Ronald J. Mckenzie

Ronald "Ron" John McKenzie, passed away at the age of 80 on December 7, 2016 in Lakewood, Colorado.

Ron was born on June 24, 1936 in Denver, Colorado to the late John and Vashti McKenzie.

People often say it is all fun and games until someone loses an eye. With Ron, it was still fun and games after losing an eye. As a young child, Ron lost his right eye while attempting to add a notch in his belt with a knife. Taking out his eye became a fun and easy way for Ron to make money in elementary school. He would charge a nickel to show the other kids his special talent. He kept this up into high school but eventually got caught by the Superintendent who ended his money making plan. Even after high school, Ron would entertain people with his hidden talent. He continued taking his eye out for his kids and their friends which always made him the hit of party. Losing his eye was also what inspired his younger sister, Penny, to become a doctor in life.

Ron graduated from North High School in 1954 and Colorado State University in 1959 with a bachelor's degree in Forestry.

After college, Ron worked for the US National Forest Service where he spent time in Washington and Oregon creating hiking trails and improving forest land for public use and for preservation.

Ron was very involved in his church throughout his life. It was at a church function that he met the love his life, Evelyn J. Wadsworth. They married on July 31, 1981.

Ron worked for the City of Denver, Parks and Recreation Department for 36 years as a Superintendent. Ron was the youngest superintendent hired in Denver at that time. He spent many years working with Denver Mountain Parks and the buffalo herd you see on I-70 (Buffalo Overlook). He also worked with this same herd at the stock show informing people about the buffalo and their significance to Denver Mountain Parks and Colorado.

Ron loved going on family vacations. Family was very important to him. It was a regular thing for him to load up the camper and take a road trip across the country with his family. His children remember these trips as some of the fondest memories they have of their childhood.

Ron loved to bowl and participated in a bowling league throughout his life. He even achieved a perfect 300 score game.

After retirement, Ron spent time golfing, camping and continued bowling with friends. He also loved to relax at his cabin in Grand Lake taking in the view of Shadow Mountain Lake.

Ron devoted much of his time helping others. Ron was a member of the Kiwanis where he helped strengthen and improve communities through service projects; he belonged to the El Jebel Shriners of Denver and was a 32nd degree Freemason with the Liberty Lodge #134 AF & AM in Denver; he was also a member of the Denver Scottish Rite Consistory.

Ron is survived by his loving wife of 35 years, Evelyn J. McKenzie; along with four children; Allison (Jerry) Jenkins, Gavin (Wendy) McKenzie, E.J. (Erin) Wadsworth and Catherine (Coston) Jones; sister, Pamela McKenzie; seven grandchildren, Kaedy Rodriguez, Josh Edwards, Jamie Henderson, Jordon Holloway, Lauren Jones, Faith McKenzie and Jack Jones; one great-grandchild, Addaleigh Henderson; and one nephew, Duncan (Heather) McBogg.

Viewing, Tuesday, December 13, 2016 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Newcomer Funeral Home - West Metro Chapel. Graveside Service, Wednesday, 1:30PM at Crown Hill Cemetery, W. 29th Ave. & Wadsworth Blvd., Wheat Ridge, followed by Memorial Service at 3:00PM at Shepherd of the Hills Presbyterian Church, W. 20th Ave. & Simms St., Lakewood.

Those who wish may make memorial contributions to Denver Mountain Parks Foundation, P.O. Box 300446, Denver, CO 80203 (for Buffalo Overlook).