Terrible news about "Mr. John"

[GaryDroze]

One of my favorite aspects of heading to St Marks Refuge to fish was the ready smile and personal greeting from "Mr John" McKenzie, the toll booth operator. He was always gracious and happy to talk about the latest catches and wildlife sightings on the refuge. Horrible to see his picture on the front page of today's paper, the victim of a fatal stabbing after a home intrusion.

I'm sure I'm not the only frequent visitor to the Refuge who will now feel a pang of sadness every time I pass by the toll booth. A gentle man is gone.

[SHOWBOAT]

I hadn't heard this Gary. Horrible news.

My thoughts are with his family and his grand-baby

http://www.wakulla.com/Wakulla_News/Loc ... 033111806/

[lordsfisher]

Human tragedy. Phil 4:7 "And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."

[fishinfool]

I am terribly sorry to hear about that. I heard about the attack on the radio but did not put together who the victims were.
I alway received a genuine smile and a wave in return of mine when I passed in either direction. Usually on the way out as he was not on duty yet when I arrived at the refuge in the morning.
Mr. John was a real nice person and quick to report any problems with the roads or the boat ramp that were given him.
He will be sincerely missed.
FF

[Atticus]

Horrible news. I hadn't connected the pieces before I saw this thread. Very sad.

[tallykenj]

So sad. God, bless Mr. John and the other victims along with their families. What a senseless and sick tragedy.

[yardman32317]

I had a chance to meet him last year. He told me that I needed to purchase that Duck Stamp to save money coming into the Refuge to fish and then proceeded to take me to a map and pointed out all the good spots to fish from a kayak. We spent 30 minutes going over that map. Like most, I didn't put the he and the tragedy together. I know Robin Will is going to have a very hard time finding someone with such a kind heart to replace him. He's the kind of person that makes going to the Rufuge a great experience.

[MudDucker]

This makes me sick! We need an island where we can take and dump all of our human trash. Let them kill each other!!!!!

[TallyFish]

My wife and I went to the Refuge last evening and there were plenty of memorial flowers placed around the toll booth. We'll miss his good sense of humor and quick wit.

[Redphisher]

A good man. Terrible news.

[woopty]

RIP John,

You welcomed us to many epic adventures.

Thank you

[captkeyser]

I've know him for many years. So sorry to hear this.