Well-known farmer, Mason passes
Robert A. (Alex) McKenzie died Saturday at a local hospital. He was 82 years old.
He served as a Union County Commissioner from 1939 to 1943, and was Union County Judge from February through April of 1943.
Mr. McKenzie was born on November 21, 1887 in Summerville, Oregon, the eldest son of Roderick and Isabella McKenzie. He was a lifelong farmer and resided in the Summerville area until his retirement when he moved to La Grande and lived at 1503 4th St.
He is survived by two brothers, Clyde of Summerville and Le Roy of Corvallis; nephews, Glen McKenzie, Summerville; Kenneth Cooper and Rod McKenzie, both of Corvallis; O. W. McKenzie, Wallowa; Clayton McKenzie, Hermiston; and Clarence McKenzie, Sacramento, California; nieces Jean Thornton and Pauline Hartsock, both of California.
Mr. McKenzie was a member of the La Grande Elks Lodge No. 433, and the Presbyterian Church and was for many years the secretary of the Summerville Cemetery Association. He was an avid horseshoe player and was a member of the La Grande Horseshoe Club.
He was a devoted member of Masonic Organizations which included the following: Life member of Elgin Lodge No. 87, AF & AM; Baker Consistory Scottish Rite 33rd Degree; La Grande Chapter No. 9 Royal Arch Masons; Union Council No. 5 Royal and Select Masters; Eastern Oregon Commandery No. 6, Knights Templar; Thistle Clan Royal Order of Scotland; Union County Shrine Club; Al Kader Temple; Honorary Member Livingston Montana Consistory Scottish Rite 33rd Degree; St. Laurence Conclave, Red Cross Of Constantine; Blue Mountain Chapter No. 52, O. E. S.
Funeral services will be Wednesday at 2 p.m. at the First Christian Church of La Grande under the auspices of the Elgin Lodge No. 67 AF & AM. Rev. Jack McLeod and Rev. William S. Woodman officiating. Interment will follow at the Summerville Cemetery.
Those who wish may make contributions in memory of Alex McKenzie to the Shriner’s Hospital for Crippled Children, in care of Daniels Valley Chapel, Box 772. Daniels Valley Chapel is in charge of funeral arrangements.
The Observer
La Grande, Oregon
Monday, March 16, 1970
Front Page
Contributed by: Tom Childers