Obituary: Mckenzie, William Kinnear
Age 80
McKENZIE, William
Kinnear
Bill died peacefully on July 12, 2012 in Spokane just one day shy of his 80th birthday.
He was born in Tacoma, Washington on July 13, 1932 the only child of William Kinnear and Dorothy Johnson McKenzie.
He graduated from Stadium High School in Tacoma and the University of Washington where he met his wife, Joan Beecher.
They married after his graduation and his enlistment in the army took them to Texas and South Dakota.
After his discharge from the army, they returned to Seattle and he began his career in the heavy equipment industry.
Two daughters joined the family before they relocated to the Midwest where their son was born.
After many years in Kentucky, Ohio and Illinois an opportunity arose to return to their beloved Northwest in Spokane, Washington.
His career also took him to Nevada, Saudi Arabia and back to Seattle, but Spokane became home.
Bill was most proud of being a Washington Husky, a member of the Psi Upsilon Fraternity and the Husky Swim Club.
Even when speaking was difficult for him in later life, he always managed to tell anyone “I went to the University of Washington and (sorry Mom) married the Frosh Queen”!
The Apple Cup was a fun family event since each of their children attended Washington State.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents.
He is survived by his wife, Joan and their children; Anne Fitzgerald, Seattle; Lisa Harder, Spokane and Stuart McKenzie, Spokane; by his two granddaughters; Chelsea Harder, Spokane; McKenzie Fitzgerald, Seattle; one grandson, Loren Fitzgerald of Seattle and by many dear life-long friends.
A celebration of life will be held in Seattle on August 18th with interment at Old Tacoma Cemetery beside his parents.
His family would like to thank all the doctors, nurses and support staff of the ER, ICU and 7N at Sacred Heart Medical Center, and everyone at North Central Care Center, Hospice of Spokane and the Hospice House for their caring support of our beloved Bill and his family.
The family suggests donations in Bill’s name, or a loved one of your own, to Hospice of Spokane, P.O.
Box 2215, Spokane, WA 99210.