LYME—On October 2, 2024, the birds, squirrels, possums, and other creatures bowed their heads in sorrow as Roberta “Bobbie” Elizabeth Kenyon, the partner and best friend of Ron Denman for over 40 years, passed away peacefully at her home in Lyme, CT.
Bobbie was born on Thursday, August 7, 1952, in Amityville, Long Island, NY, to Phoebe Ruth Dartnall Kenyon and David Eccleston Kenyon. The family later moved to Essex, CT. After graduating from Amityville Memorial High School, Bobbie attended Mitchell College for two years and took art classes intermittently at Middlesex Community College.
Her lifelong friendship with Ron began on a cliff overlooking the Connecticut River during a Kenyon Labs Christmas party on a cold, moonlit December night. They talked and laughed together until sunrise, enjoying each other’s company.
An accomplished artist, Bobbie dedicated herself to various commercial projects, which she cherished. She eventually ventured into glass etching and started her own business, Frost Paintings, initially using M.E.K. (Methyl Ethyl Ketone) before transitioning to sandblasting. Bobbie sold her work at Renaissance Faires and art shows throughout New York and New England, often selling out. While she excelled in glass etching, her true passion was in oil and watercolor painting.
Bobbie was also an avid horse enthusiast, raising and training her horse, Kalamac. She loved riding around Essex and Lyme, often amusing neighbors by riding at night—sometimes in just a bikini.
A lover of all animals, Bobbie fed birds, squirrels, raccoons, and possums, and she planted flowers everywhere. Anyone she cherished received a cup of tiger lily seeds to plant. Her vehicles were always stocked with cat food, plants, and sunflower seeds, reflecting her deep affection for cats. Throughout her life, she had many cats, all of whom adored her.
Bobbie designed and built a post-and-beam barn for her horse on her property in Lyme. Later, she and Ron transformed it into a cozy post-and-beam home, where they lived together for over 40 years and where she ultimately passed away.
An avid photographer, Bobbie initially focused on weddings but later documented significant projects. One notable project was Ron’s restoration of the Catboat Dolphin, which continues to charter passengers for daysails in Edgartown. Another was the restoration of Scovil Mills, now known as Scovil Forge in Higganum, CT, which houses various businesses, primarily Kenyon Labs.
During this time, both Bobbie and Ron worked at Kenyon Laboratories. Bobbie excelled at trade shows, and eventually, they purchased Kenyon Labs, turning it into a successful international company.
Bobbie had an incredibly big heart; she was one of the kindest and sweetest people one could ever meet. She dedicated her life to helping others, even during her illness. She was smart, personable, beautiful and exceptionally kind. Bobbie took the time to enjoy life, always stopping to smell the roses and living as a free spirit to the fullest.
She leaves behind her lifelong friend Ron Denman, her brother and sister-in-law, Paul and Joanne Kenyon of Bridport, Vermont, and her cousin Rachel Reid of Shootash, Hampshire. UK.
A celebration of her life will be held soon at the Scovil Forge properties in Higganum, CT. Please contact Ron for more information.