Daryl Lee McKenzie

Daryl Lee McKenzie, 35, died Nov. 12, 2012, in his sleep at his Palmer home.

A service is at 11 a.m., Dec. 1 at Raven Hall on the Alaska State Fairgrounds with a celebration of life to follow at 2 p.m. Viewing is from 4 to 6 p.m., Nov. 30 at Kehl’s Palmer Chapel.

Daryl and his twin brother were born July 2, 1977, in Anchorage to Diana and Rob. He grew up in Palmer with four brothers, and was blessed with the addition of three sisters and seven nieces and nephews. Daryl married the love of his life, Nicole, on Aug. 21, 2010.

Family was Daryl’s life, and meant absolutely everything to him. He always looked forward to holiday dinners, birthday celebrations, and gatherings spent with his family at his mother’s home in Palmer. Daryl was fond of every moment devoted to his nieces and nephews, and they adored their Uncle Daryl.

Daryl graduated in 1995 from Palmer High School and went on to attend North Idaho College in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Daryl was a naturally talented person, and could achieve anything he set his mind to. Sports were a great passion for him throughout his life. Daryl excelled in soccer, which took him to Brazil, and on to winning Palmer’s first state soccer championship in 1995. He was proudly one of the top hockey players to wear a Palmer High School jersey, and went on to play juniors in Seattle.

Daryl worked the majority of the last 11 years on the North Slope for both AES and UOSS. He began building scaffold, worked as a line lift lead, and continued on as a safety proctor. He excelled in his occupation and had an unwavering passion to contribute to the betterment of his work and inspire those around him.

Daryl enjoyed screen-printing custom clothing and was a talented videographer, always creating countless memories for friends and family. He had a significant passion for playing music, and enjoyed long boarding, snowboarding, traveling, fishing and camping.

Daryl had a tremendous heart, and one of the most generous spirits you would ever know. He lived to bring smiles to people’s faces. He would do anything in his power to make your day better, and was always there for you, without ever expecting anything in return. Daryl had a positive outlook on every aspect of life, and every action came from a place of pure kindness. He was a devoted, loving, and selfless son, brother, husband, and friend.

Daryl was a very proud descendant of one of the original Valley colonists, Helen Palmer, and had a deep appreciation and admiration for the town of Palmer, and for always living it UpsoM.

Surviving are his wife, Nicole; mother, Diana (Rick) Kaspar; father, Rob (LeaAnn) McKenzie; brothers, Dave (Connie), Duane (Jennie), Robbie (Felicia Sandvik), Dylan (Kim); sisters, Virginia Kaspar (Jake Minturn), Robin McKenzie and Michelle (Kelly) Shults; nieces and nephews, Blake, Taylor, Americus, Isaac and Declan McKenzie, Hayden and Delaney Shults; and father- and mother-in-law, James and Barbara Pulkrabek.

Preceding him in death were his grandparents, Leola Rush and James and Barbara McKenzie; great grandparents, Isaac and Helen Palmer and Frank and Ina McKenzie; and uncle, James McKenzie.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial account has been established at Matanuska Valley FCU, Acct. No. 141093.