Kevin Marriott says Enniskillen will miss Rudy Krall’s passion for his community.

Krall died Wednesday at the age of 86.

He moved to Enniskillen as a young boy from Essex after his father bought a farm. He spent his life as an egg farmer.

But the mayor of Enniskillen says remembers Krall as being “anywhere and everywhere” helping out the community.

Marriott says his earliest memories of Krall were at the ball park where he not only coached teams, but cared for the diamond, cut the grass, opened and closed the park and even looked after the concession stand. The park was renamed for the Krall family in large part because of his efforts at the diamond. “It may have fallen by the wayside if it hadn’t been for their work,” says Marriott.

Krall – who was a member of the parks and recreation board in Enniskillen – was also known as one of the people behind the annual Canada Day Chicken BBQ. He could be found at the concrete pit built just for the event at the park every Canada Day, either working the grills or in later years, telling others exactly what had to be done.

Krall was one of the first members of the Petrolia Lion’s Club and was still an active member.

He was on the Petrolia Enniskillen Fair Board, and spent hours helping to organize Petrolia Silver Stick.

In 2002, Krall was inducted in the Sarnia-Lambton Sports Hall of Fame as a builder.

Marriott says Krall’s love of the community and efforts to make it better were “priceless. Every municipality, every community needs these types of people.”

“He was very kind, quiet and thoughtful. He was passionate about the community. He had a very laid back and kind demeanor. I can’t say enough good about his personality and demeanor. He was the perfect gentleman.”

The family is planning a memorial service once restrictions due to COVID-19 are lifted.