LUDLOW – Richard C. MacKenzie, 65, of Ludlow, was Called Safely Home on Sunday, July 21, 2013. He passed into Eternal Life at his home surrounded by the care and comfort of his loving family. He was born in Springfield on June 30, 1948, a beloved son of the late Gardner W. and Barbara M. (Smith) MacKenzie. He grew up on Crescent Lake in East Longmeadow, was a 1966 graduate of Enfield High School in Enfield, CT and had lived in Ludlow for the past 30 years. He served his country during the Vietnam War and attained the rank of Specialist Four. Following his military service, he was employed as an electrician for 35 years and later went on to own and operate his own business for ten years, MacKenzie Electric, in Ludlow. He enjoyed the outdoors and camping. He leaves his wife and best friend, Denise L. (Owens) MacKenzie, and they were blessed with over 31 years of happiness together. He also leaves his three children, Brandon T. MacKenzie, United States Air Force Staff Sergeant Brett R. MacKenzie, and Ambrea V. MacKenzie and her fiancé, Brian Smith; his five grandchildren, Andrew, Christian, Joseph, Julian and Serena; his two brothers, David MacKenzie and his wife, Mary and Scott MacKenzie and his wife, Kathleen; his sister in law, Patricia MacKenzie-Hyra; and his many nephews and nieces. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his dear brother, Gardner MacKenzie, Jr. His family and friends are invited to attend a Prayer Service on Friday, July 26, 2013 at 12:30 p.m. at the St. Pierre – Phaneuf Springfield Chapels, (413-737-1177), 7 Chapin Terrace, Springfield, MA 01107 (the funeral home will open at 11:30 a.m.). His Committal Service with Army Military Honors will follow the Prayer Service at 2 p.m. in the Chapel at the Massachusetts Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery, 1390 Main Street, Agawam, MA 01001. His family will receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday, July 25, 2013 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. His family has requested that memorial donations be made in his memory to the Catholic Community of Saint Elizabeth at Saint John the Baptist Church, 181 Hubbard Street, Ludlow, MA 01056. For more details, please visit: www.stpierrephaneuf.com