[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 98 (Friday, June 26, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1605]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             IN RECOGNITION OF THE PASSING OF DAN McKENZIE

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JEFF MILLER

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, June 26, 2009

  Mr. MILLER of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dan 
McKenzie, a Northwest Florida community leader and businessman who 
passed away on June 22, 2009. Mr. McKenzie spent his entire life 
serving his community and family. I am proud to honor his life of 
dedication and service.
  Mr. McKenzie grew up in Pineapple, Alabama, the son of a sawmill 
owner. He chose to branch out and not follow in the family business, 
instead trying his hand at ranching. As a young man, continuing health 
issues forced him to seek medical care in Foley, Alabama where he was 
told he would have to leave the area completely in order to regain his 
health. He spent the night in Milton, Florida and said he was never 
sick again. Milton became his permanent home after his miraculous 
recovery, where he became entrenched in the local business community.
  Upon settling in Milton, Mr. McKenzie began a new career in the 
automotive industry. His first day on the job, he sold a brand new 
Mercury sedan for $3,000. From there, he built a family owned 
automotive business that still stands to this day. For over 40 years, 
McKenzie Pontiac GMC Buick has provided for the automotive needs of the 
people of Northwest Florida. Billing themselves as a hometown 
dealership, their motto of ``We will treat you like family'' was a 
promise and not just a slogan.
  Mr. McKenzie was not only a businessman, but a dedicated family man. 
In 1945, he married his childhood sweetheart, Mary Till, and often 
credited her as his inspiration. They were the parents of five 
daughters. Sadly, Dianne passed away at the age of 9, but left to 
cherish his memory are Janet, Linda, Lisa and Dana.
  Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am 
privileged to honor Mr. Dan McKenzie as a man reflective of the true 
spirit of Northwest Florida. Mr. McKenzie will be remembered by all as 
a loving husband and father, a successful businessman and an important 
part of our Northwest Florida community.

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