David L. Kenyon

DAVID LELAND KENYON, September 16, 1963 – March 4, 2025

Predeceased by his father, James Paul Kenyon, brothers-in-law Chuck Jensen, Dennis Morgan and Frank Robinson and nieces and nephew John and Elizabeth Blunt and Stephanie Sedgley Dalling.

Survived by his loving wife, Betty Sedgley Kenyon, children, Katie (Peter Ingrassia) Kenyon, mother, Audrey Kenyon, brothers and sister, Dr. Paul (Brenda) Kenyon, Eric (Michelle) Kenyon, Carolyn (Cory Dumont) Kenyon, brothers and sisters-in-law, Lynn (Janice) Sedgley, Cherie Robinson, Rob (Corleen) Sedgley, Kathy (Cameron) Blackley, Tina Jensen, and Alan (Tiffany) Sedgley and his many nephews and nieces and dear friends.

Dave passed away at Unity Hospital of Rochester, NY on March 4th after a short illness.

Dave was a quiet, loving, generous and patient man who was deeply devoted to his family and friends. He loved to do woodworking, creating beautiful and intricate things in his workshop. In summer, he loved to go fishing and boating. He enjoyed watching sports, though often he would joke that he was a glutton for punishment when cheering for the Buffalo Bills, Buffalo Sabres and Rochester Americans through some tough years. He shared his love of baseball with his daughter, and they loved going to Red Wings games together.

Always a close-knit family, Dave would often “spoil his girls,” with many treasured visits to museums, zoos, aquariums and attended live concerts of some of their favorite artists. Dave and Betty loved to take driving trips together. They often would “take a drive” around the Rochester area, time together without distractions; it could be to check out the fall foliage, to just check in and discuss the day or upcoming decisions, or sometimes to just be together and listen to the smooth jazz they both loved. They also took driving trips out of state to visit family, bravely starting these adventures when their daughter was quite young; not many would drive four days across country with a five-year-old, but he overcame those challenges without hesitation to visit those he loved. Family was always Dave’s biggest priority, shown in many ways; from phone calls to check in and catch up, to family reunion trips to unique and interesting places, and every year his mother’s taxes were done in person as an extra excuse to visit. It was important to him to stay connected to his mother, his siblings and their families; despite the distance, they always meant a lot to him. To his wife's family, he was the kind man that took care, supported and protected her while they lived so far away. When they were able to get together, he was always the “fun uncle Dave” among nieces and nephews and transitioned from talking sports to princess movies to playing catch, without missing a beat. Dave was always up for an adventure if it involved his family.

On first meeting people always described him as quiet, but as you got to know him better, you'd enjoy his subtle, dry “Reader’s Digest” sense of humor and genuine kindness. He was great about reading the room and would often have the perfect one-line comment to make you smile when you needed it most. He was selfless, deeply committed to family, friends and community. Once he knew what was needed, he would get it done quietly and without fanfare, sometimes in a mischievous way so you didn't even realize he was doing it, until you saw his smile, that is. He had a knack for that. He was a great listener, always there to listen without judgement, and then he would make thoughtful suggestions if you asked for his thoughts. Problems without a solution, got one of those hugs that comforted and let you know everything would be okay; somehow, they always worked. He was loved deeply.

Dave worked as a computer programmer at Genesee Brewery/FIFCO Usa. Dave had an ability to see through some difficult problems. He could sometimes be found dialed in to work, troubleshooting at odd times in the morning, and then still be ready to go with coffee cup in hand the next morning. He was involved in so many areas and just took care of problems as they came up like the day he helped troubleshoot a printer problem on the other side of the country, it was a simple fix for him that didn't need to go further. His work was deeply valued, and he will be sorely missed there.

His father was a pastor, and throughout Dave's life, his faith has always been a big part of that. He was very active at his church, Living Waters Christian Fellowship. He was instrumental in introducing online church service capabilities at the onset of COVID 19. Dave would go to bible study and church retreats, but he found a love of fishing with some of his friends from church, both salmon fishing and fly fishing. One night, he got back from one of these late-night fishing trips with his friends, a huge smile telling us of the great time he had. He retold the adventures of reeling in that salmon and brought home a huge salmon in a black trash bag and warned, “If you don't want a surprise in the middle of the night, I'd advise getting your midnight snack elsewhere” before putting it in a place of honor on the top shelf of the fridge. His service to the church and thoughtful presence have been a comfort to many.

Services will be held on Tuesday, March 11th at 6:30 p.m. with calling hours an hour prior and a reception after at Living Waters Christian Fellowship, 85 Beaver Rd, Churchville, NY 14428. An additional celebration service will be held April 5th in Utah for family and friends unable to attend in New York. For those unable to attend there will be a livestream and recording available.

Dave enjoyed nature and giving back. In lieu of flowers please consider a memorial tree donation or a donation to support habitat for humanity.