Richard S. Mackenzie, 77, passed away at his home in Scottsdale, Arizona, on October 27, 2025, after a two-and-a-half-year battle with cancer.
Born on October 1, 1948, in Hutchinson, Kansas, Richard was the son of Glenn Richard and Helen (Weeks) Mackenzie. He grew up in Hutchinson and graduated from Hutchinson High School. Richard earned his bachelor’s degree in philosophy and biology from Colorado College in 1970 and his law degree from the University of Kansas School of Law in 1974. He later built a successful law practice in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
Richard loved to travel and explore the world. He was often a reluctant adventurer at first, but always found joy and wonder wherever he went. One of his favorite escapades was camping across the Southwest in “Wimbsley,” his 1956 MGA, with all his possessions tied to the back. Over the years, he collected more vintage cars than he could ever part with, each one holding a story and a spark of nostalgia.
A true craftsman and dreamer, Richard even built a cabin from the ground up—log by log—creating a welcoming retreat that reflected his creativity, love of nature, and gift for bringing people together.
He was a devoted “girl dad,” known for his wit, candor, and endless curiosity. He made Halloween costumes, gave pedicures, crafted jewelry, and never missed a soccer game. Richard approached life with humor and heart. He was quick to share a clever remark or a thoughtful observation, always inviting laughter and connection.
He was also a lifelong, diehard Jayhawk fan with an unmatched passion for KU sports, especially basketball. Every season was sacred. He never missed a game, whether cheering from Allen Fieldhouse or pacing the living room in his crimson and blue. He proudly held season football tickets for years and would make the long drive from Santa Fe to Lawrence for games, decked out head to toe in Jayhawk gear. For his 70th birthday, he celebrated in true Richard fashion—at Late Night in the Phog, watching Snoop Dogg perform inside Allen Fieldhouse, grinning from ear to ear. Few things made him happier than celebrating a KU win surrounded by family and friends.
A creative and curious spirit, Richard had a deep love of art, philosophy, and conversation. He collected and created artwork throughout his life and could always be found reflecting on the great thinkers or discovering new perspectives. He never met a stranger and formed meaningful friendships wherever he went, connecting easily with people from all walks of life.
Richard is survived by his: wife, Benita Mackenzie; daughter, Ali Mackenzie Smith (Drew); and cherished granddaughter, Remi Smith (age 2); mother, Helen Weeks Mackenzie Rogers; stepbrothers Robert (Marty) Stone and Allen (Ila) Stone; first cousins, Micheal Stephenson, Rodney Sherrill, Alan Weeks, Teresa Stephenson Hess, and Julie Sherrill Drach along with their families.
He was preceded in death by: his grandparents, Arnold Francis and Leticia Carroll Weeks, and Sheldon and Ruth Mackenzie; his father, Glenn Richard Mackenzie; and his beloved daughter, Piper Morgan Mackenzie.
Visitation will be held 10 – 11:30 am Saturday, November 8, 2025, at Emanuel Lutheran Church in Hutchinson, Kansas, followed by a private inurnment in the family plot at Fairlawn Cemetery. There will be a Celebration of Life in Santa Fe at a later date. Friends may sign his book from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday at Elliott Mortuary.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the KU Athletic Development Championship Resources in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main St., Hutchinson, KS, 67502
Richard will forever be cheering on the Jayhawks from above—Rock Chalk.