Alward F. "Al" Fenn

Alward Fenn Obituary

Fenn, Alward F. "Al"
passed away as a result of cancer on 2/22/09 at 89 years of age. He was a native of Arizona, spending his youth in Benson and Mesa. He served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Hawaii and survived the bombing of Pearl Harbor. He enlisted in the Marines, serving in the Mariannas and Iwo Jima. Fenn was the Athletic Director of Gila Valley Sports in Safford, was the editor of pioneer western newspapers to include The Copper Era, Deming Graphics and Headlight, Miami Silver Belt and owned The Phoenix Roundup and Arizona Sun papers. He is an author and writer. He promoted wrestling and boxing, was a manager and trainer and established amateur boxing in Arizona. He promoted AZ Golden Gloves and State Fair Copper Gloves since 1970. Since 1965, he provided a gym for kids to workout and recreation, never charging at the Phoenix Boys and Girls Center, producing many productive citizens. Fenn is survived by son Kim and wife Marianne Fenn, daughters Kelly Fenn, Kristy Horn, and Charlotte Huffine. He has 17 grandchildren, 30 great grandchildren, 3 brothers and 4 sisters. Services will be held at the LDS Stake Center, 36th St. and Shea on 2/26/09 viewing at 10am and the service is at 11am. Another service will be in Benson on 2/27/09 at 10am for viewing and 11am for services. Burial will follow. In lieu of flowers, he asked that memorials be sent to the Phoenix Boys and Girls Center, 2116 W. Buckeye Rd, Phoenix, 85009 or Chase Bank acct#00563372

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Published by The Arizona Republic on Feb. 26, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Alward Fenn

Sponsored by Kim Fenn.

13 Entries

Michael W. Smith

April 2, 2024

What a wonderful man Al was. I boxed at his Gym in 1980 and decided to quit after sparring with Tony Fulialangi.

Juan Fernandez

January 7, 2017

Thank you for giving a young boy a chance at life. Giving me a chance to learn a beautiful sport. Which in turn showed me that life is much like boxing. Life will knock you down, but you just get up and keep up the good fight. I will forever be eternally grateful. May you forever rest in peace!

Bobby Adolphus

December 24, 2012

I give a lot of credit to Al Fenn he was my trainer in 1976 in Pheonix Arizonia He will be missed.

kathy and dave lawler

May 2, 2009

Dear Family, What a decent man to do so much good for children who didn't have a chance otherwise. yours, kathy and david m. lawler

Jim and Pattee Fenn

March 10, 2009

Jim remembers his Uncle Al as one who always showed an interest in him and in what he was doing. We are so grateful for all the work Uncle Al did in family history and for his writings and stories. He truly was one from the "greatest generation". He was a great man who did great things and left a great impression.

Alison Fenn Robbennolt

March 7, 2009

I have very fond memories of Uncle Al. He was a great man and is loved by the many lives he has touched in so many ways. He will be greatly missed.

Martha Jane Foote

March 4, 2009

Dear Charlotte, Kim, Kelly, Kristy and Family; A giant of a man has departed our presence, a giant of a spirit lives in heaven to watch over and cheer us on. It's sad for us to be without his brilliant mind, talents, inspiration, and handsome looks. Your Dad and my Uncle was a wonderful man whom I admired all these many years and loved to be around. He always had a positive attitude and shared amazing conversation. His talents and interests were many. We will always be grateful for all the historical and memorable books and story letters he wrote and published; all left as a legacy and memorial to him. A void is left knowing we'll not have his association in this life, but love flows from my heart, mind and soul to him knowing I had the privilege or rubbing shoulders with a truly remarkable man, my Uncle Alward Forster Fenn. I give you my Love and Sympathy dear Family, Martha Jane Ray Foote

Rosa Maribel Zapata

March 2, 2009

Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
I did not had the pleasure to meet Al in person but I have heard so much about him through my brother Jose I Zapata.

The Zapata's and Al's sister Gwen.

February 26, 2009

Al's sister Gwen F. Ray(front left) Jose I Zapata(front right) Carol and Francisco(back

February 26, 2009

Jose I. Zapata

February 26, 2009

It is also known that Al gave the name to Patriots Square in downtown Phoenix, I read that on the newspaper sometime ago. He was also a historian, writer.I learned much about my family from him. Rest in peace my cousin, you will be missed. For those of the home, my condolences. The LORD bless you, keep you and give peace. Sincerely your cousin:

Kim Fenn

February 26, 2009

A BOXING LEGEND PASSED AWAY ON FEBRUARY 22, 2009. HE IS KNOWN AND LOVED BY ALL IN THE BOXING WORLD FOR BRING BOXING BACK TO LIFE IN PHOENIX, AZ. THERE WILL BE A FUNERAL TODAY IN PHOENIX AT SHEA & 35TH ST WITH A VIEWING AT 10 AM AND SERVICES TO FOLLOW. THERE WILL BE A FUNERAL AND BURIAL TOMORROW IN HIS HOMETOWN OF BENSON AZ AT THE POMERENE STAKE CENTER AGAIN AT 10AM.

AL FENN WAS THE MAN WHO BROUGHT AMATEUR BOXING ALIVE IN PHOENIX. HE WAS THE LONG TIME PRESIDENT OF AMATEUR BOXONG AND ARIZONA GOLDEN GLOVES AND WAS RECENTLY INDUCTED IN THE AZ BOXING HALL OF FAME. HE WAS WELL KNOW AND LIKED THROUGHOUT THE BOXING WORLD AND ESPECIALLY KNOW FOR BEING THE MANAGER AND TRAINER OF THE GREAT HEAVY WEIGHT ZORA FOLLEY.

HE WILL BE MISSED!

Tony Alvidrez

February 26, 2009

It was an honor and a privilige to have known and trained for this generous, honest, warm, and decent man. He will be missed by the boxing community. My condolences to the family. Long live Phoenix Boys Center.

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