Robert Scott MacKenzie

Robert Scott MacKenzie stepped into the arms of the Great Shepherd on October 1, 2021. He was born in 1934 in his grandparents’ home on their farm at the corner of Overland and Cloverdale, Boise, Idaho long before the freeway and a subdivision went in. His parents were Norman John MacKenzie, who emigrated to Idaho from Scotland as a teenager, and Marion Mildred Marcellus MacKenzie, who was born and raised in Idaho and taught school at Pleasant Valley for 18 years. Rob grew up on the family cattle ranch on South Mountain in Owyhee County, Idaho with two brothers, Kenney and John. He loved helping the sheepherders and camp tenders that worked for George Johnstone and Angus MacIver, and he often told stories about those days. Rob graduated Jordan Valley High School in 1951. He served in the United States Navy working in the boiler room of the ship putting to use his mechanical skills. He returned home, and then worked as a carpenter’s assistant in Pasadena, CA for a few months before returning to Idaho once again. It was on that return trip that he stopped in at the JV Café where he met Karen Hein, who was working at the JV while staying with her sister, Vernita Lowry. Rob and Karen courted for seven months and were married on November 1, 1962 in Winnemucca, NV. They worked side by side on the ranch making a living, building a life, and raising five children: Laura, David, Robyn, Jim, and Johanna. Rob stated that he would have nothing if not for Karen. He loved his family dearly and was very proud of each of his children and grandchildren; though he was careful not to brag on the one that was in the room! Wouldn’t want any big heads! Rob was an avid reader, especially appreciative of history. In winter, he enjoyed harnessing the work horses and hitching them to the hay sled to feed the cattle. He also had a great time on the snowmobile zipping across the meadows, flying up and down the hillsides, using the actual road as little as possible! Rob spent his last years out at Sand Hollow due to health concerns. He was preceded in death by both of his parents and both of his brothers. He is survived by his wife, Karen, his five children, eleven grandchildren, five great grandchildren, cousins, and friends.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, October 9, 2021 at High Desert Bible Church, 407 Blackaby Street, Jordan Valley, Oregon.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: High Desert Bible Church or InFaith Ministries – Ed Renk

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