Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
N. Kenworthy Obituary
February 14, 1925 - October 15, 2010
N. Paul Kenworthy, Jr., award winning film maker, camera systems inventor, entrepreneur, and one of the Disney Legends passed away Friday October 15, 2010, in Ventura, California, with family at his side.
Paul was born on February 14, 1925 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He served in Patton's 10th Armored Division during the Second World War.
After the war, Paul attended Cornell University receiving a degree in Economics, then UCLA where he obtained a Master's Degree in Cinematography. Paul's Master's Thesis was the basis for the Academy Award winning Disney film The Living Desert. This was followed by his work on the Vanishing Prairie that also received an Academy Award. Paul co-directed the Disney Film Perri and directed Rusty and the Falcon for the Disney television Show in 1957. Paul received the "Disney Legends" award in 1998. (http://legends.disney.go.com/legends/detail?key=Paul+Kenworthy)
Paul co-invented the Snorkel Camera that was later modernized in collaboration with Bob Nettman into the Kenworthy/Nettman Snorkel Camera System. The Kenworthy/Nettman Snorkel Camera was used in many films, commercials, and music videos and is still in use today.
Paul received an Academy of Motion Pictures Technical Award in 1977, Outstanding Achievement Award from the American Society of Cinematographers in 1994 as well as the Academy of Motion Pictures John A. Bonner Medal of Commendation in 2001.
Throughout his life he was an active climber, skier, back packer and hiker. A long time member of the Sierra Club, Paul spent many weekends helping with trail maintenance in the local mountains.
He is survived by his brother Joe, daughter Carol, sons Kirk and Rob, four grandchildren two great-grandchildren and long time friend and companion Norene.
The family wishes to express gratitude to the staff of Cypress Place Senior Living and Assisted Hospice for their gentle care of Paul during his last months.
In lieu of flowers, if so inclined, donations can be sent in Paul's name to the Angeles Chapter of the Sierra Club, 3435 Wilshire Blvd., #320, Los Angeles, CA 90010-1904.
Friends and family will be contacted for a memorial service, not yet scheduled.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Ted Mayr Funeral Home, 3150 Loma Vista Road, Ventura, CA. Condolences may be left at TedMayrFuneralHome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for N. Kenworthy
Kim
October 15, 2025
Dear Paul, You are a Disney Legend but also a legend in our family. It´s hard to believe you have been gone for 15 years now. We miss you and wonder what your take on today´s world would be. Much love to you, dear Paul! Kim
Kim
October 15, 2023
Dear Paul, Wherever your consciousness is today, I know that you are still asking questions and learning. You are a wonderful role model for an inquisitive life, full of wonder! When we hike, you are there with us. We love you and miss your tall presence.
Norene Charnofsky
October 15, 2023
Paul, you are ever alive in our thoughts and hearts! How grateful I am for all the wonderful times we had together, and all the things you taught me--especially, that I HAD TO exercise every day if I were to be able to hike with you!! You even taught me to adore spiders.........Love forever, Norene
Norene
October 15, 2022
Dearest Paul, I think of you every day and I often tell my friends and family heartwarming stories of our fun times together! You are with me on every walk and hike. Love forever, Norene
How you can show support
Follow
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Kim
October 15, 2022
We think of you often, Paul, and tell stories so the kids will keep remembering our many happy times together. Miss you.
Ruth J Logan
October 15, 2021
He was a very special man. And his accomplishments will live on.
K Charnofsky
October 21, 2010
We love you, Paul, and we miss you.
Linda Carmine
October 21, 2010
We are so sorry to hear of cousin Paul's passing. We have many fond memories going all the way back to the wonderful family Christmas parties in Meadowbrook and later the visits to Huntingdon Valley. Paul and Joe were wonderful to our mother, calling her up until her death earlier this year at age 99. Whenever you think of Paul, a smile always comes to your face. Here's to celebrating a life well lived.
Showing 1 - 8 of 8 results
Make a Donation
in N. Kenworthy's name
Memorial Events
for N. Kenworthy
How to support N.'s loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor N. Kenworthy's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
