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Neighborhood Update

SPECIAL

UPDATE
WPRA remembers former president and Arlington Garden co-founder Charles 'Kicker' McKenney
Neighbors,
The West Pasadena Residents' Association mourns the loss of former WPRA president Charles "Kicker" McKenney, who died on Thursday, August 27, 2015.

A funeral mass will be held at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, September 16, at Holy Family Church, 1527 Fremont Ave., South Pasadena. There will be a reception following at Arlington Garden, 275 Arlington Dr., Pasadena.

"Thank you all for your care and concern for our family," Kicker's wife Betty wrote in an email. "Bless you all."

Kicker was a dedicated public servant and community volunteer. From 1971 to 1978, he served on the Pasadena City Council (then known as the City Board of Directors). He was also a past member of the Pasadena Center Operating Company and Pasadena Recreation and Parks Commission, and a longtime volunteer at the Huntington Library, Art Collections & Botanical Gardens.


Charles and Betty McKenney (Photo credit: Pasadena Now)

In 2003, when the City of Pasadena and the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) were discussing what to do with the vacant lot at the corner of South Pasadena Avenue and Arlington Drive, Kicker and Betty suggested a community garden. Under their steadfast stewardship, Arlington Garden has become a beautiful, ornate, and sustainable piece of land and Pasadena's only dedicated public garden. Located on the site of the old Durand home, Arlington Garden is enjoyed by individuals and families throughout the city and has benefited enormously from the countless volunteer hours Kicker and Betty have put into its care and upkeep.
 
John Van de Kamp, WPRA board member and former California attorney general, remembers campaigning for Kicker in the 70s.
 
"I campaigned for Kicker when he first ran for City Council - and upset the front runner," says Van de Kamp. "Our secret: walking precincts all over town in the runoff we passed out (or dropped) little packets labeled 'Forget me not -Vote for Charles Kicker McKenney' - of course containing forget-me-not seeds."

"Kicker was an unfailingly kind and generous neighbor and friend who always offered a smile and encouraging word," said Geoffrey Baum, WPRA president. "He exemplified the very best in our community. We have all benefited from his warmth, leadership and devoted service over the years and he will be deeply missed."