By L. Dennis Burns, CAPP

I am sad to report that the parking community lost a great professional and trusted colleague. Our friend, C. Michael Penny passed away in his sleep earlier this week. Michael had been battling Alzheimer’s disease for the past several years. He is survived by his wife, Dru, son, Austin, and grandson, Jack..

Michael and I went way back. He and I attended college together at UNC-Charlotte and ran many Frisbee tournaments together over the years. We also worked together at the Charlotte Douglas International Airpor,t where we both started our parking careers. Michael was the Charlotte airport’s first parking manager and led that program until he retired.

Michael was also a devoted volunteer for IPMI (IPI at the time). He served on the Board of Directors and was member of the Board’s Executive Committee. Michael was also a founding member of the Carolinas Parking Association, serving multiple terms as the association’s president. And he was a member of the first CAPP graduating class.

Michael was one of the most gentle and generous souls I have ever met. He would literally give you the shirt off his back. He loved music, disc golf, hiking and camping, and his many, many friends. Michael, you will be missed.

L. Dennis Burns, CAPP, is regional vice president, senior practice builder with Kimley-Horn and a member of IPMI’s Board of Directors.