Robert B McKenzie II's Obituary
Robert B. McKenzie II, of North Ridgeville, Ohio went home to be with the Lord on September 2, 2023. He passed away peacefully surrounded by his loved ones after fighting a two-year battle with health-related illnesses.
“Bob” was born on March 31, 1943 to his parents, Helen and Robert B. McKenzie I. He had one older sister, Marleen Morisson. Bob was a proud Clevelander his entire life. He graduated from John Marshall High School in 1961. He spent a few years attending The Ohio State University, but ultimately left to enlist in the U.S. Air Force to serve and honor his country.
He was married to his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Jeannette McKenzie, for sixty years. Together they had four children: one son and three daughters. He and his wife were successful business owners for thirty-five years. He later worked in sales and was honored many times for his ability to exceed goals. He had a tenacious spirit and modeled what it meant to thrive in life with fierce determination, persistence, and strength.
Bob had an infectious sense of humor and it brought him immense joy to make others laugh and smile. He loved to share his line-up of jokes and reminisce about the childhood one-liners from his children, grandkids and great-grandkids. He never failed to make others laugh, even when his health was causing him so much pain and suffering. He had a knack for creating clever, one-of-a kind nicknames for anyone he encountered that instantly made them feel important and special to him.
He was an avid sports enthusiast, with a deep knowledge and passion for the game of football. He coached pee-wee football for many years in Brookpark, Ohio and led his team to earn multiple championships. His ability to creatively motivate kids, make them feel valued and construct a strategy that would win was unmatched. When not coaching, Bob was the greatest fan for the hometown Cleveland and Ohio sports teams: the Browns, the Cavs, the Guardians, the OSU Buckeyes, and many local high school football teams, especially the Kenston Bombers.
He found great peace while soaking in the beauty of nature and enjoyed watching sailboats and spending time on Lake Erie, visiting Vermillion and the surrounding towns, taking Sunday drives down country roads with the windows rolled down, picnicking in the park with his family, attending small town festivals, or visiting local farms and roadside stands to pick fresh produce. Food was his love language and the way to his heart. Anyone that knew Bob knew how he enjoyed dining at various restaurants. He had a deep appreciation for exceptional cuisine, homemade family recipes, specialty ice cream shops, and his favorite staples-some of which include: his ‘munchies’, Sunday at the Museum ice cream, cherry pie, and Waggoner’s chocolates.
Above anything else, Bob’s greatest pride and joy was his family. He could not be prouder of his family members and never shied away from vocalizing this to others. He celebrated every moment in their lives, no matter how small, and always gave his endless encouragement and support. His love was unconditional, genuine, and pure. Time spent with his family meant more to him than anything else, especially on the holidays. He was the initiator of many memorable family traditions from his famous root beer float nights to the annual family Christmas shows, all of which will continue to be carried on.
He leaves a legacy behind that stands for the importance of love, kindness, generosity, and perseverance that will remain in the hearts and lives of all those who have loved him so dearly. His greatest victory was when he went into the arms of the Lord, and for this we have reassurance that one day we will meet again.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Marlene Morrison.
He leaves behind a loving family to cherish his memory, including his wife of 60 years, Jeannette McKenzie; children, George "Skip" (Dawn) McKenzie, Dee (Kevin) Eberhardt, Jennifer (Warren) Waldorff, and Holly (Tom) Gabram; grandchildren, Savannah, Jennifer, Gary, Dustin, Gabriella, Daphne, Jordon, Samantha, Christopher, Ashley, Larissa, Peyton, Kenley, Presley, and Reese; great-grandchildren, Mason, Huntlee, Chi, and Penelope; nieces and nephews, Karen, Kathy, Kimmy, and Chris; and other extended family members and beloved friends.
Friends and family may gather on Friday, September 15, 2023, from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Sunset Chapel, 6245 Columbia Road, North Olmsted, Ohio 44070. A Funeral Service will follow at 2:00 PM, officiated by Pastor Sondra Snode; with military honors given at graveside. His final resting place will be at Sunset Memorial Park, in Section 39.
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