Westborough – Robert Lee Mackenzie, 85, of Westborough, passed away suddenly Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2018. He struggled with interstitial lung disease for many years, but was a true fighter right up until the end.
Robert was born in Waltham to Murdock and Bessie Mackenzie.Robert graduated from Waltham Trade School and several graduate schools.
He worked as a yardmaster on the New York Central Railroad. He was very proud that he was the youngest yardmaster, ever. He worked for General Electric for 27 years as an electrical mechanic. At General Electric, he served two terms as Union President and one term as vice president. He was also the business agent and a steward of the United Electrical Workers of America for 20 years.
He loved his country so much that at age16, he attempted to enter the military, was denied, but tried again and succeeded. He was a proud veteran of the Korean War.
Robert believed in a strong work ethic and stayed young at heart. He worked up until the age of 84 at Dan’s Jeep in Westborough. He kept up to date with today’s technology with Facebook and texting. He fished and hunted the Maine woods with his son-in-law and friends. He loved camping, talking by a campfire, being with his kids and grandkids. He even went tubing on Cobbeseecontee Lake in Maine in his 70s! He was a huge Patriots fan!
Robert belonged to the Siloam Lodge AF & AM Masonic Lodge in Westborough, the American Legion, Ashland, and the Veteran of Foreign Wars.
Robert is survived by his partner for over 30 years, Francis Jean Blake. He also is survived by his five children, Linda Faidell, Robert L. MacKenzie Jr., Sharon Clark, Brenda Mackenzie, Steven J. Mackenzie, and Kimberly Mackenzie, who passed in 1991. Grampy, as he was lovingly called, had 10 grandchildren whom he adored, Steven M. Mackenzie, Nicholas Mackenzie, Kenny Mackenzie, Jessica Carlson, Garrett and Ali Clark, Lauren Green and Hailey Arseneau, Rachel Sora, and Christopher Martinez. Robert is survived by his brother, Murdock MacKenzie, and three sisters, Marguerite McCoullough predeceased, Jean Arcese, and Pauline Chase, predeceased.
Because Robert loved his country and servicemen and women, in lieu of flowers, the family requests donations for The House in the Woods, a therapeutic retreat lodge located in Maine for veterans from all over the country. Checks should be written out to The House in the Woods and sent to Sharon Clark, c/o A House in the Woods, 155 Dyer Rd., Lewiston, ME 04240.
A funeral was held Jan. 20 in Church of the Nativity of Northborough, followed by burial with military honors in Pine Grove Cemetery of Westborough. Hays Funeral Home of Northborough assisted with arrangements.
To leave a condolence, please visit Robert’s Book of Memories at www.HaysFuneralHome.com.
