CLAYTON, NY —Â Â Dale Albert Kenyon, 79, passed away on Oct. 18, 2018, at his home in Clayton, NY, from natural causes.
Born Sept. 6, 1939, in Watertown, NY, a son of George William Kenyon and Ruth Skinner Kenyon, he graduated in 1957 from Clayton Central School and Clarkson University in 1962 with a bachelor’s degree in business administration.
During Dale’s career he worked for Frink America in Clayton, New York Air Brake Corp. in Watertown, Viking-Cives USA in Harrisville and, for many years, for Gray’s Wholesale Inc. in Clayton, NY.
As a young child, Dale was stricken with rheumatoid arthritis. This disease stunted his height and presented lifelong challenges. His first major trip from Clayton was in 1953 when he traveled by train with his Boy Scout Troop 46 to Oceanside, CA to attend the national jamboree. Forever supportive of the Boy Scout organization, he was the Troop 46 Scoutmaster for 17 years, taking the troop to the National Jamboree in the 1970’. For that event he constructed a very large replica of the Thousand Islands Bridge which was used as the entry feature for the entire event. He was recognized by the Boy Scout organization for exceptional service to the council when he was awarded the Silver Beaver Award in the 1990’s.
Community service was very important to Dale. He was elected Mayor of the Village of Clayton for 10 years and a Town of Clayton board member for several years, participating in the reenactment of the signing of the Town of Clayton charter on its sesquicentennial anniversary in 1983.
He was a member of the Clayton Volunteer Fire Department for over 50 years including several decades as Treasurer. He led the construction for the Thousand Islands Arts Center addition at 314 John Street to accommodate the handweaving center, and has been an active board member for the Thousand Islands Museum, Antique Boat Museum, Clayton Cemetery Association, The Clayton Opera House, Jefferson County Planning Board, Clarkson University Delta Upsilon Chapter, The Thousand Islands Foundation, Inc. and TIERS.
Surviving are a brother, Damon (Susan) Kenyon, Clayton; a sister, Ann Storandt, Lake George, NY and Fort Pierce, FL; nieces Karen Kenyon Mitchell (VA) and Barbara Storandt (WI), nephews William Kenyon (VA) and David Storandt (Clayton) and their families.
There will be no calling hours. Burial will be at the convenience of the family.
Contributions in his memory may be made to TIERS, 885 Graves Street, Clayton, NY 13624.
Arrangements are entrusted with Cummings Funeral Service, Inc., Clayton.
Online condolences to his family may be posted at www.cummingsfuneral.com.
