Michael Louis McKenzie was born on October 14, 1964 to Patricia Lemons and William Louis McKenzie. He charged into his youth headfirst; hard headed and fast paced. He rode motorcycles, listened to punk rock, and he was a larger-than-life personality with irresistible magnetism that drew people to him.
At some point, shortly after his daughter Tressa was born, he had a reckoning. He decided, enough was enough and ‘got his act together’. He dropped his first name and went by Louis. It was a fresh start for him, in some ways. He was still the life of the party, but he took fatherhood seriously, became a skilled licensed contractor and started his own business, and dove into the pursuit of the great outdoors.
Louis could build just about anything. He would stand on rooftops with a bandana over his head, wearing a heavy toolbelt, and would effortlessly swing his hammer; while music blared from his paint spattered boombox. He started his own business, bought himself a beat up little house, tore it down to the studs and built himself a home.
He met Karen Campbell and after some time apart, they reconnected. She became Tressas's bonus mom. She planted flowers and succulents everywhere, painted the walls of their house in bright colors. They got married at her parent’s house.
Louis introduced his daughter to the great outdoors. They went car camping, backpacking, hiking, rock climbing inside and out. He became active in the Rock Ice Mountain club, took Tressa to watch documentaries about mountaineering. He snowshoed, skied, kayaked, fished, anything. If he could be outside, he was.
He also embarked on a lifelong spiritual journey. He would shout along to the loudest rock n roll songs, slapping his steering wheel to the beat, but he would also meditate, explore philosophy, practice mindfulness and breathwork. He led men’s groups at the Center for Spiritual Living and became an unusual yet integral part of that community, including volunteering with the teen group and building the new Center.
Louis always had health issues. He almost died when he was three years old of a rare condition that made his body incapable of fighting disease, but with excruciating monthly injections, he lived. When his liver started failing, Karen was at his side, pressing the doctors to take his symptoms seriously. He finally received a liver transplant.
He was encouraged to learn a new trade after that. Something that wasn’t so physical - architecture. But at the last minute he changed his mind. He didn’t want to sit at a desk, so he went back to school and got a certificate in sustainable agriculture. He bought a little chunk of land, and he turned it into a farm, Twin Palms Ranch. He grew vegetables and had llamas, chickens, ducks, geese, sheep, and of course, his dogs. He built a greenhouse, and Karen planted flowers.
Louis’ physical issues continued but he was happy to see his daughter marry and his two grandsons, Wiley and Ezra, born. He spent his days filled with hard work, enriching fun and surrounded by family and friends.
Here at the Center, we remember Louis with love and deep appreciation. He was a remarkable individual who transformed our building from Star Skate World into the Center for Spiritual Living.
Louis was, and will forever remain, a pivotal figure in our community heritage and in the lives of those he touched. His adventurous spirit, and tireless dedication were a blessing to everyone who knew him.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to his wife, Karen McKenzie, and his daughter, Tressa Fessenden-McKenzie, during this time of transition.
Thank you, Louis, for building our spiritual home and infusing it with your love and passion.
All are invited to attend the Celebration of Life for Louis McKenzie:
Saturday August 10th at 11 am
Center for Spiritual Living, 2075 Occidental Road, Santa Rosa, Ca 95401
