We Remember
JENKINS, Harry Lee
December 6, 1930 — May 8, 2024
At the age of 93, Harry Jenkins passed away while in the Kelowna General Hospital on May 8, 2024.
We could fill fifty books with the stories of Harry Lee Jenkins. He was born December 6, 1930, in Artesia, California. The youngest of nine brothers and sisters, Harry was an intelligent and scrappy child who quickly figured out how to take care of himself.
As a young adult, he found himself in need of providing for a family, so his sister-in-law helped him get “the worst job in the foundry” as a Sand Shoveler. This job would lead to his discovery of a love of mechanics and design which launched his engineering career. Throughout the 1960s, Harry contributed to famed engineering feats such as the Minuteman Missile and the Apollo Mission, where he worked directly with NASA to put a man on the moon.
Harry’s desire to learn and create did not end when he retired from engineering; he was a fantastic woodworker, chef, photographer, and computer engineer even in his 90s. He was the kind of person who made an impact on every person he met.
Harry passed away on May 8, 2024, at the age of 93, leaving behind an adoring family and an incredible legacy. The true definition of a Renaissance man Harry Jenkins loved learning, life, and meeting new people. There are no words to describe just how much he will be missed.
By Harry’s request, no service will be held.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.
So sorry to hear that Harry has passed away. He was always quick with a new story. He will be missed. 💔💔
So sorry to learn of his passing. Wish I’d gotten to have more time with my grandfather but do treasure the small moment we shared. Best wishes and all my love to the family.
Luv d