Tony Tennessy!  A great name in my memory forever.  I had the pleasure as a kid knowing Tony, his father Tony, Mother Rena, sister and brothers.  Tony was a few months older than me and I was very saddened to learn of his passing.  It was not only the name that is memorable, as Tony was a bigger than life great guy!
My late father and Tony’s were best friends and our families reunited in the late fifties in Prince George.  Tony and I competed in lots of sports and on more than one occasion, over the top rough housing in which I lost out.
Our paths would cross over the next 60 years and even when I was Assistant to Alex Fraser, Minister of Highways in Victoria and Tony was with the IUOE.  Their supply of used equipment from the department for training purposes had been halted without explanation and Tony’s bosses wanted to meet the Minister.  Tony called, the meeting took place and the supply of equipment renewed.  Tony got the credit!
Fast forward and both Tony and I were working on bringing the Olympics to Vancouver.  He contributed a great deal to the games.  I called Olympic CEO John Furlong to share the news.  John spoke in glowing terms of Tony’s contributions and we shared some great stories.
In May Tony popped to mind and I sent a “how are you” email.  He got back and we went back and forth about family and what was happening in our worlds.  We spoke of bringing the games back as a catalyst for economic recovery and the importance of infrastructure projects to get people working. We promised to get together soon.  
Quarantined, I decided to use some time to explore a box of memorabilia.  There were old clippings and there we were in the Prince George Citizen.  It read, Swimming: Tony Tennessy first, Jess Ketchum second and then Diving: Jess Ketchum first, Tony Tennessy second.    I was going to take them to our lunch to give him a jab about our competitiveness.  Wish I had been able to.
My sincerest condolences to Charlene, Tim and Mick and their families.  


We are so sad to lose you Tony.  You were a wonderful brother in law to us and we have so many fond memories of you. You have been in our life for a long time and we will never forget you. You have left a huge hole in our family.

A great friend for over 47 years and long time co worker for as many, has passed. 
We will miss his quick wit and at times curt responses but his heart was large. He will be missed by many. Tony was a long serving member of the IUOE Local 115. 
Here is a little background info.
July 31, 1965 - Joined Local 115 as an apprentice/oiler  
1968 - Earned his journeyperson crane operator TQ – both mobile and tower cranes and worked in most areas of BC. 
October 22, 1973 -  Employed by Mike Parr as dispatcher in District 4.
February 1974 - He became a business representative for District 4 until 1980. 
1980 –  1992  He was employed as the Administrator of the Apprenticeship and Training Plan. Over the years he assisted other OE Locals in Canada establish their training programs.
Mid 1980’s – Participated in establishing the Canadian Operating Engineers’ Joint Apprenticeship and Training Council. , and was the first labour co-chair of the labour / management council. 
1986 –  Appointed by the provincial government to the provincial Apprenticeship Board was chair from 1990-1993.
1991 – Became the realty investment manager of the OE Pension Plan, succeeding Brother Jack Whittaker and assumed the office of President of Local 115 again succeeding Brother Whittaker. 
Member Concert Properties Ltd. Board of Directors. One of Canadas largest Union first developers. 
 
He was very proud when appointed as a  Director of the 2010 Olympic Bid Corporation Board who were charged with the responsibility of bidding for and being awarded the 2010 Winter Olympics for Vancouver and Whistler.

His Role with IUOE Local 115 
Served on the IUOE Local 115 Executive Board 
District 4 Representative – 1976-1980, 
Recording Corresponding Secretary – 1980-1982, 
Vice President 1982 - 1991, 
President from 1991 – 1999.
Trustee of the Health and Welfare and Pension Plans. 
 
Retired from Local 115 on November 1, 2002.
Tony's Dad Tony Sr. and his brothers Tim  and Mick are also members of Local 115  
   

OBITUARY

Anthony Arthur Tennessy

June 3, 1947 – June 11, 2020

Bell & Burnaby Funeral Chapel

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Services