Bryce Mckenzie

Bryce McKenzie, a 26 year old senior in Physics at New Mexico Tech, died Saturday May 2nd in Socorro, of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. According to reports, Bryce was under the influence of hallucinogenic mushrooms. Family and friends, including professors, counselors and a psychiatrist said Bryce's actions were not consistent with his character and personality and that his judgment and reasoning must have been impaired by the mushrooms. Bryce finished requirements for his bachelor's in physics, and his parents will receive his degree at New Mexico Tech's commencement on Saturday May 9th. His family is grateful to New Mexico Tech for this special arrangement. Bryce was born July 5, 1988 in St. Louis, Missouri at St. John's Mercy Medical Center where a great aunt served as a Sister of Mercy. Visits by his aunt and many fellow nuns made him the hospital's most popular newborn. These nuns included many of the hospital's senior executives, and Bryce received outstanding care. Bryce had a wonderful, sometimes obnoxious and dirty sense of humor, and took particular joy in sharing it with the unsuspecting. He was painfully shy. Most people would never believe it since, after years of moving and being forced to meet new people, he learned how to interact. He had a talent for drawing people out of their shell and defending those who needed it. Bryce aimed to use his education to support himself and a future family. Despite his grand beginning at St. John's and many material blessings, Bryce loved and lived a simple, frugal life. He enjoyed computer games, time with friends and family, disassembling and reassembling almost anything, travel - especially to Japan, and was an exceptional marksman. Bryce is survived by his parents Shawn and Valerie McKenzie of Las Cruces, his sister Chesney and brother-in-law Caleb Ramsey of Dallas, his grandparents Al and Carmen McKenzie, and Bud and Bev Coons of Las Cruces, and many loving uncles, aunts and cousins in Las Cruces and elsewhere. All are devastated and confused that such a thoughtful young man, who loved them and their Lord Jesus Christ, took his own life when his future was so bright. Bryce's memorial service is scheduled for this Friday, May 8, at 10:30 AM at University Presbyterian Church (UPC), 2010 Wisconsin Ave., Las Cruces, NM 88001 and will be followed by a lunch reception. The service will be officiated by UPC Senior Pastor Patrick Tebbano and close family friend, retired pastor Lyle Lionbarger. PDF Printable Version