Costa Mesa’s First Police Chief Dies at Age 70
A memorial service will be held Thursday for Arthur R. McKenzie, a former Costa Mesa police chief and city manager who was credited with guiding the city through almost 2 decades of growth.
McKenzie, 70, died Sunday of a heart attack at his home. He is survived by his wife, Lura, a son, Mark, and a 4-year-old granddaughter, Kendall.
The service will be at 2 p.m. at the Newport-Mesa Christian Center on Newport Boulevard in Costa Mesa.
McKenzie moved to Costa Mesa in 1953 and became the new city’s first police chief. He later became assistant city manager, public safety director and city manager. He held the city manager’s job for 6 years before retiring in 1970 after suffering a stroke.
City officials credited McKenzie with leading Costa Mesa through one of its periods of highest growth.
In addition to his work for the city, McKenzie was active in numerous community organizations. He worked with the March of Dimes and belonged to the Lions Club, the Masonic Temple, Amigos Viejos and the Orange County YMCA.
His wife said that at his request, his ashes will be scattered at sea. She asked that in lieu of flowers, donations be sent to the March of Dimes.
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