KENAI — Bob Penney, the founder of the Kenai River Sportfishing Association, died Tuesday at the age of 90.

Statements were released by KRSA, Sens. Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan and Gov. Mike Dunleavy.

“It is with extreme sadness that we share the passing of Bob Penney,” KRSA wrote on Facebook on Tuesday. “His commitment to our great state and sportfishing will be enjoyed by generations of Alaskans to come.”

Murkowski described Penney as a civic leader, a “fierce protector” of the Kenai River, and a friend.

“For decades, Bob brought people together to not only fish the river, but to learn to care for it and its bounty,” she writes.

Sullivan said that Penney brought “energy, passion and determination to everything he did.”

Dunleavy called Penney “a legend.”

“Bob Penney was a pillar of the community and a stalwart protector of Kenai River salmon,” he writes. “Alaska is a better place today because of Bob’s commitment to ensure future generations get a chance to enjoy sportfishing in Alaska.”

KRSA’s post says that memorial service details will be forthcoming.

• Reach reporter Jake Dye at jacob.dye@peninsulaclarion.com.