Norman Lee Mckenzie

Norman Lee McKenzie, age 83, of La Grande, died January 4, 2006 at the VA Medical Center in Walla Walla, Washington. A celebration of life will begin at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 10, 2006 at Daniels Chapel of the Valley. Military honors and entombment will follow at the Grandview Cemetery Mausoleum. Viewing will be held on Monday from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Daniels Chapel of the Valley.

Mr. McKenzie was born on March 28, 1922, the son of Irvin and Millie Malinda (Burchfield) McKenzie in La Grande. He graduated from La Grande High School with the class of 1940. On November 11, 1942 Norman began his active service during World War II. He was inducted into the service at Spokane, Washington. He served with the 305th GP American Allied Forces in Europe as a Clerk Non Typist with the rank of Corporal. He qualified as a sharpshooter with a pistol and TSMG. He was honorably discharged in September of 1945.

On December 5, 1957 he married Irene Hyde in Lewiston, Idaho and they lived in Enterprise until moving to La Grande in 1959. He owned and operated Norm's Cigar Store on Washington Street until his retirement. He was a former member of the American Legion, the VFW, the Elks and the Eagles. He loved the outdoors, traveling and scenic drives throughout Eastern Oregon. Since his retirement he has enjoyed spending summers at Wildhorse in Nevada to camp and fish.

Survivors include his wife, Irene, of La Grande; daughter in heart, Nan Fordice of La Grande and Valerie Hyde of Portland; grandchildren, Jenny Watson of Woodburn, Justin D. Fordice of Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri and Damon Cervantes of Portland; great grandchildren, Tyler William Watson, Braden James Fordice and Taylor Marie Fordice; and other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his brother, Irvin Harry McKinzie.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that contributions be made to the VFW or to the VA Hospital in Walla Walla.