A local member of parliament paid tribute to the late David Kampe in the House of Commons in Ottawa on May 14.
NDP MP Richard Cannings lamented the loss of Penticton’s well-known philanthropist Tuesday, praising him as a “pillar of the community.”
READ MORE: City mourns passing of philanthropist
“Mr. Kampe owned one of the largest construction firms in the Okanagan Valley and was a community builder in that sense for over 35 years. But it was his quiet philanthropy that really had an impact. He donated millions of dollars to help create a new hospital tower in Penticton, a beautiful facility that opened just weeks before his passing.”
Kampe passed away on the night of May 8, according to a release issued by the Kampe family and Peters Brothers Construction Ltd.
Cannings recognized Kampe and his company’s support of the Penticton Peach Festival as well as his generous support of education through the Penticton Secondary School Bursary and Scholarship Foundation.
“Mr. Kampe really built a solid foundation for the future of his community through his generous giving to the Penticton Secondary School’s bursary and scholarship foundation,” he said.
READ MORE: Support is pouring in for Kampe’s final fundraising initiative
“Last year, he donated almost $200,000 to that cause, essentially doubling the foundation’s ability to support students in their quest for post-secondary education. So thank you David Kampe. Lim’limpt. Your legacy will always be remembered.”
Kampe was known for large contributions to Penticton, but he also did small things that were meaningful to many people. While attending appointments at the South Okanagan Similkameen Medical Foundation, he would often bring apples in for staff, Carey Bornn with the foundation told Western News.
“It was nice to see that spirit of giving, not just financially to the hospital but just to all the staff; he brought smiles to a lot of peoples’ faces,” he said.
The family said they will announce the time and date of a memorial service soon.
To report a typo, email: editor@pentictonwesternnews.com.
Robin Grant Reporter, Penticton Western News Email me or follow me on Twitter Follow us on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
