Obituary of Norman D. MacKenzie

   Norman D. MacKenzie, 93 of Oroville, California passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 9th. Norman was born on August 23rd, 1930 to Kenneth and Mary Etta MacKenzie, of Las Plumas, California. He spent his childhood in Las Plumas and Oroville. After graduating from Oroville High School in 1948, Norman graduated in 1950 from the College of Marin in Kentfield, California with an Associate of Arts degree. He served two years in the US Army, earning the rank of Corporal. He served nine months in Korea and fought in two major engagements earning a Combat Infantry Badge and Honorable Discharge. He then went on to attend Chico State where he graduated in 1955 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree. Norm, or “Coach Mac” had a long career in sports, as an athlete and as a teacher, coach, athletic director, referee, and mentor to many, many students. As an athlete, Norm was outstanding in football and track. He continues to hold both high school and junior college track and field records in hurdles. He began his teaching career in 1956 at Oroville High School where he taught PE and coached football, basketball and track until 1961. From 1961 until his retirement in 1995, Coach Mac taught PE and coached sports at Las Plumas High School, along with serving as PE Department Chair for 15 years and as Athletic Director for 33 years. He belonged to numerous organizations including as a charter member of the Northern Section Athletic Directors Association and California Athletic Directors Association, the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association and the Northern California Basketball Officials Association. Norm’s awards included Northern Section Athletic Director of the Year in 1978; California Athletic Director of the Year in 1984; Las Plumas High School Teacher of the Year in 1982; Oroville Union High School Hall of Fame in 2010; Chico State Athletic Hall of Fame in 1994; and Northern California Sports Association Hall of Fame in 2001. After retirement, Norm enjoyed traveling with his wife Barbara, spending time with family and being in the mountains at the cabin. He maintained his involvement in sports by attending games and track meets, and by serving as a basketball referee for several more years. To Norm being an Athletic Director was more than a job, it was a lifestyle.

Norman is survived by his wife of 68 years, Barbara; son Mark, granddaughters Jennie and Sara, and great-granddaughter Payton; son Matt and daughter-in-law Paula.

Arrangements entrusted to Ramsey Funeral Home. (530) 534-3877