Mckenzie Paul Leichtnam

McKenzie Paul Leichtnam 20, passed away July 24, 2011 at his family home in Carmel, Indiana. He was born October 14, 1990 in Indianapolis. When McKenzie was 13 days old, God granted him a second chance at life with a heart transplant at Riley Hospital. This heart would be the foundation for the many passions of his life. McKenzie had the unique ability to quickly embrace those who crossed his path and instantly befriend them. If McKenzie had not yet loved you, he had not yet met you. He was a tireless defender of the underdog and always the first to offer help to anyone in need. McKenzie adored his family. He loved every chance to be with them. Family reunions and being with his relatives provided him with some of the greatest moments and memories of his life. He was devoted to his friends. His friends were like his family. We are very grateful for all the love, support, and memories that his friends formed and shared with him. McKenzie was an avid sports enthusiast. He enjoyed most sports, but his favorite was golf. His passion for golf started at an early age. He proved to be the partner that everyone wanted to be paired with. His even keel personality was most evident on the golf course. He was very respectful of the rules and etiquette of the game. McKenzie helped elevate each golfers round to that of being fun, regardless of how they played. His passion for sports allowed him to witness many memorable events. Some of the most memorable were Super Bowl XXXII, the 2004 World Series (game 4 at Fenway Park), the 2004 PGA Championship at Whistling Straits and numerous games at Lambeau Field and Camp Randall Stadium. He was a 2009 graduate of Carmel High School and went on to receive his associate degree from Vincennes University in the spring of 2011. McKenzie was recently elated to learn he had been accepted into Indiana University in Bloomington. He planned on continuing his education this fall majoring in telecommunications with an emphasis in film. McKenzie was a member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church. McKenzie is our hero, our gladiator, our champion, and a true friend to any one that he ever met. His family wishes to thank the staff at Riley Hospital, especially Dr. Robert Darraugh, for the superb and loving care they gave to our McKenzie. McKenzie is survived by his loving family: sister Kelsey Leichtnam, parents Collette and Paul Leichtnam, paternal grandmother Catherine Leichtnam, maternal grandmother Loretta Dewing, 11 aunts, 13 uncles, 40 cousins, 21 second cousins, and an abundance of friends. The family would like, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made to Riley Hospital, IOPO (Indiana Organ Procurement Organization), the Make-A-Wish Foundation or IU Dance Marathon. Visitation will be Thursday, July 28 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Flanner and Buchanan Funeral Center- Carmel. Mass will be held at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church on Friday, July 29 at 11:00 AM. You are invited to go to the Guest Book page to pass along your personal message or tell a story. Sincerely, -Your friends at Flanner and Buchanan