Mark David MacKenzie, 61, husband, dad, brother, and uncle moved to heaven on Dec. 14, 2012. He was born Dec. 20, 1950 in Berkeley, Calif., and passed away in Moss Landing, Calif.
Mark lived his whole life in the Salinas Valley but took his seasonal trips for produce at winter destinations. His love for produce ran through his blood from his father, Harry MacKenzie. After 45 years of walking in the fields, doing inspections, seed research and development, sales and much more, he retired and decided to work on the 4M family ranch full time which he started. He was always a hard worker, loved animals and nature.
His passion for surfing started when he saw the ocean for the first time and he continued to surf until his last day. There were various spots in California that were his favorites, but his home beach was Moss Landing. He had a strong bond and love with the "Jetry Boys," which will always remain. Mark has touched several lives with his kind, loving, giving and positive personality. His commitment to the community was very prevalent; at the California Salinas Rodeo; he was a committee member for over 30 years. He was a member of the following associations: Boy Scouts of America (became an Eagle Scout), United States Team Roping Association, American Cowboys Team Ropers Association, past president of the California High School Rodeo Association and several other organizations. He had been giving horse and surf lessons to as many people as he could. He always wanted to share his passion with other people so they could enjoy it, too.
Mark met his true love, best friend and wife, Laurel MacKenzie when he was 25 years old and married when he was 28 years old. They started a local western boutique called Across The Prairie. Designing custom furniture was a special hidden talent that Mark had. They had two children, Jeremy and Peaches; who continued to make him proud with their success.
Mark was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Lucy MacKenzie, and his brother Scott MacKenzie.
He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Laurel MacKenzie of Salinas; son Jeremy Mac-Kenzie of Shell Beach; daughter Peaches MacKenzie of Salinas; brother Mike MacKenzie of Merced; father- and mother-in-law Ray and Shirley Hauschild of Salinas, aunt Harriet Johansen of Pacific Grove, niece, Blair Cook of Merced; several cousins, nieces and nephews and the 4M family.
Visitation was held Dec. 20, at the Struve and Laporte Chapel, in Salinas. Funeral services were held Dec. 21 at the First Presbyterian Church in Salinas, with funeral arrangements by Struve and Laporte Funeral Home. Online condolences may be made at www.struveandlaporte.com