Sergeant McKenzie was the elder son of Mr and Mrs R McKenzie of Kaitaia and a descendant of the Highlanders of Waipu. Commencing his education at Maungawhau School, he afterwards attended the Waiuku District High School from where he matriculated before joining the staff of the National Bank at Pukekohe. He was a keen player of tennis and golf.

Entering the RNZAF at Levin, in August 1941, he passed out of Wigram with his wings in March 1942, and left for England where he took part in several flights over enemy territory as captain of a Wellington bomber before his death in action. His wing-commander has written to his parents of is outstanding “ skill, courage and determination,” and of his last flight. “This raid was a vital one, and one of the many daring and courageous acts the Royal Air Force is called upon to perform.”

He was the pilot of a Wellington X, HE 368 HD, which took off from Leconfield at 1704 on 26 January 1943. The operation was named 'Lorient'. At 2300 on the return the plane crashed due to engine failure at Sutton Railway Station, 2 miles NW of Retford, Nottinghamshire. Sergeant McKenzie, Pilot Officer H.E. Bonest and Sergeant C.C. Brownlee (RNZAF) were all killed. Sergeants W.C. Bush and A.R. Ferris were both injured. Sergeant Bush died the following day.

His younger brother, John was in training in the RNZAF at the time of his death.

Next of kin details compiled from information in the Casualty lists published in the newspapers. AWMM