Michael Durant McKenzie, age 78, of Charleston, passed away on Friday, December 24, 2021 in his son, Joshua Fridley’s home in Beaufort, SC. From his birth in Georgetown, SC to his death, he was admired by many for his kind and considerate demeanor, love of the outdoors, and land conservation achievements. Everyone who has had the blessing of crossing paths with Mike has developed a sincere admiration for him almost immediately. Mike’s talents were many; he was an avid runner and loved physical fitness activities, an accomplished marine biologist who truly loved his career, civil war history buff, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and epitome of a southern gentleman. Mike graduated from Winyah High School in Georgetown, SC, where he captained the varsity football team. He was the perfect mix of mischief and humility, and his hilarious stories from those years will stick with those close to him. After high school, Mike attended NC State University and graduated with a Marine Biology degree. He later obtained a Master’s Degree from The Citadel. He worked 40 years as a marine biologist for the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) in SC. Mike and his team spear-headed one of the most successful land conservation projects ever assembled known as the ACE Basin National Estuarine Research Reserve. It is home to the Michael D. McKenzie Field Station, located at Bennett’s Point, which was dedicated to him in 2002. This reserve protects the natural beauty and abundant wildlife of the South Carolina Lowcountry and is one of the largest undeveloped estuaries on the East Coast. As a result of Mike’s conservation efforts, the ACE Basin has been recognized by National Geographic and has been described by the Nature Conservancy as “one of the last great places”. While Mike worked at DNR, he met his wife, Sharon C. McKenzie, who proposed marriage to him on the first day they met. They enjoyed camping and traveling in their RV in their spare time. Mike also loved bird watching, reading, following collegefootball, and playing with his grandchildren. He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Sharon C.; his children, Christopher Michael McKenzie, Kimberly McKenzie Robertson (David), Joshua Brent Fridley (Becky), Marlee McKenzie Bodle (Jeff), and his 8 grandchildren. Visit our guestbook at legacy.com/obituaries/charleston
Posted in: pbinfo.com
Posted on: 2022-01-07
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