Obituary Announcement
Thomas Fredrick Kenny
October 11, 1926 - February 13, 2021
Thomas Kenny passed away on February 13, 2021 at the age of 94 after living a long and remarkable life. Loving husband to Maxine (nee McKenzie) for seventy wonderful years; father to William (Nancy Avery: predeceased), Beverly (John Scudamore) Gail (Martin Nisbet); grandfather to Mark, Taylor, Patrick, James, Jenny, Kristine, Tom and David: great grandfather to Logan (died in infancy), Audrey, Archer, Brayden, Myles, Alice, Levi and Beau. Tom was born in Sarnia, Ontario on October 11, 1926, the beloved son of the late William and Ona Kenny, and the youngest of five children. He attended the University of Toronto, and when he was not working on his chemical engineering degree, he was busy helping launch the Lady Godiva Memorial Band, an engineering scramble band still in existence today. He then travelled to California with his new wife Maxine to continue his schooling at Stanford University where he graduated with an MBA. He enjoyed a long and rewarding career as the Treasurer of Dow Chemical Canada. Upon retirement he and Maxine spent many enjoyable winters at their condo in Longboat Key, Florida. Tom was a long-standing Rotarian, a commodore at the Sarnia Yacht Club, he served on various boards, and was a benefactor of Bluewater Health - his way of giving back to the community. In his leisure time, Tom enjoyed golfing and dining with friends and family at the Sarnia Golf Club. But when the wind blew, he would make haste for the water. A life-time member of the Yacht Club, he was a regular sight on Lake Huron at the helm of his sailboat, the Tomax, relishing the Sunday races. Mild-mannered on land, but out to win at sea. And when he couldn’t be on the water, he’d spend hours meticulously constructing replica model ships. He took his hobby to a whole new level in the 1960’s when he built a twenty-six-foot sailboat in the Abbott workshop. Tom was a great lover of music: big band, jazz and swing. He played a variety of instruments throughout the years, but the clarinet was his favorite. Over the years he marched in parades and performed at the Canatara bandshell with the Citizen’s band. He was still playing the clarinet into his nineties at weekly jam sessions with friends, the Phoenix band, and the annual family Christmas sing-along. Tom will be missed by many. We are consoled knowing that he led a long and fulfilling life. A special thank-you to the palliative care team and the shine-at-home team for their unwavering care and support. A private family service will be held. Remembrances and condolences may be expressed to the family online in “Thomas’s Guestbook” at mccormackfuneralhomesarnia.com. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Bluewater Health Foundation.
Arrangements
Services
Private Family Services
Masks are mandatory for entry into McCormack Funeral Home. We thank you for your assistance.
Disposition
Burial
Lakeview Cemetery
Sarnia, Ontario
Donations
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Cheques will be received at the funeral home.
Online Guestbook
Leave a condolence or memory online for the family.
Gerry & Joanne Hines
May many memories give you comfort in the years to come. Always remembered, Never forgotten. Gerry & Joanne Hines
John Douglas
Dear Max, Will, Bev, and Gail and families - I was so saddened to learn of Tom's passing. It is impossible to think of my childhood without thinking of the Kennys, our yards separated only by the "jungle". The barn, stray cats, the clarinet, football at either 213 or 223 - many memories of how close our families were and of the shared times in our formative years will remain forever. Tom's gentle nature and unique laugh will not be forgotten. My thoughts are with all of you during these difficult times.
Lauretta and Andy Pisarczyk
Dear Gail and Marty and Family We were so sorry to hear the news about your father Thomas. We're thinking about all of you. God bless. Sincerely, Lauretta & Andy Pisarczyk
Tony & Marsha Shepherd
Gail, Marty & family. We are thinking of you during this difficult time. Your Dad was such a joy to talk with. He had so much life in him & always spoke with such love for his sailing.
Judy Shelley, Past Commodore Sarnia Yacht Club
Know that Tom's memory will always be vibrant at the Sarnia Yacht Club.
John Sutherland
As neighbor boat owners at the SYC, we were witness to the smiles and laughter as Tom and members of the Kenny clan shared sailing Tomax. Wendy and I are so sorry to hear of Tom’s passing. Our condolences go out to all the family at this difficult time.
George and Anne McFadyen
During the 17 years that we have been a neighbour to Mr Kenny , we have witnessed his devotion to his family and friends . It was our privilege to know him and it continues to be a privilege to know Mrs Kenny and all of their wonderful family. He will be missed
Shine at Home
Thinking of all of you and sending our deepest condolences to Maxine and family at this time. We will miss Tom as we always felt him to be like one of our own. We will cherish all the memories of the time spent with him. A very fine gentleman who we all had a great respect for. From the Shine at Home Team
Gerry and Anne Spanton
So sorry to hear of Tom's passing, but so many great memories. Lovely man, serious sailing competitor and total gentleman all rolled into one. Out deepest condolences.
Verylene & Blair Graham
Your father led a full and interesting life. Our condolences to you, your Mom and the family.
Joseph Mallon
It has been my privilege to have known Mr. Kenny and the family for almost 6 decades. He was a neighborhood Dad, a skipper who taught me to sail, and a consummate gentleman. He lived on an "even keel". To all in the family, my profound condolences. Joseph Mallon
Cecilia Mallon
Dear Kenny Family: I just wanted to send my condolences on the passing of your husband, Tom, and father. Although I am not a close family friend, it is a part of my growing-up years in Sarnia in the old neighbourhood. I did not know Mr. Kenny's many and diverse interests and education! What a life! It must have never been dull for him! I am sure this is a difficule time for you all but know there is a promise we will all be reunited. There is a bigger picture to this world than we can comprehend, I think. May that bring you some comfort today and the days ahead. Peace to you all.
ZTR Control Systems
James and Family, Please accept our warmest condolences, we are deeply sorry for your loss. We are thinking of you and your family during this difficult time. From, Your ZTR Family