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Long time Kern Valley resident Mr. Tom McKinney was the very first recipient of the prestigious Gus Suhre Award. The award was a new title only McKinney had earned for twenty years of service to the community through the Kern River Valley Historical Society (KRVHS).
President of the KRVHS, John Newman announced that McKinney won the award during the annual General Meeting of the society at the Annex, on February 26. However Newman officially awarded McKinney the award at this year’s Installation of Officers for the KRVHS.
McKinney did not know he would be recipient of this award. "It was a surprise. I'm proud to be able to be receiving that award." He said, "I had no idea that was coming and to be able to be the first recipient was a blessing to me. I just enjoy my involvement in the Kern River Valley."
McKinney told the Kern Valley Sun, "My wife and I started with the Kern Valley Museum in 2005 and we worked as a docent. And it was a super experience and opportunity, to meet so many people, and to be able to share the history of our Kern River Valley."
McKinney served as president of the KRVHS in 2010 and 2011 and then served as president for the society again in 2015 and 2016. He served on the board of directors for the KRVHS several years, retiring as a director from the board, this year. He is also still a substitute docent whenever he's needed.
McKinney said, "The people are wonderful and the docent crew is great. And the management, right now, of our historical society is fantastic. All the credit in the world for John Newman and what he's doing taking the reins of our historical society. He's just been an awesome person. I enjoyed working with Ron and Diane Anderson. And I understand them leaving. But I miss them a whole bunch. They went to Sacramento to be closer to their family up there."
McKinney explained that he had roots in the valley. He graduated from high school in the Kern Valley in 1954. He left the valley later and then went to Santa Monica to work for Edison in 1955. He was transferred to Ridgecrest in 1971. In 1975 he was invited to come back and work in Kernville when his formerly deceased father's co-worker left the position. "And so I got to take his place. It was really interesting that when I went to put my stuff in the desk there was still some of my dad's stuff in the drawers."
McKinney and his wife have enjoyed being with the KRVHS and living in the valley. "Our life has been here. And I've already told my two sons the next move off my mountain will be in a pine box. And they can clean the garage," he said. "I’ve really enjoyed being involved with the historical society."
McKinney said that he highly recommends for others to volunteer at the KRVHS and Kern Valley Museum. He said, “The experience you get by having people come in and ask questions, it just revives everything you know about the Kern River Valley."
McKinney also previously served as president of the parade of the Wofford Heights Improvement Group and as president of the Kern River Valley Chamber of Commerce.
McKinney now looks forward to celebrating his 89th birthday on March 25.
