Anthony Kennard

Adored Crestonite, Tony Kennard, passed away peacefully on January 3, 2024, at the Creston Hospital. He
was predeceased by his beloved wife of 61 years, Colleen Kennard. The loss of Tony will be deeply felt by
many including his son, Gordon Kennard of Regina Saskatchewan, his daughter Peggy Kennard of
Vancouver Washington, and countless extended family members and friends. Irene and Gord Noetzel and
Jeannette and Byron Nygren of Creston were dear friends that helped Tony and Colleen tremendously in
recent years. Tony will be dearly missed by his popular kitty "Panda" who kept him company.
Born in Seton Devonshire, England at the beginning of WWII, Tony faced a challenging childhood, and his
family immigrated to Canada in 1949. His dad found work in Hamilton Ontario in big machinery. Tony
chose not to finish grade 13 in Ontario and went straight into the military as he knew he wanted to be an
Airforce mechanic. He maintained top grades throughout his training in the military. When Tony put his
mind to anything, he was highly intelligent and very industrious. He loved mechanical or technical
challenges and if he chose to build anything (an engine, a house, a computer, or you name it) he would do
it by researching the tasks and applying himself.
Tony met Chester Siple of Creston BC in the military in training program in Edmonton. Chester urged him
to meet his younger sister, Colleen, and that is how a love of 61 years began. They were married in 1960
and quickly started a family. They were stationed in Germany for a time but spent most of their years in
Ontario and BC raising a family. Tony was a very successful airplane mechanic but left the military after
many years to try his hand working in business.
Tony was a character with a magnetic personality. With dark curly hair, flashing eyes, and a giant grin - he
could make anyone smile and laugh. After leaving the Air Force, he worked for Wilco in customer support
and as their resident part time comedian. Customers came to the store just to hear Tony's hilarious
announcements on the loudspeaker: "Tomatoes on sale in Aisle 7, but don't squeeze them because they
are not your wife!" 

Tony's personality, wit, and mechanical know-how landed him jobs as restaurant manager for Smitty's and Whitespot in the 1980's in Regina, Victoria, and Vancouver.  He was known for his dynamic interpersonal skills and would take time to sit with people at their tables, making them feel like a million bucks!

The demands of managing changing customer needs in a time-sensitive, supply-dependent restaurant industry took its toll.  He shifted back to working with heavy equipment and moved up in seniority in his work in record time.  Tony unfortunately injured his back in this work but true to his pattern, quickly found work at WCB while managing his claim, and that began his utility with computers.

Tony and Colleen lived in the Vancouver area for many years but moved to Creston in 1998, where they resided until their passing.  They enjoyed weekly connections over coffee at local restaurants and coffee shops with various friends.  For many years, Tony's pastime was expanding an ever-growing collection of computers, tablets, and electronic gadgets that he would utilize for he sake of discovery and communication.  He enjoyed keeping in touch with family for many years over email and providing computer support to his sister in law, Bertha Klassen in Alberta.  He was generous with his time and was always keen to learn something new to share and benefit others.  

Tony displayed a rich sense of humour and interest in trivia and animals.  He loved nature documentaries, airplanes and fictional stories.  He passed his love of animals onto his children, who also cherish their fur babies with a similar zeal.  Tony spread love and joy to all he met.  He is greatly appreciated and will be remembered always.

The family of Tony Kennard would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff at the Creston Valley Hospital and all the health district workers in the valley.

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