John Edward “Ed” McKenzie, son of the late John and Elizabeth McKenzie of Los Altos and long-time resident of the South County, passed away of heart failure on May 6 in Morgan Hill. He was 76. Ed was preceded in death in 1989 by his devoted wife Barbara. Survivors include loving daughter Ann Marrier (Stephen) and grandsons Christopher and Brian Ragone, all of Sarasota, Florida; sister Caroline Appling (David) of Morgan Hill; and brother Thomas McKenzie (Lillian) of Schertz, Texas. He will be much missed by his many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.
Ed was born in San Jose on October 13, 1931, attended Los Altos schools, and graduated from Bellarmine College Preparatory in 1949. He also attended the then San Jose State College. A contractor by profession, he founded and led McKenzie Construction Company, and the fruits of his paving, grading, and excavation efforts can be seen throughout our Valley today.
He loved to entertain and to apply his barbecuing skills to delicious meals for family and friends. And he will be remembered by many for his concern and support for those less fortunate than he, making their difficult times a little easier to bear, and for “random acts of kindness” to friends and strangers alike.
Ed’s Rosary will be at 6:00 P.M. Monday, May 12, at the Habing Funeral Home, 129 Fourth St., Gilroy. His memorial Mass will be at 9:00 A.M. Tuesday, in the chapel of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 11 First St., also in Gilroy. Interment following the Mass at Gate of Heaven cemetery in Los Altos.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in Ed’s memory to St. Mary’s Church outreach programs, or to the charity of your choice.
