Obituary: Hugh MacKenzie Sr.—A Life Of Public Service

Hugh Maxwell MacKenzie Sr., 89, passed away on Dec. 20, 2013.

Born in New London, he grew up on his family's dairy farm on Durfee Hill in Waterford. After graduating from Chapman Technical High School in New London, he went on to receive a bachelor of science degree from the University of Connecticut School of Agriculture. He worked for the Connecticut Department of Economic Development.

MacKenzie is perhaps best remembered in Waterford for his political service, which included five terms as a state representative in Connecticut's General Assembly. He served on the Waterford Board of Selectmen from 1957 to 1963 and was Waterford's First Selectman from 1963 to 1967. During that time, he was instrumental in the siting of Millstone Power Plant, the purchase of Waterford Town Beach, and in establishing the Eugene O'Neill Theater Center.  

He was active in a variety of agricultural, cultural, religious, and political organizations, including 4H and the Scotland Highland Festival Association of Eastern Connecticut, and was well known as an auctioneer, helping out with fundraisers for numerous organizations, including Oswegatchie School's PTA. 

He leaves behind his wife, Mary; son, Hugh Maxwell MacKenzie Jr. of Chaplin; two daughters, Kate MacKenzie of New London and Cameron MacKenzie, Esq. of Waterford. He is also survived by his four grandchildren, Jessie and Warren MacKenzie of New London, Evelyn and Hugh MacKenzie, and their mother, Carol MacKenzie, of Columbia.