What’s the Latest: One of Okanagan’s most colourful characters dies at 96
Okanagan developer Eddy Haymour died on Wednesday at the age of 96. He was known for his ambitious plans for Rattlesnake Island and his distinctive castle in Peachland, though he never realised his vision for the island.
Eddy Haymour’s legal battles regarding Rattlesnake Island began in 1971 after he purchased the property with plans for development, leading to a significant dispute with the provincial government that lasted for decades. Despite ultimately winning his legal battle, Haymour’s vision for the island remained unrealised, although he did construct his notable castle in Peachland, reflecting his enduring ambition.
Tributes for Eddy Haymour, the Okanagan developer who passed away at 96, have been pouring in, with local residents such as Don Scramstad commenting on his legacy of ambition and controversy. The Peachland Museum highlighted his commitment to his vision, with assistant curator Jeff Green stating, “He was zealously committed to his dream,” despite the lack of realisation of his plans for Rattlesnake Island.
What remains unclear — It is unclear why Eddy Haymour’s development plans for Rattlesnake Island ultimately never materialised despite his legal victory against the province.
Eddy Haymour, notable Okanagan developer, dies at 96
Eddy Haymour, a prominent and controversial figure in the Okanagan, has died at the age of 96. Known for his extravagant ambitions, Haymour’s life story includes a distinctive castle overlooking Highway 97 in Peachland and a fraught relationship with the provincial government over his dream of developing Rattlesnake Island.
Haymour purchased Rattlesnake Island in 1971, envisioning a Middle Eastern-themed amusement park. This vision caught the attention of filmmaker Greg Crompton, who described Haymour’s journey as “a very interesting story.” Crompton produced the 2019 documentary “Eddy’s Kingdom,” stating, “As a filmmaker… this one just seemed like such a compelling story to tell.”
His pursuit of this dream was marked by controversy, notably in 1974 when he and family members took hostages at the Canadian embassy in Beirut during a dispute with the province. Crompton remarked on Haymour’s unconventional mindset: “What? So, you were wronged by the government but then you were going to get some grenades and chuck it into the legislature and cause mayhem.”
At the Peachland Museum, Haymour is remembered as determined and visionary. Jeff Green, assistant curator, said, “He was zealously committed to his dream. It didn’t matter what obstacle was in his way; he pursued it to the end.” Although Haymour ultimately won a legal battle with the government, his vision for the island remained unrealised.
Despite the challenges he faced, Haymour constructed the iconic castle, which features a statue of himself pointing toward Rattlesnake Island. Tracy Janes, a customer service agent at the museum, reflected on his larger-than-life character, stating, “He was impassioned about what he was doing.” Haymour’s legacy continues to resonate within the community.