Robert MacKenzie
‘Bob’
Sept. 26, 1938 - Aug. 26, 2009

Sunday, August 30, 2009 1:14 AM PDT

Fruitland

Robert “Bob” MacKenzie, affectionately known as “Papa Hun,” age 70, passed away unexpectedly Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2009. A viewing for family and friends will be held from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday, Aug. 31, 2009, at Shaffer-Jensen Memory Chapel, Payette. Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2009, at Payette Church of the Nazarene. Burial will follow at Park View Cemetery, New Plymouth. Condolences may be made to the family at www.shaffer-jensenchapel.com.

Bob was born to Scottish immigrants Robert and Isabella MacKenzie on Sept. 26, 1938, in Mount Kisco, N.Y. His parents gave him life and nurtured those qualities we all treasure — being genuine, loyal, sincere and trustworthy. Bob displayed a rare combination of strength and gentleness that endeared him to all. He served others, teaching by example and raising goals by high expectations.

Bob attended Mount Kisco Elementary School and was a member of the first graduating class of Fox Lane High School in 1957. He attended Paul Smith’s College and the University of New Hampshire. He married Dorothy “Billie” Budnik in 1960. From that union, four children were born — Donna, Robert, James and Scott.

In August of 1975, Bob, Donna and Robert relocated to Payette, Idaho, where Bob and Billie purchased Genoway’s Payette Greenhouses. Billie, Jim and Scott joined them in November after selling their home in Mount Kisco. Bob and Billie owned and operated Genoway’s until 1993. In addition to owning Genoway’s, they purchased a 40-acre fruit orchard in Fruitland in 1983, which they later sold. Billie passed away in 1998.

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In 1988, Bob began work for Payette County as an appraiser. He was appointed to the position of assessor in 1989. Bob continued to serve Payette County uncontested for over 20 years and was attending an assessor’s conference in Orofino at the time of his death. As Payette County assessor, Bob held the following positions: president of the Idaho Association of County Assessors (1999-2000), IAC Board of Directors (2001-2009), president of IAC (2004-2005), National Association of Counties Board of Directors (2005-2006), member of IAC Intergovernmental Affairs Committee and member of the Board of Equalization Manual Committee. Bob also worked closely with the Idaho State Tax Commission on property tax rules and implementation of the property tax system for the state. He was generous of his time and knowledge to help county government better serve all Idaho citizens in a fair manner. In 2002, Bob was awarded the Mill-Adler Award.

Bob married Jan Parker on July 1, 2000, in Caldwell, Idaho. Bob and Jan built their home on the land where Bob’s orchard was previously located. Their years together were short, but their lives were full. They enjoyed traveling and spending time with family and friends. One of Bob’s favorite activities was Friday night dominoes.

Bob was an avid outdoorsman and gardener. His love for the outdoors began at a young age. He enjoyed hunting birds and big game with his sons, grandsons and many friends. Bob acquired his outstanding gardening skills by working side-by-side with his father on Bennett Cerf’s Estate in Mount Kisco, N.Y.

Bob is survived by the love of his life and best friend, Jan MacKenzie, of Fruitland; his daughter, Donna (Dan) Jones, of Ontario; sons, Robert (Sandy) and Scott (Heidi) MacKenzie, both of Fruitland, and Park Erickson, of Denver, Colo. He is also survived by his eight grandchildren, Alisha (Toby) McBride, Jamieson, Ore., Greg Schaffeld, Ontario, Tiffany (Chad) Cruickshank, of Nyssa, Candice, MaKayla, Scotty, Alexis and Maisie MacKenzie, all of Fruitland; two great-grandsons, Matthew and Peter McBride, of Jamieson; his sister, Jane Paller, of Emmett, Idaho; and numerous nieces and nephews. Bob was preceded in death by his wife, Billie; son, James; and his parents.

To honor Bob’s love of gardening, the family requests that flowers adorn the church, or donations may be made in Bob’s memory to the IAC Scholarship Fund in care of Shaffer-Jensen Memory Chapel, P.O. Box 730, Payette, ID 83661.