Obituaries

Patrick "Pat" McKenzie passed away peacefully in his sleep on Saturday, May 23, 2026, at the age of 77. Pat was born on July 31, 1948, in Wenatchee, Washington, to Erma Violet West and William Lawrence McKenzie.

He grew up in Moses Lake, where he developed the quick wit, independence, and work ethic that would define him throughout his life. Some of his fondest childhood memories were spending summers at Lake Chelan with his Aunt Opal and Uncle Mac, and family, creating stories and memories that he would share for years to come. Pat was many things: a husband, father, grandfather, businessman, coach, mentor, problem-solver, fisherman, crossword enthusiast, and dedicated friend. He was quick-witted, sarcastic, gregarious, and fiercely protective of the people he loved. He often tried to play the tough guy, but anyone who knew him well knew that the act never lasted long. Beneath it was a generous heart and a deep love for family and friends. As a teenager, Pat was proud of his service as an Eagle Scout leader. Later, he enjoyed coaching baseball and investing in the success of young people. Throughout his life, he had a natural gift for leadership and business. He attended college at the University of Washington and began his career working at QFC. He quickly rose into a leadership position with a food brokerage company serving much of Washington State. Never one to shy away from a new opportunity, Pat later purchased a video store in Duvall, a pizza restaurant, and operated Mac's Smokehouse with his brother, Nick next to Seattle's Kingdome, where he once had the opportunity to meet Ken Griffey Jr. Along the way, he employed not only his children but many of their friends, giving countless young people their first jobs and valuable life lessons. Pat loved solving problems, reading, and learning. Even when his eyesight required him to pull out his beloved "4.0 readers," he always had a book nearby. He enjoyed fishing, crossword puzzles, and sharing an endless supply of dad jokes. He had a particular weakness for shortbread and was known to use the names of current and former pets as passwords—a habit that brought endless amusement to his family. Though he often claimed he didn't like pets, there was rarely a time when Pat's home wasn't shared with a cat, a dog, or both. The truth was obvious to everyone except perhaps Pat himself.

Pat and his beloved wife, Gail, were married on March 19 and shared 53 wonderful years together. Together they built a life centered on family, laughter, hard work, and holiday traditions. Pat especially loved the holidays and could frequently be found watching Christmas Hallmark movies year-round, insisting that it was “only because Gail enjoyed them.” Family memories with Pat are countless. There was the one and only family camping trip, which was enough to convince him that camping wasn't for him. There were summers spent on the family ski boat, including the legendary story of Gail "accidentally" nearly launching him toward the propeller while starting the boat. These stories, retold for decades, became part of the family's shared history and favorite memories. Pat genuinely loved hearing updates about his children's friends, many of whom spent countless hours at the McKenzie home in Woodinville. To Pat, they were never just friends of his children; they became part of his extended family. He never stopped caring about how they were doing or where life had taken them. Most importantly, Pat loved people. He loved his friends deeply and never lost his ability to connect with others. Even during his final weeks at Redmond Rehabilitation, his warmth, humor, and charm remained unmistakable. His family lost count of the nurses and caregivers who quietly told them, "He's my favorite resident."

Pat was preceded in death by his parents and his younger brother, Nick McKenzie.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Gail McKenzie; his sons, Ryan McKenzie and Rob Waller and wife, Connie Rocha-Waller; his daughter, Courtney McKenzie and husband, John Kelly; his grandson, Jake Estephan; and countless friends and extended family members who will miss his humor, wisdom, stories, and unwavering loyalty.

Pat leaves behind a legacy of laughter, hard work, friendship, and love. The world is a little quieter without him in it, but those who knew him will forever hear his voice in a well-timed joke, a sarcastic remark, a holiday movie, a fishing story, or a crossword clue that finally makes sense. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

Although Pat made it quite clear that he did not want a ‘memorial service,’ his family has found a way around that request by hosting a ‘celebration of his life’ in his honor. All who knew and loved Pat are welcome to join the celebration of life on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at his daughter Courtney's home: Please feel free to contact Courtney with any questions at courtney.mckenzie@gmail.com. In true Pat fashion, we'd much rather spend the afternoon sharing stories, laughter, and memories than saying goodbye.