For immediate need
(516) 627-2000
Tribute Wall
Visitation
Date: Friday, August 2, 2013
Time: 03:00 pm - 05:00 pm
Visitation
Date: Friday, August 2, 2013
Time: 07:00 pm - 09:00 pm
Location:
Fairchild Funeral Chapel
1570 Northern Blvd.
Manhasset, NY 11030
Service
Date: Saturday, August 3, 2013
Time: 11:00 am
Location:
Fairchild Funeral Chapel
1570 Northern Blvd.
Manhasset, NY 11030
Service
Fairchild Funeral Chapel
1570 Northern Blvd.
Manhasset, NY 11030
Interment
Cemetery Information Date: Saturday, August 3, 2013
Location:
All Saints Cemetery
855 Middle Neck Rd.
Great Neck, New York 11020
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Thursday, August 3, 2017
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Jon Folber posted a condolence
Friday, October 4, 2013
Have only great memories of Gordon and his family. My sorrow to the McKenzie family for their loss. Wish I could have attended his funeral but my thoughts and wishes are always with you. Would have loved to have seen your family and grieved with you all. Wishing you all only happiness and good wishes as you try and move on, knowing what a terrific and thoughtful man he was to us all.
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Bill Hyland posted a condolence
Sunday, August 18, 2013
I want to share my sympathy and continued love and friendship to Chris, Tina, Adam and Stewart.
Gordon "Grumpy" McKenzie was a great coach, part time dad, and lifetime friend and mentor. He taught me to push myself on and off the track. The bar was set very high so we would not settle. He expected that you would give all you had toward reaching your goals and would acknowledge when you had with that very rare smile.
I will remember the life lessons and cherish the rare smiles he shared with me.
Love Always
Bill Hyland
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Lionel Stevens posted a condolence
Wednesday, July 31, 2013
I've known Gorden and Chris for 50 + years. We met at Victory Field in the 1960's at a meet put on by the Police Athletic League. Chris being born in England as I, we got to talking. They invited me to their home in the Bronx’s and so was the beginning of a lifelong friendship that I have always greatly valued. I remember, Gorden as always methodical, cool and calm while Chris was a real live wire, warm and generous. He was very special in more ways than I can put into word. I will always remember him as one who lived life with values and passion, and breathed life to those around him.
Chris; Cheri and I are so very sorry for your loss. You have been fortunate to have had this very special person in your life. May you find comfort in that and the many fond memories you have shared together.
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Lionel Stevens posted a condolence
Wednesday, July 31, 2013
I've known Gorden and Chris for 50 + years. We met at Victory Field in the 1960's at a meet put on by the Police Athletic League. Chris being born in England as I, we got to talking. They invited me to their home in the Bronx and that was the start of a lifelong friendship I have greatly valued. I remember Gorden as always methodical, cool, and calm while Chris was a real live wire, warm, and generous. He was very special in more ways than I can describe. I will always remember him as one who lived life with values and passion, and gave life to those around him.
Chris; Cheri and I are so very sorry for your lose. You have been fortunate to have had this special person in your life. May you find comfort in that and the many fond memories you have shared together.
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Jacqueline Finch nee Fine posted a condolence
Wednesday, July 31, 2013
Dearest Aunt Chris and family: Some of the best and happiest memories of my otherwise rocky childhood happened while I was in your care. Uncle Gordon was the always right there alongside you all and I cared for him deeply. I remember sitting at the table for lunch or dinner and watching him eat slowly, because it was better for the digestion. I remember his handsome face and smiling eyes--always smiling it seemed. Indeed there were always so many smiles and laughs to be found in that old Colonial home in Great Neck and it was with you all that I was shown that family could enjoy each other and love one another. Thank you for those blessings and saying I'm sorry for your loss just seems too inadequate. I just hope that the great gift from having Uncle Gordon in your lives will sustain the loneliness of the days to come in some small measure. I will come visit soon, Aunt Chris. All of my love to you all, Jackie.
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geoffrey vaughan posted a condolence
Saturday, July 27, 2013
I was distressed to learn yesterday from a competitor Abe Bernstein at the National Senior Games in Cleveland (my home), where I was a spectator, of Gordon's death last week. I grew up in Great Neck on Steamboat Road just outside the Merchant Marine Academy, and met Gordon in 1965, shortly before my first marathon. I was inspired by his description of hard two-a-day training sessions, at lunch hour (made possible by eating at his desk) and in the evening. I was fasinated and awed hearing his national and international (including Olympic) racing experiences, always recounted in the most self-effacing manner. He could not have been more warm and friendly. When I met Chris, I was delighted by her vivacious personality as a counterpoint to Gordon's understated demeanor. What a delightful couple they made. A highlight of one visit to their home was meeting the Australian Albie Thomas, my hero when he was the world two-mile record holder. After moving to Cleveland in 1966 I returned to Great Neck for visits until my parents retired to North Carolina in 1972, and always tried to stop at the McKenzies. Although it has been more than 40 years since last seeing Gordon, I cherish the memory of knowing him. I would love to communicate with Chris if she has the opportunity, either by phone (440-871-3605) or email (geoffreycvaughan@yahoo.com). My sympathy and best wishes to her and her family.
