Ernest McKenzie

Waltham – Mr. Ernest McKenzie, Jr., of Waltham, died Tuesday, October 31, 2006 at his home. He was 90. Born in New Bedford, a son of the late Ernest and Susannah (Ramsbottom) McKenzie, he lived in Charlestown and in Somerville before moving to Waltham in 1943. Ernie graduated from Somerville High School and, during World War II, served with the United States Navy. He worked for several years as a foreman at the Charlestown Navy Yard and later as a sales representative for Stainless Pipe and Fittings Company in Cambridge. Ernie was long active in the Waltham community where he served for 12 years on the Waltham School Committee and had been a member of the city’s Planning Board. He served on the board of directors of the Waltham Boys & Girls Club, the Salvation Army, the Greater Waltham Association for Retarded Citizens and the Deaconess Home in Concord. He was also a longtime member of the Waltham Kiwanis Club where he served as president and past District Lieutenant Governor. He was also a member and Past Master of Monitor Lodge, AF & AM, in Waltham. Ernie also belonged to the Joseph F. Hill American Legion Post No. 156 in Waltham. He also authored 'Musings by McKenzie' for the Waltham Daily News Tribune and for many years hosted the annual Spelling Bee Contest for the Waltham Public Schools. Ernie leaves his wife of 66 years, Doris I. (Griffith) McKenzie; one son, Richard A. McKenzie and his wife, Elaine, of Stoneham; three grandchildren, Joseph, Andrew and Janyce McKenzie; one brother, John Russell McKenzie of Somerville; one sister, Evelyn Ruth Spiegel of Indianapolis, Indiana and many nieces and nephews. He was also the father of the late Janice Elaine McKenzie and a brother of the late Charles McKenzie. Relatives and friends are invited to attend Funeral Services at 11 a.m. Friday in The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Rte. 20), Waltham. Burial will be in Mount Feake Cemetery, Waltham. Visiting hours are Thursday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Memorial donations may be made to a charity of one’s choice.