Jack's obituary
Jack (John) Murray McKenzie, our beloved father and dear friend, transitioned from this world peacefully on September 8, 2025. Born on July 30,1936 , he was 89 years old. He passed in the company of his daughter, Nikki McKenzie, and his son-in-law, Ryan Perez-Daple. Hours before he passed he was also with his daughter, Francesca, Milo, his grandson, and many friends who loved him dearly.
Jack was a veteran, a business man, and an innovator who founded Spectra Labs, one of the first blood testing for dialysis laboratories in Silicon Valley. He was an animal lover, a sailor, an adventurer, a leader, an intellectual, a risk taker, a conversation connoisseur, a wonderful father and a great friend. Jack had a zest for life, an insatiable curiosity for knowledge, a deep love of people and voracious appetite for a good story. He had an unforgettable sparkle in his eye, a humor that could melt the coldest of hearts and a charm that instantly magnetized anyone in his orbit.
Jack radiated goodness. He had a full belly laugh and a playfulness that lit up the whole room. He lived an epic, interesting, big life that was filled with fun, adventure, generosity and love. He was kind, funny, vibrant, strong, and witty. He was loved deeply and will be missed profoundly by all who knew him.
A memorial will be held in the Bay Area in his honor over the holidays. More details to follow. In lieu of gifts or flowers please consider donating to your nearest animal shelter, the Fisher House Foundation for Veterans, or the American Red Cross in his name.