David E. McKenzie, 74

David E. McKenzie, 74, of Haverhill, passed away peacefully on December 23, 2025 at High Pointe Hospice House, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.

David was born in Somerville on May 20, 1951 and moments later, his twin Douglas was born, sons of John R. and Marjorie (Cowie) McKenzie.  David was a graduate of Somerville High School. David spent his summers on trips with the family to Prince Edward Island, as well as Indiana, Florida and Civil War battle sites.

Following two years at Utica College, David went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree from Tufts University in 1973, and shortly thereafter moved to California where he met Eric Karlstad, his partner/husband of 45 years.

From the early age of 14 when he purchased his first opera record, David began a life-long love of classical music and opera.  In addition to going to performances throughout his life, he was a young collector of autographs of leading opera singers of the 20^th century.  David’s interests were diverse as his curiosity and included travel (having visited 20+ countries), history, cooking, and reading.  His faith was a commitment instilled since childhood and included many years ushering at Trinity Church Boston.

David’s professional career started in banking with Citizens Savings in California before moving back to New England, working at The Boston Five and Amoskeag Bank in Manchester, NH.

In 1991, David joined Design Link International as Sales Manager, as the firm cofounded by Eric morphed from being an international interiors contracting company to an importer and distributor of contemporary design contract furniture.  Eric and David continued their entrepreneurial endeavors creating a painting company and Lakeview Kitchen, a Café and Bakery in Bradford,  MA.

David is survived by his husband Eric W. Karlstad of Haverhill. He also leaves behind his brother Bruce McKenzie of Medford, and his sisters Debbie Teal and her husband Ken of Westford, and Joyce McKenzie of Somerville, sister-in-law Michi McKenzie of Tucson, AZ as well as nieces, nephews, and cousins.  He was predeceased by his brother Douglas McKenzie.

Family and friends are respectfully invited to attend a Celebration of Life on January 24, 2026, 10:00am at Trinity Church in the city of Boston.  In lieu of flowers, donations in the memory of David may be made to Trinity Church, Emmaus Inc. and Creative Haverhill Cogswell ArtSpace project,  Arrangements are under the care of the Kevin B. Comeau Funeral Home. Please visit www.comeaufuneral.com or Comeau Funeral Home on Facebook.