March 19, 1968 – June 29, 2021

Kenny, beloved fiancé of Sara and father of Kenzie, passed away on June 29, 2021 at the age of 53 years.

Kenny was born in Vancouver, BC, on March 19, 1968. Ten days later he came home to Salmon Arm with his parents, Ed and Jean, and sisters, Andrea and Phyllis. Salmon Arm was Kenny’s home and his home-base for all the years of his life. Growing up, he spent summers haying and working hard raising Hereford cattle. He participated in the Salmon Arm West 4-H Beef Club with family and friends, and when he had to be inside, Kenny loved playing his drum set hard. Outside, Kenny loved to go fast, and friends and family will attest to how he drove his dirt bike and skidoo wide open, on full throttle.

Kenny’s office was the land. At an early age, he started working in the logging industry, driving skidder and working on equipment.  He spent some time working on a ranch in Keremeos, and road building and logging in Fort Nelson. In addition to being an incredibly hard worker, Kenny was always about people; he missed his friends and family and returned to Salmon Arm, where he got engaged to his long-time friend Sara Inskip. The happiest day of his life was undoubtedly October 31, 2018 when Kenzie Jean was born and Kenny became a father.  Kenzie was the light of Kenny’s world. He was devoted to his little girl, and she was devoted to him. When he came home on weekends, Kenny and Kenzie would pick up Grandma Jeannie and spend hours at the park. They all enjoyed each moment they had together.

Kenny was a person who could take care of things.  If something was broken, he would figure out how to fix it. If you were sad, he was beside you with warmth and a solidness that made things better. He was one of the rare types of people who did not judge; he was generous with his time and with his gift of unconditional care and acceptance. Everyone who knew him agreed that Kenny had a heart as big as the whole world. He truly lit up every room he entered.  Kenny was kind, no matter what the circumstances. And we loved him very much.

Kenny was predeceased by Ed and Nan Blackburn. He is survived by his fiancé Sara Inskip, his daughter Kenzie and step-son Riley and his beloved mother Jean Cawston (Mark); siblings, Andrea (Bruce) Jackson, Phyllis (Fleming) Jorgensen, Jon (Anu) Witt and Heidi (Mike) Grogan; many nieces, nephews and cousins; and his long time friends Mark Pistak and Traci Mitchell.

Kenny’s generosity extended to organ donation; even beyond his own life, he was able to help other people live a better life.

A celebration of Kenny’s life will be held at a later date.

In honouring Kenny’s generosity and kindness, the family asks that donations be made in memory of Kenny to the gofundme for Kenzie Jean Blackburn.

You may offer condolences by visiting Alternatives Funeral & Cremation.

• Date : 2021-06-29
• Location : Kamloops