Sad to report the passing of former Canwest publicity manager Dan Kenning. Kenning, who had moved on to an editing position at MediaEdge publishing, was a real spark plug over at TVTropolis, a perfect fit at the classic TV net. He was friendly and efficient, knew his stuff and had great enthusiasm for vintage shows from the ’70s and ’80s, holding the lyrics to everything from Maude to The Golden Girls in his head (and thus endearing him for life with his former boss, Sandra Puglielli).
Kenning was largely responsible for rounding up Rob Salen, Eric Kohanik and myself, along with several other media types, for a memorable scribe showdown on the TVTropolis series Inside The Box. Salem won the TV trivia test, but Kenning reminded all of us of why we got in this game, that it was because we love the shared experience of television.
As they used to say of Maude, he was compromisin’, enterprisin’, anything but tranquilizing.
Kenning succumbed to cancer Monday in Winnipeg. He was just 33 years old. Condolences to his family and many friends in the industry.
UPDATE: Kenning’s funeral will take place this coming Monday in Winnipeg; details will be in Saturday’s Winnipeg Free Press. In lieu of flowers, the Kenning family has requested donations in Dan’s memory be sent to St. Boniface Hospital and Research for Cancer Care D1003-409 Tache Avenue, Winnipeg, MB, R2H 2A6.
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Holy…just 33? Dang, Bill. Sad to hear of someone so young losing a battle with cancer. My condolences to Dan’s family and friends.
Very sad to hear the news of Dan’s passing. I had the opportunity to meet him and work with him in Winnipeg. He was a great guy and very passionate about TV. He will be missed!
I was lucky enough to have worked with Dan. He was a wonderful person with a heart of gold – an absolute joy to be around. The world needs more people like him.
Thank you for touching my life, Dan. You were taken far too soon and you will be greatly missed.
My thoughts are with Dan’s family and friends in this difficult time.
Bill, thanks for posting this kind message about our good friend and colleague DK. He always had a blast with you guys and the Inside The Box was his all-time favourite project. He was the lone male ranger in our publicity team of fiery females but yet, he fit right in. He was our shining light with his positive outlook in life and he never failed to crack us up with his humour and never-ending TV trivia knowledge. I’ve always considered him my publicity partner in crime and will sorely miss him. My thoughts and condolencees are with his family. WE LOVE YOU DK!
My heart is broken tonight knowing we are now living in a world without Dan Kenning in it. He was more than a friend; a brother, a kindred spirit. I miss him so much already. Thanks Bill, for this heartfelt tribute.
I’ll always remember Dan as the guy who never had anything negative to say but instead made everyone laugh. He made my job much easier because he was so in touch with pop and youth culture. You will be missed, Dan!
I graduated with Dan – Creative Communications class of ’94.
He was a good guy with a good heart.
My condolences to Dan’s family.
Dan, I miss you and you’re in my heart always. WC