KEMP
THOMAS JAMES Kemp, FCGA
November 25, 1940 – May 29, 2015
It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Tom Kemp after a short struggle with ALS. Tom was born and raised in Kimberley BC. He moved to Penticton in 1972 with his wife Carol and their 2 children, Brenda and Andrea. He opened an accounting practice on his own and then later partnered with his friend and colleague Bob Harvey where they formed Kemp Harvey and Co., CGA’s, which still operates today. There are now 7 Kemp Harvey offices throughout the province, something that Tom was extremely proud of. Tom partially retired in 1999, and the Penticton office he helped create, is now operated by his daughter Andrea and her business partner Nicole Thompson. Throughout his life, Tom was an active Member of the CGA Association of BC and in 1989 he was President. He was also a member of the CGA Board of Canada.
From the beginning, Tom was active member in the community. He was a member of the Peach Festival Society, Kiwanis, Ironman Canada, VFCU, Penticton Yacht Club, and several other boards. Tom had the opportunity to live his dream of sailing and living on a boat in Mexico, and in 1999 he purchased a 42 foot sailboat which he sailed for several years. He loved the experience in Mexico so much that after that he built a home and spent his winters there until his passing.
He was an athletic man participating in skiing, old timers hockey, ice-boating, sailing and golf. After high school Tom played hockey for Notre Dame College and the Nelson Maple Leafs. Tom also loved animals and had a special way with them. His companion “Bailey” stood faithfully by him to the end.
Tom is survived by his loving partner Liz Bingham, daughters Brenda (Robyn), Andrea (Rick), former spouse and long-time friend Carol Kemp, and brother Albert (Barb). Tom loved to dance and was an outgoing man; always the life of the party. To celebrate that outgoing personality of his, the family will be hosting a casual and informal open house at Theo’s Restaurant on Saturday June 6 from 1:00 to 4:00.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the SPCA
or the Penticton Red Cross HELP Program.