Marvin Lee McKenzie Sr. of Hermiston passed away on March 2, 2018 in Hermiston at the age of 91.
He was born on May 14, 1926 in Hermiston the sixth of 10 children to Charles and Jennie Trainer McKenzie.
Marvin was so determined to enlist in the Seabees, the construction battalion of the Navy, that he stretched the truth about his age to make certain he was 18 years old instead of 17, which he was at the time he entered in 1943. Marvin was always proud of his service in the Seabees and attended many of the Seabee reunions over the years.
Throughout the years, Marvin was an active participant in his sons’ sports, especially baseball, where he coached all his sons at various levels. He and his wife Pat also had a passion for golf and enjoyed many rounds, not only on Umatilla and Morrow county courses, but also on courses in Indonesia, Hawaii, Arizona and California and many courses in Central Oregon.
Marvin’s work as a construction manager took him to many places in the U.S. – Massachusetts, Kentucky, Montana, Wyoming, California, Washington and Oregon. He and Pat had the opportunity to explore many destinations before settling back in Irrigon. They enjoyed countless friends from a multitude of places. Both old friends and new friends, they cherished these relationships and spoke often of the friendships.
Marvin is survived by his three sons, Marvin Jr. (Cinda), Don (Marcy) and Steve; brother, Hugh; grandchildren, Adam, Ashton, Taylor and Christina, of whom Marvin and Pat were very proud; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Patricia (Pat); his parents; and siblings, Carol, Irene, Charles, Della, Donald, Lawrence, Virginia and Kathleen.
A graveside service for both Marvin and Pat will be held on Saturday, April 28, 2018 at 11 a.m. at the Hermiston Cemetery.
Please sign the online condolence book at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
