In Memoriam John Kenny

September 23, 1948 – February 5, 2022

We were saddened to learn of the passing of John Alexander Kenny, a generous supporter of Experiences Canada for the past seven years.  

John was born in Buckingham, Quebec, and had a successful career as a stock broker and Vice-President for RBC Dominion Securities.  Although he didn’t suffer politicians and politics well, he believed that everyone had a responsibility to be informed on civic matters and he was very proud of his own family’s history and heritage in Canada.  He believed strongly in the potential of travel and exploration to help young people learn more about themselves as well as feel more connected to the rest of this large country.

An avid traveller himself, John’s greatest joy was piloting his own tours in his amphibious DHC-2 Beaver aircraft.  He spent more hours than any of the rest of us would have the patience for taking friends, family and acquaintances up for quick flight tours over the lake at his summer cottage, including a group of young Quebeckers who were visiting Ottawa as part of a special Canada 150 music program. It gave him a lot of pleasure to watch the awe and wonder across the faces of his passengers as if through them he was reliving his first flight.

Flying was just one of many of his interests. He also loved cars – as a young adult he traveled throughout North America on the drag racing circuit with his brother, and in later years opted for collecting exotic touring cars. He travelled extensively, and would spend a lot of his time at home working on cars, boats, planes and all things mechanical.

John never wanted a lot of fanfare or attention drawn to his generosity, but the impact he has had is resounding. His annual gifts of stock helped us to build our youth leadership forums and ensure that all youth regardless of economic circumstance had the opportunity to participate in our exchanges. Thousands of young Canadians have had life-changing experiences of their own thanks to his thoughtful gifts.  For this, we will be forever grateful.

If you are interested in making a gift to Experiences Canada, you can do so here.