Obituary of Cameron Kenny

 

 

An MSW graduate from UBC, Cam was a quiet, compassionate, perceptive listener: as director of Social Services for Inuvik, he was ahead of his time in his recognition and encouragement of aboriginal programs for aboriginal children.  Cam had a quick, witty sense of humour; he was always curious, interested, up for adventure; he lived a rich life.

 

Some of his favourite things:

 

Motorcycles: starting with the red BMW he bought after a serious illness in the ’80’s reminded him he was not immortal.

Ukuleles: from a baritone uke obtained in his teens and still a favourite, to the bass uke he so enjoyed in recent years.

The Cabin: a beloved off the grid haven which he and his father-in-law built with help from family and friends.

Islands: Saba, Orkney, Lopud, Haida Gwai, Isle De Madeleine, Kendal.

Camping: Our little cotton tent has been in every province and territory in Canada: four summers were spent exploring the Mackenzie Delta and the Peel river.

Music: New Orleans jazz, Duke Ellington, Leadbelly, Fred Eaglesmith, Dr Hook, The Moonlight Sonata and (secretly) Ozzy Osborne; he often played vinyl, and sang bass in several choirs, most recently Melodia.

Books: An avid, eclectic and critical reader.

Kerosene lamps: Past president of the Historical Lighting Society of Canada.

Drama: Stage lighting for Queen’s Drama Guild, Dawson Spring Breakup festival, CNE stage shows. Movies were fine, live theatre was better.

In retirement, working at the village hardware store where a red shirt helped cover his come-from-away status.

His family and friends: he leaves his wife Wilma, children Tammy and Peter, grandchildren James, John, Misty, Dalton, the late Daniel, Marty and Mike, several great grandchildren, and many friends.

 

Cam will remain in our hearts and memories.

 

An informal celebration of Cam’s life will be held on Sunday, June 11, 1-4 pm at his home in Sydenham.