Obituary of Arthur Thomas Jenkyns

We are privileged indeed, to celebrate the life of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend. Art Jenkyns of Calgary passed away at Foothills Hospital on Wednesday, January 26th, 2005 at the age of 83 years. Art, the founder of Operation Eyesight, was a man of integrity, passion, and determination. These qualities were evident in his relationship with his God, his undying devotion and passionate fervour, for his wife, Una, and family, and his unending, joyful service to others. He started his selfless service involvement with the Boy Scouts and immediately felt compelled to be a fine role model of integrity, compassion and ethical behaviour. “A careful man I want to be A little fellow follows me; I do not dare to go astray For fear he’ll go the self-same way.” Art Jenkyns At the same time he met, and subsequently married, a bright, energetic, compassionate, Scottish lass, Una Lockerbie, also involved with the Boy Scouts. Art began working as an accountant and soon became manager of Swift Canadian, moving later to Marsh and McClennan Insurance Brokers, where he became the Accounting Manager. It was during this time, at First Baptist Church, that he heard a young doctor, Ben Gullison talk about the plight of thousands of people in need of corrective eye surgery. This surgery was a simple procedure that would help restore their sight. Art’s compassionate heart was touched and his brilliant business sense aroused, when he considered the small investment necessary for such a huge life altering change, resulting in a blind child seeing his Mother for the first time, a young man seeing the colours of his landscape and home. What price could be placed on such a gift? Art went to the “Baptist Men’s” group and encouraged them to support this doctor, never knowing that from these humble beginnings over two million people would have their eyesight restored, over thirty-three million treated, and over a million children treated. Operation Eyesight was born. There were soon two desks at Marsh and McClennan: one for 9:00 to 5:00 where he did his managerial tasks, and one from 5:01 to 9:00 p.m. from which he orchestrated Operation Eyesight. He ran an organization that became self-sufficient and was recognized as a brilliant visionary and ethical Businessman. Throughout his lifetime, Art received many honours, distinctions, and awards, including an Honourary Doctorate of Law degree from the University of Calgary, the Order of Canada to which he was invested as a member in December 1979. Art and Una built a life together which spanned sixty-one years. He is survived by his loving wife, Una Jenkyns; five children, Tom (Janice McNabb), Linda (Ron Matuska), Arleigh, Bill, and Jim (Brenda Vickers); his grandchildren Eleanor, Glenys, Michael, Mark, Christine, Perry, Bryan, Jeff, Jocelyn, Julian, and Jeremy; and great-grandson, Domingo, who he loved, taught, supported, and positively encouraged until the moment of his death. Art never stopped serving others, he is an example for us all. We will always miss you, Dad! A Memorial Service will be held at the First Baptist Church (1311 – 4 Street S. W.) on Monday, January 31, 2005 at 2:30 p. m. with the Rev. Jake Kroeker officiating. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial tributes may be made in Art’s name directly to Operation Eyesight Universal, #4 Parkdale Cres. N. W., Calgary, AB, T2N 3T8. In living memory of Art Jenkyns, a tree will be planted at Nose Creek Valley by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Crowfoot Chapel, 82 CROWFOOT CIRCLE N.W., CALGARY. Telephone: (403) 241-0044.