Al Kenyon 1923-2017

WCommunity was blessed to have his leadership

henever there’s a conversation with a long-time Penticton resident, the words “gentleman” and “Al Kenyon” are always used in the same sentence.

Al Kenyon was a businessman, community booster, veteran and two-term mayor of Penticton. Most importantly, he was a kind man who cared deeply about our community.

Al died peacefully at his home in Penticton last week. He was 94.

Born in Summerland and raised in Penticton, after heading off to university followed by time in the Canadian army, he returned home and apprenticed with his father’s construction company.

Eventually, around 1960, he and his brother Gordon took over Kenyon Construction. Al had a hand in building many of the prominent buildings in Penticton.

He employed a lot of people and was able to branch out by founding Structurlam and Okanagan Campers as well as being one of the original partners of Apex Mountain Ski Resort.

A short chapter in his life was his political career which included serving as mayor of Penticton from 1976-1979.

He was a positive mentor to mayors and city councillors who came after him. Although he stayed out of the political limelight during his retirement years he picked his battles, most notably when the Pen-Hi auditorium and gymnasium were demolished in 2008. He also believed in Memorial Arena, the shrine he helped build in memory of the fallen Canadian soldiers.

Al was a lifelong member of the Kinsmen Club and a 65-year member of the Royal Canadian Legion. He supported many artistic events in the city with his attendance, most notably the Pentastic Jazz Festival. He shared his expertise with the Penticton Historical Society and the Penticton Museum and Archives.

He and his wife Nella of nearly 70 years raised a large family. Al was always deeply devoted to his family.

Humble, kind, wise, straight-shooter, and down-to-earth are only a few of the adjectives to describe Al Kenyon. He possessed a wonderful sense of humour and was a joy to be around.

Our community was blessed to have the leadership and positive vision of Al Kenyon. He will be missed.

—James Miller