James Kenny

KENNY, James Martin
Surrounded by love, at Christenson Village, Gibsons, B.C., on Wednesday, August 24, James Martin Kenny, who had just recently celebrated his 102nd birthday with family and friends, passed peacefully.
Predeceased by his beloved wife of 69 years, Louise Agnes Kenny (nee: Ferris)(2015) and grandson Tom Bennett (2010). Much loved father of Philip (Tess) of Sechelt, Mary (Robert) of Gibsons and Cathy (Scott) of Sechelt. Loving grandfather of Jenna Bennett (Pat) of Ottawa, Michael Kenny of Sechelt and Sarah Roberts (Eli) of Gibsons. Great-grandfather of Brook and Paige Bingley of Gibsons. James is also survived by his brother Donald (Dorothy) of Lindsay and his sister Marilyn Medcalf of London. James was a member of a very large family which included 14 brothers and sisters, 41 first cousins and a multitude of nieces and nephews too numerous to name.
James was predeceased by his parents Martin and Jean (nee: Gartly) Kenny, his brothers Murray, Allan, Gerald, Fergus, Francis and Johnny; his sisters Margaret, Dorothy, Theresa, Helen and Beatrice and his special cousin Joe, along with so many other members of his much loved large family and many friends.
James was born July 31, 1914 in London, Ontario. He spent much of his life in London and Windsor, moving to the Sunshine Coast, BC 11 years ago. James was a WW2 Air Force Veteran stationed in Yorkshire, England. James was not afraid of change, but rather embraced it with an open heart. He was resourceful, making the best of any situation in which he found himself. He was generous, kind and compassionate, befriending people wherever he went. James was a consummate story teller. He loved to laugh, make puns, and play practical jokes. He was an avid reader and did crossword puzzles everyday. He loved his daily walks, which he shared with his grandchildren from their earliest years. He delighted in making them wooden boxes and walking sticks, and teaching them his favourite Irish rhymes. He especially enjoyed dancing to AC/DC at the annual Kenny reunions with his nieces and all who joined in, and toasting any occasion with his favourite Jameson's Irish Whiskey.
An avid sports fan, he was loyal to his Montreal Canadiens and Toronto Blue Jays - no matter their record. At the age of 101 James took up painting where his formerly unknown creative talents surfaced. Great-granddaughter Paige received a copy of one of his recent artworks on her 2nd birthday, just two days before his 102nd! He always lived life to its fullest in a fun and loving way, without regrets. James was a devoted and loving family man with a strong faith that sustained him throughout his life. He will be sorely missed by his family who so deeply loved him.
Visitation with James' family will be held at St. Mary's Church, Gibsons, on Wednesday, August 31 from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Craig Buchanan of Gibsons Legion will be playing the Pipes at 6:00 p.m. and prayers will be led by Father Joaquin Dias at 7:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in St. Mary's Church, Gibsons on Thursday, September 1, at 11:00 a.m., followed by a reception in the Church Hall to which all are invited. Private interment at a later date in St. Peter's Cemetery, London, Ontario.
The family appreciates the kindness and care that James received at Christenson Village. He made many friends among staff and residents. Special thanks to Dr.Wildegrube and Chaplin Ray. There will be a special Appreciation of Life Celebration in the chapel of Christenson Village on Friday, September 2, at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Ray Niebergall officiating. All are welcome.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Covenant House (326 Pender St. W., Vancouver, BC, V6B 1T1 604-647-4480) www.covenanthousebc.org.
Online condolences and guest book at www.oneilfuneralhome.ca.
O'Neil Funeral Home 519-432-7136.