KENNEY, David Lucian 

Kenney,David Lucian 

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of David Lucian Kenney, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, uncle, brother, and farmer, whose life was defined by a deep commitment to his family, hard work, love for the land, and joy in the simple pleasures of country life. David passed away p peacefully on March 31st, 2026, at the age of 93.

David devoted his life to his large and loving family. He married Doris Dahm on March 26, 1971, becoming a father to six children. To complete their family, the seventh child, Sean, was born in 1972. David is survived by Doris, his wife of 55 years, his brother William (Billy), and seven children: Dale (Linda), Shelley (Rob), Tim (Launa), Rob, Patti (Dan), Lori (Brad), and Sean (Jacqueline).

His legacy continues to shine in the lives of his grandchildren, whose strength and character are a living reflection of the grandfather he was Owen (Kayla), Jared, Leah, Nathan (Brooke), Kurtis, Reece, Hailey (Spencer), Teia (Eric), Joely, Kaliana, Lucia, Jayla, Chloe, Kaden, and Spencer.

Born on December 18, 1932, in Calgary, Alberta, to Lucian and Luella Kenney, David grew up on the family farm in the Redland Valley with his older brother Billy. He attended Redland School until grade nine and finished high school in Rosebud.

In 1967, in celebration of Canada’s centennial, David rebuilt the historic Wishart cabin using logs from the original homestead of James and Eliza Wishart, the first settlers of the Rosebud Valley. The cabin still stands on the Kenney homestead and has been preserved in honour of the project so close to his heart.

David had a passion for the purebred cattle industry, beginning with Shorthorns and later developing a Limousin herd. He took pride in his cattle and in his Barbox cattle brand, which has become the namesake of the family farm. He spent many years participating in the Calgary Bull Sale and attending the Old Time Rangemen’s Dinner.

David was a lover of all things historical and was a natural storyteller. It was well known by family and community members that if you needed to know any fact, date, trivia, family tree, or historical event, he was the one to ask. He was also known for his jokes, witty comments, poems, puns, and words of wisdom.

David was committed to his community. He served as a councilor for Wheatland County, sat on the school board, and was a Freemason. He was also a supporter of 4-H and a charter member of the Rosebud Lions Club. He enjoyed curling for many years in Rockyford, and he also found great joy in snowmobiling, golfing, hunting, and fishing.

In 2003, David and Doris left the family farmhouse and moved into Rockyford, where he discovered new hobbies such as woodworking and gardening. He and Doris enjoyed many winters in Arizona, a time they looked forward to each year. Though no longer living on the farm, David was actively involved for many years, remaining hands-on with operations. He took his final ride in the combine on September 30th, 2025, the last day of a successful harvest.

David was deeply proud and grateful for the family he and Doris raised. Known as a man of honour and integrity, a true pioneer with a kind soul, he will be dearly missed. Goodbye, Grandpa. As you would say, “it’s time to hit the trail!”

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff of Drumheller Hospital and the Acute Care wing. We are grateful for the care and compassion shown toward David.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.