Charles “Kicker” McKenney Has Died at 77

Former Pasadena City Councilman Charles “Kicker” McKenney, co-founder of the city’s Arlington Garden, has died after a year-long battle with cancer. He was 77.

McKenney served in the then-called Pasadena Board of City Directors in 1972 to 1978. During his term, he advocated for preserving the open channel section of the lower Arroyo Seco under the Colorado Street Bridge and for retaining the historic street lights and the magnolia and palm trees on South Orange Grove Blvd.

He also campaigned for closing the Lower Arroyo Seco Natural Area to automobiles.

Twelve years ago, McKenney and wife Betty started developing a three acre empty lot and together with the city and community organizations built Arlington Garden, now Pasadena’s only dedicated public garden.

The McKenneys became the site’s “constant gardeners” and up to his death, Kicker McKenney was President of the Arlington Garden.

Betty McKenney continues to serve as Secretary-Treasurer.

McKenney went to the Flintridge Preparatory High School and graduated from Stanford University before attending law school at the University of Southern California.

He is survived by Betty, his wife of 45 years, and their children Stephen, Brendan and Sara Gillislie, and five beloved grandchildren.

A funeral mass will be celebrated at the Holy Family Church, 1527 Fremont Avenue in South Pasadena, on September 16th at 4 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to “Arlington Garden in Pasadena,” 295 Arlington Drive, Pasadena CA 91105.