Benjamin Darrell McKenzie
/
I tend not to be awestruck, but my older brother, Darrell, is an exception. He is my superhero. Named after our father, Benjamin, he would be known to most(pre-college) as Darrell. He is my older brother and the oldest son born to my parents, Benjamin and Patricia McKenzie. Darrell means “beloved” or “dear.”
I could not have asked for a better older brother. Smart, funny, tall, and athletic. He demonstrated to all that took notice what it was like to perform in and out the classroom. I took notice.
In high school, he was a track star and a year-round gifted athlete. I grew up with newspaper clippings and photos of his pursuit of excellence everywhere.
His decision to go to West Point seemed to mirror his approach to life- excellence and sacrifice. In addition to the physical rigor of the Academy, my brother made the uncommon decision to be a Division 1 (D1) student-athlete. https://goarmywestpoint.com/documents/download/2023/3/8/Men_s__O__-_top_ten.pdf
When I made the decision to be a Neuroscience major while playing D1 Volleyball at Colgate, also a part of the Patriot League, I received a healthy push back from my coaches and academic advisor. What they didn’t know is that I had a brother that graduated from West Point with a degree in Environmental Engineering. He ran and excelled at four years of track. He set the benchmark high and I love a challenge. If he could do it, I could do it.
Between my brother‘s height, good looks, and his laugh, he commanded attention when he entered a room. I can still hear his laugh. We could laugh about anything and absolutely nothing at all. You can thank him for my ridiculously dry sense of humor. While it was nice to laugh with others, we need not let that get in the way of getting a good chuckle in. He introduced me to Monty Python. One of my favorite skits is the Black Knight.
While he was stationed in South Korea, I was blessed with opportunity to visit him on base. It was my first time outside of North America. Even considering the long flight, time zone change, and military restrictions; I became certain that I loved international travel. Every trip I have taken since then is a reflection of that. My girls had passports before they were one. My brother revealed my love for international travel.
When Darrell left the army and moved to Washington DC, I was excited to have him close. We lived together for a few years, including through the purchase of his home on Capitol Hill.
His house and the book “In a Pit with a Lion on a snowy day“ by Dr Mark Batterson https://www.markbatterson.com/
led me to my current church home, National Community Church (NCC) decades later. My personal history was intertwined with the church history in a way only God could orchestrate. It is through that church that my faith has soared. I am raising my four children whose lives demonstrate that with God all things are possible. My brother’s decision to purchase a home and generously invite me to stay with him until I launched to grad school wound up playing a big role in my spiritual development.
My brother was generous beyond reason. If he had it and you needed it, he gave it. He was incredible like that. When I was looking to go back to grad school, he generously gave out of his network to connect me with people that helped me with my applications and essays. Throughout the pandemic while I was learning the ropes of raising four, he would often show up with timely resources.
I saw my brother give generously in scenarios that I would not have considered because it seemed to carry a great cost. It taught me alot about love, giving, appreciation, and generosity.
My brother lived an uncommon life of excellence, sacrificial love, thoughtfulness, and generosity. He made a distinct impression upon my life and it has played a big part in how I show up. God is so intentional! Grateful to be Darrell’s little sister.
It is hard to believe you are no longer here on this earth, but I am reminded that you are home. Love and miss you Darrell.
