Obituary: Malcolm Kenneth MacKenzie, Jr., 84

The following obituary is from Fairfield Funeral Home of Edmund W. Dougiello:

Born on April 25, 1939, Malcolm, fondly known as “Ken” was called to be with our Lord and Savior on January 24, 2024 at the age of 84. He passed peacefully at Connecticut Hospice, Branford, CT after a courageous battle with multiple skin cancers.

Ken was born in Philadelphia, PA to Malcolm K MacKenzie, Sr and Dorothy (Moore) MacKenzie. He grew up in Langhorne, Pa and Old Greenwich, CT, attending Greenwich HS and graduated from The Brunswick School in 1957 before attending Dickinson college. During his youth, he enjoyed several hobbies including sailing, Sea Scouts and earning several sharpshooter awards. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1959, serving overseas in Eritrea, Asmara with the U.S. Army Security Agency (ASA) of which he was very proud, sharing many of his enjoyable experiences at Tree Tops, Kenya, and diving in the Red Sea with the Red Sea Savages Diving Club.

Upon his honorable discharge in 1962, Ken went on to be a sales rep for Sunbeam Corp on Long Island, NY and CT.

Unknown to Ken, he would meet his future wife, Kathy Splittorff from Darien, CT, at Greenwich Hospital in 1964, while he was a patient and Kathy was a student nurse. He was every nurse's favorite patient, but Kathy won his heart. It was God’s will that Ken & Kathy meet and part in a hospital setting. They married in 1965 at Noroton Presbyterian Church on April 17, 1965.

After Sunbeam Corp, Ken pursued a career in sales with Moore Business Forms in Fairfield, CT. During this time, Ken, Kathy became members of Black Rock Congregational Church (BRCC) where Ken accepted Christ as a Born Again Christian in 1972. He was very involved in BRCC having served as a Deacon, Usher and on the Missions Board. They also enjoyed fellowship at First Baptist Church in Fairfield for many years. Ken’s favorite scripture was Romans 10:9,10.

Ken became the proud owner of Sacred Book & Gift Shop, also in Fairfield, CT. God provided the opportunity for Ken to serve Him in the capacity he knew best; through sales. Sacred Book & Gift was a way for Ken to connect with the Christian community through bible, gift and literature sales, as well as sharing his testimony. After 14 years of ownership, Ken sold Sacred Book & Gift and went on to be the area sales rep for Day Spring Cards; the Christian division of Hallmark, until entering a partial retirement in 2009.

After a move to Chester, CT, Ken worked as a tour guide on the CT River Ferry Boats from the Deep River Dock, his most enjoyable part time retirement job. He also drove the van for Strong House Adult Daycare and the Guilford Senior Center. Ken and Kathy settled in a beautiful water view community in Guilford, CT in 2005 where they developed some very cherished friendships.

Ken and Kathy enjoyed traveling via European river cruises visiting 11 countries, as well as a trip to Greece, Israel and Turkey, 3 trips to Bermuda, several Caribbean cruises and a trip to Ireland. Ken also traveled with his mom, Dorothy, to Egypt.

Ken’s interests over the years included; his love of the CT and NH coastlines & beaches, charcoal grilling, crossword and jigsaw puzzles, reading non-fiction history, Christian literature, Daily Devotionals, bird watching, a lover of his many cats and social times with family and friends. He was a proud member of the Guilford American Legion, Post 48.

Loving wife Kathy, a retired VNA Hospice and Community Care LPN, took care of Ken during his time of need at home. She handed his care to the wonderful and skilled medical staff of Connecticut Hospice in Branford where he was made comfortable, had the opportunity to rest, have loved ones visit and peacefully leave this earth.

Ken is survived by his devoted and loving wife of nearly 59 years, Kathy (Splittorff) MacKenzie; son, Malcolm K MacKenzie, III and fiance Donna Perenic of Danbury, CT; daughter, Heather M Taterosian and her husband George M Taterosian of Trumbull, CT; two grandchildren, George L Taterosian of Matthews, NC and Samantha C Taterosian of Trumbull, CT.

Ken is also survived by his two loving brothers and their families; David M. MacKenzie of Fairfield, CT; and Theodore L MacKenzie, wife Colleen (Rose) MacKenzie of Huger, SC; sister-in-law and husband, Karen (Splittorff) Daignault and Gregory Daignault of Wilton, CT as well as many nieces, nephews, other family members and very close friends.

He is predeceased by his parents, Malcolm Sr and Dorothy (Moore) MacKenzie, his sister-in-law, Wendy (Roome) MacKenzie.

Kathy and family would like to thank Smilow Cancer Center, Guilford, The Connecticut Hospice of Branford, CT as well as the many faithful doctors and staff who attended Ken.

The family will hold a private graveside service in February. A Celebration of Life service will be held at Black Rock Church in Fairfield at a future date.

In lieu of flowers, the MacKenzie Family requests that you make a donation in Ken’s name to The Connecticut Hospice, Branford, CT, Smilow Cancer Centers, Forgotten Felines, Inc Westbrook, CT, or charity of your choice.

Arrangements are in the care of the FAIRFIELD FUNERAL HOME of EDMUND W. DOUGIELLO, 36 South Pine Creek Road.