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MCKENZIE -- Taylor McKenzie, MD, 76, originally of Shiprock, NM and longtime resident of Gallup, NM, passed away Friday, April 13, 2007 at Presbyterian Hospital in Albuquerque. Dr. McKenzie was Kinlich'ii'nii clan born for Todich'ii'nii clan. The first Navajo to become a medical doctor and surgeon, and the first and only Medical Officer of the Navajo Nation, Dr. McKenzie tirelessly dedicated his life to improving the health and well being of the Navajo people. In addition to a medical career that spanned more than 40 years, Dr. McKenzie's sense of duty to his people ultimately led to his serving as Navajo Nation Vice President from 1999-2003. In his 40 + years of service to his people, working with the U.S. Public Health Service and the Navajo Nation, Dr. McKenzie received many awards including the Alumni of the Year Award from Wheaton College, the Alumni of the Year Awards from Baylor College of Medicine, the Distinguished Public Service Award from the Governor of New Mexico, the Commendation Medal from the U.S. Public Health Service, the Nathan Davis Award from the American Medical Association, and the Navajo Nation Medal of Honor, the highest honor of the Navajo Nation. He is survived by his wife, Betty McKenzie of Gallup, NM; sons, Michael McKenzie, Marvin McKenzie, Gilbert McKenzie and wife Kathy, Patrick McKenzie, Edward McKenzie and Jeremy McKenzie and wife Susan; daughters, Judith McKenzie, Claire Klumpenhower and husband David and Kathleen McKenzie; grandchildren, Jennifer McKenzie, Jason McKenzie, James McKenzie, Rachel McKenzie, Elizabeth McKenzie, Peter Klumpenhower, Grace Klumpenhower, Taylor McKenzie and Benjamin McKenzie; and great grandchildren, Shyleah Lanza, Destiny Montoya and Michael Skinner. Private family services will be held in Albuquerque followed by interment at the Santa Fe National Cemetery. A public memorial will be held in Gallup, NM. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Association of Native American Medical Students (of the association of American Indian Physicians) for a scholarship fund. Menaul Blvd NE. French Mortuary 1111 University Blvd. NE (505) 843-6333 www.frenchmortuary.com
        Published on: Sun April 15, 2007