MACKENZIE R. BURGESS MEMORIAL FUND - Fund Emeritus

Mackenzie Burgess graced us with her adorable grin and filled our hearts and lives with her joy and laughter each and every day. She was the loving and proud big sister to Sarah and J.J. She was the light in the lives of all who knew her from her family to her neighbors to her friends and teachers at Jessie Beck Elementary School, along with her teammates in soccer. On February 10, 2007, God gathered our sweet girl, MacKenzie, into his loving arms.

The Mackenzie Burgess Memorial Fund will provide annual distributions in support of the causes MacKenzie cherished… soccer, tutoring, global warming and saving the polar bears.

About MacKenzie
MacKenzie was born on February 17, 1995, and quickly stole the hearts of her family by her sweet ways and later by her fierce independence. No matter what new skill she was tackling--whether learning to ride a bike or learning to roller blade--she wanted to be shown one time, and then take off on her own. At the age of 4, MacKenzie began to play soccer and became an outstanding member of her team. In her current position as goalie, she felt a strong pride to protect the goal from the other team--even wanting to do so one time with a broken finger! And could MacKenzie score goals? Absolutely! She was amazing, showing her team her competitive edge during games and tournaments. MacKenzie was truly an all-around athlete adding the Jr. Ski program to her list of accomplishments and biking around the neighborhood as one of her hobbies.

You cannot think of that contagious, unforgettable smile and her perfect long black hair, without remembering her sense of humor and twinkling eyes and her wanting everyone, in her family particularly, to be happy and healthy and to spend time together. MacKenzie loved to share stories about her family's adventures both big and small. She had a way of telling a story, adding details and pulling you into her joy of sharing. She also had a giving, loving way of being so sweet and kind--there are simply not words to put to her gentle nature and thoughtfulness.

In school, MacKenzie enjoyed the company of many, many friends. Many of her close friends spent the night at each other's homes for slumber parties and birthdays, and talked of music, clothes and sports. MacKenzie genuinely enjoyed her own style. She worked extremely hard in school to please her family, teachers and herself.

MacKenzie's dream was to become a scientist and to solve the Global Warming issue that currently is in the mainstream of our planet's concerns. The protection of Earth perhaps by developing a new car to help reduce pollution and reduce global warming concerns, was something of which MacKenzie spoke of wanting to accomplish. She wanted the Polar Bears to be protected and saved from any harm by ending global warming.

Forever in our hearts, the memory of MacKenzie and the continuation to help meet the dreams that MacKenzie wanted to fulfill in life, will be carried on through those who remain to do this for her: Caroline and Bill Burgess, MacKenzie's loving parents; Sarah, MacKenzie's beloved, precious little sister; J.J., MacKenzie's dear little brother; Grandparents, Susan and Bill Burgess of Reno, and Karen and Rick Brown of Sparks; Great Grandparents, William and Ruth Sime of Sacramento, Shirley Brown of Sparks and Arline Davidson of Reno; Aunts and Uncles, Katie and John Nightingale of Sparks, Amber and Bryson Brown of Sparks, Colleen and Michael Clowers of Reno, Leanne and Al Pena of Sparks, Cheryl and Bob, Uncle Nick Kastanes, Ellen and Bill; Great Aunt Florence Ann Burgess; Cousins in fun and love, Benjamin and Lucas Clowers, Elijah and Matthew Nightingale, Owen Brown, Samantha and Sabrina Pena, John Burgess and Elizabeth Thomas; and MacKenzie's extended family tree of Great Aunt Nancy Davidson of Reno; and many more Aunts and Uncles, cousins and family members; and all of MacKenzie's dear, sweet friends and classmates and teachers from Jessie Beck Elementary School.

The parents of MacKenzie, Caroline and Bill Burgess, and their entire family wish to extend their deepest, heartfelt gratitude to the physicians and the staff of Renown Medical Center who provided their cherished daughter with exceptional care and kindness. Thank you to all who provided care, particulary Dr. Tran, Dr. Shane, Dr. Eby, Dr. Rodriguez, Dr. Horsley and Dr. Katrinka Kip.

 

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Recipients:

• 2007: Sylvan Learning Center (supporting 3 Students), Reno, Nevada
• 2008: Great Basin Youth Soccer

 

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Fund Administrators:

• Bill and Caroline Burgess

 

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Fund Emeritus: The MacKenzie Burgess Memorial Fund was closed in December 2008.