The banks of the Kenai River can be seen on July 14, 2020, in Soldotna, Alaska. (Photo by Erin Thompson/Peninsula Clarion)

The banks of the Kenai River can be seen on July 14, 2020, in Soldotna, Alaska. (Photo by Erin Thompson/Peninsula Clarion)

KRSA founder Bob Penney dead at 90

Statements were released by KRSA, Sens. Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan and Gov. Mike Dunleavy

Bob Penney, the founder of the Kenai River Sportfishing Association, died Tuesday at the age of 90.

Statements were released by KRSA, Sens. Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan and Gov. Mike Dunleavy.

“It is with extreme sadness that we share the passing of Bob Penney,” KRSA wrote on Facebook on Tuesday. “His commitment to our great state and sportfishing will be enjoyed by generations of Alaskans to come.”

Murkowski described Penney as a civic leader, a “fierce protector” of the Kenai River, and a friend.

“For decades, Bob brought people together to not only fish the river, but to learn to care for it and its bounty,” she writes.

Sullivan said that Penney brought “energy, passion and determination to everything he did.”

Dunleavy called Penney “a legend.”

“Bob Penney was a pillar of the community and a stalwart protector of Kenai River salmon,” he writes. “Alaska is a better place today because of Bob’s commitment to ensure future generations get a chance to enjoy sportfishing in Alaska.”

KRSA’s post says that memorial service details will be forthcoming.

For more information about the Kenai River Sportfishing Association, visit facebook.com/KenaiRiverSportfishing or krsa.com.

Reach reporter Jake Dye at jacob.dye@peninsulaclarion.com.

More in News

Sections of Homer Spit Road that were damaged in the Nov. 16 storm surge are temporarily repaired with gravel, as seen on Thursday, Nov. 21, 2024, in Homer, Alaska. (Delcenia Cosman/Homer News)
Governor declares state disaster emergency following storm damage

The declaration applies to Homer and Ninilchik

Seward City Hall is seen under cloudy skies in Seward, Alaska, on Thursday, Nov. 7, 2024. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Seward approves raises for city staff, rejects bed tax increase

The third and final public hearing on Seward’s budget will be held on Dec. 16

Sockeye salmon are gathered together at a test site for selective harvest setnet gear in Kenai, Alaska, on Tuesday, July 25, 2023. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Kenai accepts funds for 2018 and 2020 fishery disasters

Disaster relief is still outstanding for 2021, 2022 and 2023

A Kenai Peninsula Food Bank truck in the Food Bank parking lot on Aug. 4, 2022 in Soldotna, Alaska (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Food bank’s ‘Adopt-A-Turkey’ fundraiser extended through end of year

The Kenai Peninsula Food Bank on Tuesday extended their annual Adopt-A-Turkey fundraiser… Continue reading

Superintendent Clayton Holland speaks during a meeting of the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District’s Board of Education in Soldotna, Alaska, on Monday, Dec. 2, 2024. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
School board mulls community survey for possible 4-day week

The board considered a set of surveys gauging from staff, parents and older students

Shannon Ferguson speaks during a meeting of the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District’s Board of Education in Soldotna on Monday. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Contract for Soldotna school consolidation design OK’d

The borough is seeking a consultant to create a plan to renovate existing school facilities

Kenai Peninsula Borough School District Board of Education Vice President Jason Tauriainen speaks during a meeting of the board in Soldotna, Alaska, on Monday, Dec. 3, 2024. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Board of education hears from schools about more restrictive cellphone policies

Existing policy says that devices shouldn’t be used during classroom instruction or other district-supervised activities

Media members and other observers gather at the Alaska Division of Elections office on Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024,	as the results of all ballots, including ranked choice tabulations, were announced. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
State certifies election results

Bjorkman, Ruffridge, Vance, Elam win election to Alaska Legislature

Santa Claus waves at children from atop a Kenai Fire Department engine on Frontage Street in Kenai, Alaska, as part of the Electric Lights Parade on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Christmas cheer lights up chilly Kenai evening

Electric Lights Parade closes Christmas Comes to Kenai festivities on Nov. 29

Most Read