# Okanagan Icon Eddy Haymour Passes Away at 96 The visionary behind Peachland's famous castle leaves a legacy of ambition and controversy. - **Source:** [Global News – Canada](https://globalnews.ca) - **Published:** 2026-11-07 - **Topic:** [culture](https://brifing.si/c/culture) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/a13b2591-0489-4136-957d-0f9e40a74c95 ## Passing of a Local Icon Eddy Haymour, a prominent and colourful figure in the Okanagan region, has died at the age of 96. Known for his distinctive castle overlooking Highway 97 in Peachland, Haymour leaves behind a complex legacy defined by his relentless ambition and a decades-long struggle with the provincial government over island development. ## The Rattlesnake Island Vision In 1971, the Lebanese immigrant purchased the five-acre Rattlesnake Island with the intent to build a Middle Eastern-themed amusement park. This ambitious project became the central focus of his life, capturing the imagination of locals and eventually serving as the primary catalyst for his long-standing legal disputes with British Columbia authorities. ## Escalation of a Dispute The conflict between Haymour and the provincial government reached an extreme point in 1974. During this period, Haymour and his relatives took hostages at the Canadian embassy in Beirut. This dramatic event highlighted the intensity of his commitment and his unconventional, often volatile, approach to challenging perceived government injustices against him. ## Documenting a Complex Life Filmmaker Greg Crompton explored Haymour’s life in the 2019 documentary titled Eddy’s Kingdom. Crompton noted that while Haymour’s actions were often extreme, his internal rationale remained a fascinating subject for study. The film captures the essence of a man who felt wronged by the system and reacted with desperate, high-stakes measures. ## Museum Commemoration and History At the Peachland Museum, Haymour is remembered as a figure who was zealously committed to his personal vision. Staff members describe him as a man larger than life who refused to let obstacles deter his goals. His presence remains a significant part of the community's historical narrative and local cultural identity. ## Legal Victory Without Realization Although Haymour eventually emerged victorious in his legal battle against the province, his original dream of developing Rattlesnake Island never materialized. The property remained undeveloped, leaving his grand vision as a theoretical project rather than a physical reality, despite the years of litigation and personal sacrifice he invested in the land. ## The Castle and Statue Beyond his island plans, Haymour left a physical mark on the landscape through his distinctive castle in Peachland. Beside the structure stands a statue of Haymour himself, permanently pointing across the lake toward Rattlesnake Island. This landmark serves as a lasting testament to his unfulfilled dreams and his persistent, visionary nature. ## Reflecting on a Legacy Haymour’s life serves as a case study in the intersection of personal ambition and systemic conflict. While his amusement park dream remained unrealized, his impact on the Okanagan region is cemented through his unique architecture and the stories that persist in the community, marking the end of a truly singular life. ## Sources covering this story - https://globalnews.ca/news/12140696/okanagans-colourful-character-dies-96-eddy-haymour/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._