Roger Dale McKenzie

Roger Dale McKenzie

August 27, 1951 – September 6, 2026

Roger was born on August 27, 1951, in Frostburg, Maryland, to Harold Lee McKenzie and Velma Louise (Wilson) McKenzie. His roots were in Western Maryland, particularly Garrett and Allegany counties, an area that remained an important part of his life and family history.

Roger proudly served his country in the United States Navy during the Vietnam era as a fireman. He remained proud of his Navy service throughout his life.

Following his military service, Roger became a master carpenter and spent much of his working life in the trade. He was especially talented at finish and trim carpentry and detailed woodworking, including wainscoting. His craftsmanship took him into beautiful homes and allowed him to complete work for some well-known clients over the years. He loved sharing stories about the places he’d worked, the people he’d met, and the things he’d built with his own hands.

Roger shared 26 years of his life with his beloved Linda. She was his partner, companion, and the person with whom he built his life for more than a quarter of a century. Linda passed away in April 2025, a loss that affected him deeply. During the final months of his life, he spoke of her often and of how much he missed her.

The last 16 months of Roger’s life brought tremendous change. Around the time of Linda’s death, Roger suffered the first of several strokes that eventually took much of his vision, hearing, mobility, and independence. In what seemed like an instant, so much of the life he knew was gone.

Eventually, Terrace Health and Rehabilitation Center in Gainesville became Roger’s home. There, he found more than caregivers. He found people who genuinely cared about him. They knew him, teased him, hugged him, spoiled him, encouraged him through therapy, and learned how to work around his famously stubborn personality.

Roger was especially fond of his CNA, Teresa, who knew that when he refused everything else, there was still a chance that a grilled cheese sandwich and cranberry juice might win him over.

Roger was also fortunate to have the continued support of Diane Tabler, Linda’s sister, who traveled to Gainesville at least once a month, and often more frequently, to spend time with him. Diane helped keep Roger connected with his family in Colorado, taking pictures to share with Dayla and calling her so that she and her dad could talk — especially on those occasions when Roger forgot to plug in his cell phone. And Diane rarely arrived without some of Roger’s favorites: Fig Newtons and cheese puffs.

As difficult as Roger’s final months were, they also brought meaningful time with his family. His daughter, Dayla, and her husband, Richard, traveled from Colorado to Florida frequently to be with him. Their visits were filled with meals, laughter, birthdays and holidays, and conversations about

Roger’s years as a master carpenter, his Navy days, his beloved truck and tools, Linda, his grandchildren, and stories from throughout his life.

Dayla and Richard were especially grateful to be with Roger to celebrate his 75th birthday just days before his passing. During their final visit, he spoke of his love for Linda, shared stories and memories, expressed how proud he was of his family, and made sure those closest to him knew how much he loved them.

More than anything, Roger was proud to be a father and grandfather. He is survived by his daughter, Dayla Cook and her husband, Richard of Severance, CO; his grandchildren, Anthony Cook of Cheyenne, WY, Riley Cook of Greeley, CO, and Rebecca Cook of Greeley, CO; his sister, Elaine McClung of Fort Ashby, W.Va.; and his brother, Harold McKenzie Jr of Frostburg, MD. He also leaves behind Diane Tabler, Linda’s sister, whose friendship and faithful visits brought him comfort during the final chapter of his life.

In addition to his beloved Linda and his parents, Roger was preceded in death by his siblings Donald Edward McKenzie, Norma Lee Keller, Ronald McKenzie, Jack McKenzie, and Doris L. McKenzie.

Roger chose cremation. His family will bring him home to Colorado for now and plans to return him to his roots in Western Maryland in the spring, where family and friends can gather to celebrate his life.

As a proud United States Navy Vietnam veteran, Roger will be laid to rest with military honors at Rocky Gap Veterans Cemetery.

Roger’s life was marked by service, craftsmanship, determination, humor, family, and more than a little stubbornness. The things he built with his hands will remain, but so will the stories, laughter, quirks, and memories he leaves with the people who knew and loved him.

For those who knew Roger, his family would love to hear the stories they may never have heard and see the photographs they may never have seen. Every memory adds another piece to the story of the man they loved.

Fair winds and following seas, Dad.

You are loved. You are missed. And you will not be forgotten.

Crevasse’s Simple Cremation is honored to serve the McKenzie family.