I have so many memories of all our camping and fishing excursions on Capers Island with his son, Chris. I have so many great memories and stories, I could write a book. He also guided and helped me pursue a conservation oriented career that I'm still doing to this day. His obituary perfectly described the guy he was and all of his accomplishments. He will be deeply missed.

Bryan Collins