Former Arapahoe County Commissioner Marie Mackenzie died Wednesday after a long illness. She was 74.
Mackenzie served two four-year terms on the board, from 1997 to 2005.
According to a news release, Mackenzie championed water issues. Much of her time was spent on transportation, land use, open space and historic preservation.
Some of her accomplishments include the acquisition of the 17 Mile House, the development of the Cherry Creek Valley Ecological Park and Bow Tie Park, and the creation of the county’s Open Space program.
One of her greatest achievements was the Arapahoe County Fairgrounds and Regional Park, where she helped acquire more than 200 acres at East Quincy Avenue and South Powhaton Road to build the facility that opened in 2006.
“A little bit of Arapahoe County died today with Marie’s passing . . .,” county Commissioner Susan Beckman said.
A memorial is planned from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Monday at Horan & McConaty, 5303 E. County Line Road in Centennial. The memorial is open to the public. A funeral service will be held 10:15 a.m. Tuesday at Our Lady of the Visitation Catholic Church, 34201 County Road 33 in Kiowa. The Denver Post
