Obituaries/Notices

Hennessy, Arnold

ARNOLD HENNESSY

Passed away peacefully on August 20, 2014 at the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital in his 88thyear, predeceased by his wife, Grace Mae Lindensmith (2003). Arnold was the last surviving child of the fourteen children of Jasper and Martha (White) Hennessy of Picton Ontario. He was the beloved father of Ruth Bailey Dorland (John Dorland) of Kingston and Gordon Hennessy (Nancy Piller) of Panama. He greatly loved and was tremendously proud of his four grandchildren, April Hennessy (Chris Gillies) Kingston, Kate Dorland (Philip Troop) Ottawa, Alexandra Dorland, Ottawa and Taylor Hennessy, Houston Texas. Arnold was delighted at the birth of two great-grandchildren in 2013; Gavin Dorland (Kate & Phil) and Ava Gilles (April & Chris). He will be remembered and sadly missed by his numerous nieces and nephews as well as his friends, especially his loyal and caring friend and companion Lucy Joyce.

Born in the family home on Schoharie Road he worked on the family farm and later for his older brother Findlay on his farm. At the age of 16 he moved to Toronto with his brother Peter and sisters Blanch and Effie. He joined the Canadian Army and for a brief time was stationed at Petawawa. He returned to Toronto where he worked in a number of factories including Acme Farmers Dairy. With a strong will and love of learning Arnold strove to improve himself by taking night courses and eventually completed studies to earn a Second Class Stationary Engineer’s Certificate.

With his wife and two children he moved to Napanee in 1957 to take up the position of head engineer at the then Acme Farmers Dairy plant, later Pet Milk and eventually became the Plant Manager. He continued there until 1966 when the family moved back to Toronto where Arnold work for Jenny Lynn Chocolate and later Laura Secord Chocolates.

In 1969 Arnold, with his wife and son, moved to Wellington Ontario where he established a home building business with his brother Findlay. With his son, Gordon, he later founded Neighbourhood Homes and built houses and apartments in Prince Edward County.

During his time as a builder he became very interested, some would say obsessed, with developing a more energy efficient, and trouble free toilet. With much perseverance he developed several patented toilet models, the most revolutionary being the flapperless tip-bucket model. Working with his nephew Philip Hennessy he continued to improve the toilet and in 2008, along with Philip was recognized with the Ernest C. Manning Innovation Award. The toilet and subsequent improved models are sold in Canada, the USA, Mexico, China, Thailand and Spain.

One of Arnold’s most enjoyed pastime was fishing and hunting especially at the hunting camp near Lake Mazinaw. He enjoyed the quiet of the woods, the beauty of nature and the camaraderie of family and good friends.

Arnold has been a resident of the Manor on Loyalist Parkway Residence in Picton for the past three years where he continued to enjoy visits from relatives, friends and make new acquaintances.

Arnold strove to make a positive difference in world. With the many home building projects and the innovative toilets he has left his mark on the landscape. With his love and support of his immediate family and many nephews, nieces and friends, he has left his mark on the lives of all who knew him.

Funeral Service will be held at the
Ainsworth Funeral Home,
288 Noxon Ave Wellington,
on Saturday, August 23rd at 2:30 p.m.
Friends may visit with the family prior to the funeral, starting at 1:00 p.m.
Interment at the Wellington Cemetery following the service

Donations in his honour may be made to Dalit Freedom Network Canada (for the work of Paul Willoughby),
San Damiano Foundation, the Alzheimer Society, or a charity of your choice.
Online condolences at www.ainsworthfuneralhome.com