Neville Kennard, 74, died June 3. Neville and his brother, Andy, have been instrumental in growing the family-owned Kennards Hire and the Kennards Self Storage businesses in Australia. 

Walter Kennard, Neville’s father, who sold machinery, petrol and produce, was asked by a customer for the loan of his new concrete mixer for a quick job. Walter thought for a moment and then replied, “I’m sorry, I can't loan it to you, but I'll hire it to you.” That was in 1948. So began Kennards Hire, which has grown into one of Australia’s largest hire companies with more than 90 branches throughout the country.

In 1956, at age 19, Neville joined his father's business, which he took over in 1964 and ran with his brother from 1965 until 1991 when he left to head the Kennards Self Storage businees. He was managing director of Kennards Self Storage until 1995. 

Kennards Hire has been a member of the American Rental Association since 1964. 

Kennard was a sailor, aviator, globetrotter and adventurer. Hans-Hermann Hoppe, a Kennard friend and prominent Australian economist, included some details of his life that you can find here.

Kennard was known for his strong libertarian views and was given a tribute by Benjamin Marks, an Australian publisher and editor on economics. 

He is survived by his wife, Gaby, and three sons. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to:

Stepping Stone Foundation
Sydney Stepping Stone
c/- Connery Partners
Level 6, 234 George Street
SYDNEY NSW 2000
steppingstonehouse.com.au