Thomas McKenzie obituary
Remembering
Thomas Patrick McKenzie
September 14, 1955 –
November 17, 2010
A Retrospective Tribute –
October 2026
Sixteen years have passed since the unexpected death of our brother, Thomas Patrick McKenzie. His passing in a construction accident left our family speechless, and only now are we finding the words to give his life the recognition and honor he deserves.
Yet perhaps the greatest tribute to Thomas was given long ago, on the day St. Mary of the Lake Catholic Church filled to capacity with family, friends, and neighbors who came to celebrate his life.
Thomas was born September 14, 1955, at Lake City Municipal Hospital in Lake City, Minnesota, to John S. McKenzie and Mary Anne (Burke) McKenzie. A truly Irish son of his parents, Tom grew up with a love of swimming, skiing, music, motorcycles, and classic cars.
He attended Mary E. McCahill Grade School and graduated from Lincoln High School in 1973. During high school, he worked at the family’s Hollywood Theater, operating the movie projectors. Tom was also a naturally gifted artist who loved drawing, painting, and photography.
After attending Rochester Community and Technical College, Tom took to the open road, driving semi-trucks across America.
One night, while stopped at a truck stop, Tom experienced what he described as the overwhelming presence of God’s love. That moment changed the direction of his life.
He eventually settled in Fresno, California, where he became deeply involved in his Catholic church community, serving as a lector and bringing Sunday communion to elderly parishioners in their homes. He made weekly visits to those who might otherwise have been forgotten.
Over time, those closest to Tom came to see in him something of a modern-day St. Francis of Assisi – a man of remarkable humility, kindness, and compassion. He was deeply grateful for the blessings in his life, especially his family and church community.
Tom also had a lifelong fascination with enormous earthmoving equipment and powerful industrial machinery. He loved working with these great machines and spent long days under the hot Fresno sun putting his skills to work. Tragically, he died on November 17, 2010, following an accident involving heavy construction equipment.
In 2011, our cousin Mark, who composed the music for the Catholic animated film The Greatest Miracle, dedicated the film’s music to Thomas in the closing credits. Tom would have been astonished and delighted by this tribute, as he so admired his cousin Mark.
Thomas is survived by his brothers Steven McKenzie (son Ian), John S. McKenzie II (son Austin Zagaros), Roderick McKenzie, and Mike McKenzie (Marcie, son Andy, and daughter Molly), and his sister Zona McKenzie.
He was followed in death by his father, John S. Mc-Kenzie, his mother, Mary Anne (Burke) McKenzie, and his brother John S. McKenzie III.
Our family extends its deepest gratitude to the Lake City community for the love, comfort, and support given to us following Thomas’s death.
Sixteen years later, we still remember that church filled with people whose lives he had touched. And perhaps that is the greatest measure of a life – not how long we live, but how deeply we love and serve others.
Thomas, your life continues to lift our spirits, and your memory lives on in the hearts of all who loved you.
With a deep bow of reverence for your life, and for the immeasurable significance of every life.