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jon folber posted a condolence
Friday, July 26, 2013
With deepest sorrow for your loss. The McKenzie family and I go back more than 30 years. Gordon was a rare breed. I enjoyed always the pleasure of his company whether it was running along with him on the roads of Great Neck or working track and field meets around the Long Island, New York area. His compassion, kindness, and positive attitude towards all will forever be missed.
Wishing his family always the fondest of memories of Gordon during this most difficult time. Love to you all always.
Jon
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Sarah Slinsky posted a condolence
Wednesday, July 24, 2013
Our heartfelt condolences go out to Stu, the McKenzie family and all others who knew and loved Gordon McKenzie. We are sorry that we can’t be with you at this time but know that our hearts and prayers travel with you always. With Love, Jim, Sarah, Connor, Jake and Kilo Slinsky
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Gary Corbitt posted a condolence
Wednesday, July 24, 2013
“The Consummate Front Runner”
One of America’s greatest runners Gordon McKenzie passed on Friday, July 19th. Gordon’s range of athletic achievements was phenomenal. He competed at a world class level from one mile to the marathon.
Early in his career he had visions of a sub 4 minute mile, and was influenced by the Swedish runners Gunder Hagg, Arne Anderson, and American Gil Dodds. These were the preeminent milers of the 1940s. In 1953 he placed 4th in the Millrose Wannamaker Mile in 4:12.9 after setting the pace. His tendency to be a front runner stemmed from his desire to always achieve personal best times instead of just going for the win. He always competed with a watch and termed himself a pace runner with a time goal in mind for each race. Gordon was a student of the sport seeking out literature on how the Europeans trained. He felt the Europeans were way ahead of the Americans in both training and racing methods.
Gordon was a two time Olympian 1956 (10K) and 1960 (Marathon). He was in the famous 1956 Olympic 10,000 meters battle between Vladimir Kuts and Gordon Pirie. He was U.S. AAU Cross-Country Champion in 1953 a race that featured the Ashenfelter brothers and Browning Ross. In the 1956 he set American Records at 6 miles (29:18.6) and 10K (30:23).
He moved up to the marathon in 1960 and pushed John J. Kelly to a course record during their classic duel in the Olympic Marathon trial race at Yonkers. He was second at the Boston Marathon in 1960 in a time of 2:22:18. Ted Corbitt felt his teammate had the potential to run a 2:15 world record time in the marathon.
Gordon represented the racially integrated New York Pioneer Club (NYPC) his entire running career. He wanted to join the New York Athletic Club (NYAC) who had all the top milers in the country, but wasn’t welcomed due to his inexperience. On the other hand, NYPC welcomed all runners of all abilities. Once Gordon became a top runner, the NYAC approached him about joining, but he declined due to their policies of segregation against Blacks and Jews, choosing instead to stay with the NYPC as a statement of how the sport and society should be. Gordon loved the camaraderie and democracy of the NYPC. He cited Coach Joe Yancey as a gentleman with an engaging personality.
In the early 1960s, Gordon with his engineering background was helpful to John Sterner and Ted Corbitt in their efforts to develop a system of accurately measuring road race courses in the United States.
Gordon credits his wife Christine (Chris) with his many successes. She inspired him in training and racing. Chris was an accomplished runner on the track in the 1950s. She was part of a British team Selsonia Ladies AC that set a world record in the 3 X 880 Yard Relay. Chris competed in the seminal 1961 Manchester Road Race in which Julia Chase Brand and Dianne Lechausse became the first women in the United States to participate in a major distance road race.
May the McKenzie Family cherish and draw strength from their many loving memories of Gordon. To Chris, Tina, Adam, and Stuart my thoughts and prayers are always with you.
Gary Corbitt
Jacksonville, Florida
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christina Temperton- Slemon & Keith posted a condolence
Wednesday, July 24, 2013
Uncle Gordon, you leave us with lots of loving memories, you will always be remembered for your enthusiasm and your love of athletics, we shall never forget you, every time we are involved in athletics we shall think of you, the legend that you are will live on, in the light of Aunty Chris, Tina, Adam and Stuart.
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Stella Bondi posted a condolence
Tuesday, July 23, 2013
Gordon McKenzie besides being an Olympiad legend, he was a wonderful family man, father and grandfather. His life was full of special moments of glory and fun while his main focus was how to love and protect his wonderful wife Kris. Unconditional love was the true definition of the feeling he shared with Kris, Tina, Stu and Adam and he would do anything in his power to maintain contact with all. Gordon never complained for any task (small or large) assigned. He would do it immediately and he would put an additional effort for better results.
May he rest in peace among all angels in a place where there is no pain nor suffering but eternal life. Gordon, you will be missed.
Stella & Robert Bondi
1570 Northern Boulevard • Manhasset, New York 11030 Map
516-627-2000