Dave McAnerney in his office in the Landmark building in 2019.

(ROB MUNRO / iNFOnews.ca)

From heading SunRype for seven years to taking the helm of one of Kelowna’s biggest development companies The Stober Group, Dave McAnerney was a standout in the business community when he died this week at the age of 59.

More than that, he was a family man through and through and a force of good, according to his family and co-workers.

“Dave passed suddenly while mountain biking with close friends, one of his favourite activities,” says a news release from his family issued today, Oct. 14.

“Dave was an incredible human, a gentle soul, a beautiful friend and an even better man,” the Stober family posted on its website. “Those lucky enough to know him know firsthand that his lust for life and love for his family were palpable.”

McAnerney started with SunRype in 2005 after being manager of Columbia Brewing in Creston.

He rose to the position of president and CEO of SunRype in 2010 and expended the product line beyond the juice and fruit leather that had been its main products for years.

He started with The Stober Group – best known for is massive Landmark development in Kelowna – in January 2019 as chief operating officer and rose to chief executive officer in December 2020.

READ MORE: Kelowna developer signed a deal 46 years ago that forever changed the city

“Dave was an accomplished achiever,” his family’s press release says. “Straight A’s right from kindergarten. High school valedictorian, chemical engineer with honours, #1 in global Brew Master exams, and a World Junior curling champ. Despite these incredible accomplishments, they were not what made the man. It was his love and compassion for his family, co-workers, friends, and life.”

Those sentiments were echoed in the Stober family.

“To say that Dave was a leader is an understatement,” they say. “He was a force of good, a man who stood up for what he believed in, took care of his friends and colleagues, and went above and beyond to do the right thing. He was simply the very best of us and we will miss him immensely. Our hearts are heavy as we mourn the loss of one of the purest leaders in our community.”

The Stober family is no stranger to loss after its founder, Al Stober, died at the age of 88 three years ago, almost to the day.

READ MORE: Kelowna developer Al Stober has died at age 88

McAnerney was a strong supporter of the Canucks Autism Network where donations can be sent in lieu of flowers, here.

A celebration of life will be held at a future date.

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