One of Okanagan’s most colourful characters dies at 96

Eddy Haymour, one of Okanagan’s most colorful characters, passed away at the age of 96 on Wednesday. His legacy is marked by a distinctive castle overlooking Highway 97 in Peachland and Rattlesnake Island, a property that became the focus of a decades-long dispute with the provincial government. Born in Lebanon, Haymour purchased Rattlesnake Island in 1971 with the intention of transforming it into a Middle Eastern-themed amusement park.

His ambitious vision attracted the attention of filmmaker Greg Crompton, who produced a documentary on Haymour's life called "Eddy’s Kingdom." However, Haymour's pursuit of his dream took a dramatic turn in 1974 when he and his relatives took hostages at the Canadian embassy in Beirut. Despite the controversy, Haymour remained committed to his dream, as evident by his dedication to building the castle and a statue of himself in Peachland.

Although he eventually won his legal battle with the province, he never managed to develop the island as envisioned. Local residents remember Haymour as a larger-than-life figure with an impassioned character.