CUMBERLAND — Ernest “Mac” McKenzie, 98, died June 29 at Gosnell Memorial Hospice House, in Scarborough.

McKenzie was born April 19, 1915, in Everett, Mass., a son of David McKenzie and Hulda McKenzie. He grew up in Melrose, Mass., and moved to Naugatuck, Conn., in his senior year of high school, where he graduated in 1933. He entered the University of Michigan in 1934 and earned a degree in economics in 1938.

After college, McKenzie accepted a position in the advertising department of the Beacon Falls Rubber Co., a division of Uniroyal Corp. He subsequently joined the footwear division’s sales force, handling a territory from Maine to Pennsylvania. He enjoyed a long career with Uniroyal, retiring in 1977.

In Naugatuck, McKenzie met and married Elsie Lois Merrill. The couple soon had two children, Linda and David, and moved to South Freeport in 1946. A second daughter, Karen, was born, and the family lived in South Freeport for many years. After retirement, McKenzie worked part-time in the South Freeport Post Office on Saturdays and during the holiday season.

McKenzie enjoyed boating, especially piloting boats from southern ports to Maine with his good friends. He also played tennis and golf, and enjoyed the company of the same weekly foursome for many years. He was an avid college football fan and tried to never miss a Michigan game, especially against rival Ohio State.

He was a member of the South Freeport Church and the Freeport Masonic Lodge  No. 23. He was 32nd-degree Mason and received his 50-year pin in 2006. He also was also a member of the Kora Shrine in Lewiston and of the Old Stone Post Investors, and a founding member of the Harraseeket Yacht Club.

He is survived by his children Linda Sayles, of South Freeport, and David McKenzie, of Seneca, S.C..; grandson Todd Conner, his wife Christine and two great-grandchildren, Lydia and Jack, all of Great Falls, Va.; nephew William McKenzie and his wife Linda, of Valrico, Fla.; as well as his loving companion, Margaret Jameson, with whom he made his home in Cumberland Foreside. McKenzie was predeceased by his wife Elsie in 1998; his daughter Karen in 2011; and by his brother William.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, July 13, at South Freeport Church, 98 South Freeport Road, Freeport, with the Rev. David Bowling officiating. A reception will follow at the home of McKenzie’s daughter, Linda Sayles. Burial will be in South Freeport Cemetery. 

Those who wish may consider making a donation in his memory to South Freeport Church, 98 South Freeport Road, Freeport, ME 04078.

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