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
Donations can be made online by using the link.
Cheques will be received at the funeral home.
