Robert Kenny

It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Robert Timothy Kenny.

Tim was born in 1929, the youngest of seven children, to Jessie and Robert Kenny in Buckingham, Quebec where he spent most of his life.  He attended Ashbury College and received his diploma in Forest Engineering at the University of New Brunswick (’52).  Tim’s long career in the pulp and paper industry included summers working in the forest, rafting, sweeping for logs along the Lievre River and taking woodlands inventory.  His career began with James Maclaren Company.  By 1979, he was President of James Maclaren Industries and later became president of its successor company, Noranda Forest Products in 1986.

One of Tim’s passions was flying.  He received his first flying license in 1950 and became president of the Flying Club while at the University of New Brunswick.  After 35 years of a full career and raising his family, in 1991 on his retirement he returned to flying and spent many hours in the air with family and friends until he was 87 years old.

Tim, whether for business or pleasure, travelled to over 55 countries.  As an adventurer, he hiked to the base camp of Mount Everest, visited the South Pole and even skied to the North Pole!  He shared this passion with family trips together to Galapagos, Arctic Watch on Somerset Island and his grandfather’s schooner, the Maple Leaf, through Haida Gwaii.  He was a lover of the outdoors and, at his beloved cottage on Lac McGregor relaxed, cutting enough firewood to last half a century.

He was an avid volunteer and contributed much time and financial support to many charities and organizations during his lifetime. He was the first Chairman of Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind and on the Board of Directors for Ducks Unlimited Canada and Buckingham Hospital Foundation to name a few. He was awarded Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012 for his contributions over the years to Ducks Unlimited Canada.

An honest, trustworthy, hardworking and compassionate man, he was quick to help where there was an identified need.  Tim had a wonderful sense of humour and treated everyone equally.  He was a man of few words but his love of his family, friends, and community was easily shown through his actions.

Tim is survived by his partner and wife of 69 years Audrey, son Bob Kenny (Deb), daughters Ann Iannettoni (Mark), Patricia Gouinlock (John) and Mary Campbell (Hugh).

His 10 grandchildren and spouses will miss their “Poppy”, Andrew Iannettoni (Alicia), Timothy Iannettoni (Shannon), Elizabeth Little (Don), Robyn Kenny, Gordon Gouinlock (Danielle), Thomas Kenny (Keri- Anne), Graydon Campbell (Stephanie), William Gouinlock (Ali), Craig Kenny (Kait), and Evelyn Campbell.

His spirit will live on in his great grandchildren, Arianna, Alexa, Zoey, Mila, Levi, Charlie, Cayleigh and Wesley.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, November 5th, 2022 at St. Andrew’s United  Church, 579 Avenue de Buckingham, Gatineau, QC J8L 2H3 with a reception to follow at the church.

In lieu of flowers, if you wish, please make a donation in Tim’s memory to Le Monarque, Palliative Care, 532 Rue Notre Dame, Montebello QC, J0V 1L0, www.residencelemonarque.com or a charity of your choice.