Founding member of Bear Point Rifle Club honoured, still active after 70 years

If you’ve ever gone to the Bear Point Rifle Club during its 70year history, chances are Ralston (Rally) Kenney was there. A founding member of the club, which was formed in 1948, Kenney still plays an active role in club activities.

“The club wouldn’t be what it is today without Rally,” said Anthony Crowell, club president, during a special recognition ceremony on Feb. 24 at the annual February Fun Shoot. “He’s been in the Bear Point Rifle Club for 70 years. That’s a milestone if I ever heard of one. Thank you for all you’ve done.”

When the club first started in 1948, it was “up the road,” recalled Kenney. “There was a whole bunch of us that formed it,” he said. “Me and another fella used to look after making fires and different things so I looked after the money and things and have been doing it ever since.”

The club moved to its present location in 1978, and operated as an outdoor range until 1995, when it was renovated to an indoor range for .22 calibre rifles and hand guns.

The club has about 70 members, said Crowell, and have weekly shoots on Monday, Wednesday and Saturdays. Tuesday night is set aside for shooting handguns.

While Kenney doesn’t shoot anymore, he still enjoys being around the club and the sport. “I love it here,” he said.

And by the sounds of the laughter and good-natured bantering of club members, they love him being there too. Rally Kenney (left) tabulates scores at the Bear Point Rifle Club Fun Shoot on Feb. 24. Kenney has been an active member of the club for 70 years. Rally Kenney (left) shares a laugh with fellow Bear Point Rifle Club members while proudly showing the plaque awarded him by the club in recognition of 70 years of service and friendship.