Donald KENNEDY Obituary

Published by Vancouver Sun and/or The Province on Nov. 3, 2012.

KENNEDY, Donald Wilson
Donald Wilson Kennedy passed away into the loving arms of his Saviour on Saturday, October 27, 2012. He was a wonderful husband, father, opi, uncle and brother-in-law, and a beloved friend to many. Don was born in New Westminster on July 13, 1942, and lived his whole life in the Royal City. He graduated from Lester Pearson High School in 1960 and went on to complete a Commerce Degree at the University of British Columbia, where he was a proud member and president of the Delta Upsilon Fraternity. Don married "Nita", the love of his life, on April 8, 1971. Together they raised three daughters. Don's only regret in life was not having more children. He loved his girls so much. Don began his professional career as a real estate agent with Block Brothers and later Kennedy Cooper. In 1976, he took over the family business, Kennedy Travel Service Ltd, which was established by his father as the first travel agency in Western Canada. He took every advantage of the travel opportunities presented to him and explored much of the world with Nita at his side. He made many connections as a member and past president of the Skal Club of Vancouver. He was a caring and compassionate boss, respected by all who worked for and with him. Don led by example and dedicated much of his life to serving others, acting on the Queen's Park Hospital Foundation Board and the BC Parole Board. He was an enthusiastic member and past president of the New Westminster Rotary Club, and he made many lifelong friends through the YM/YWCA of New Westminster. When he wasn't playing handball with his buddies or improvising a tune on the piano, he could be found (or rather, not found) at one of his secret blackberry patches around Birch Bay. The cabin at Birch Bay will always remain a very special place for Don's family because of how much he loved being there. He is survived by his wife, Anita, daughters Christine, Tobi May (Kyle), and Holly, grandson Heath and a future grandchild due in April; cousins Merrick Hunter, Graham Hunter, Lorian Kennedy and Allison Akgungor; brother Bruce. He also leaves behind an incredible extended family of 16 sisters- and brothers-in-law and many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews, all of whom he loved dearly. The family wishes to thank the staff at the Royal Columbian Hospital Dialysis Clinic and the Alzheimer's Society for their support and care. A celebration of life will be held on November 16, 2012 at the Centennial Lodge in Queen's Park, New Westminster, from 1 to 4 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Rotary Foundation. Online condolences may be left at www.kearneyfs.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

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12 Entries

December 5, 2012

Jack Kirkbride

I knew Don Kenedy since I was about 20 yrs old, meeting him at the New Westminster YMCA. I played handball against Don and didn't mind at all that he used to shellack me. All of the handball players at the "Y" loved and respected Don, he was a marvelous man and I will always remember him. My heart goes out to Anita and his daughters and the rest of his family.

Sincerely - Jack Kirkbride

November 13, 2012

François Neuberg

It is always sad to hear about the loss of a Rotary fellow. All my thoughts go to the family.

November 13, 2012

Louis Hauseux

Don has been a great Rotarian while I was an exchange student. Always there for the exchange students. Thank you for all you have done, you will be missed.

November 12, 2012

To a Long Time Friend, Don, was a remarkable person.
Our caring thoughts comes your way in this time of sorrow.
Sincere Sympathy, John & Pak Woo

November 12, 2012

Our sincere sympathy to you and your family. May the fond memories be with you always.
William & Donna Woo

November 12, 2012

ted burnham

he was a great partner and I will miss him

November 10, 2012

knox Woo

Will be greatly missed !

November 4, 2012

Roy Mitchell

Don was always a gentleman and I will always remember the kindness shown to myself and my Mother Millie

November 4, 2012

Frank and Lynne Benoit

Ironically we are back in Palm Springs and fondly remembering the wonderful hospitality we shared at Don and Anita's unit at The Palm Springs Racquet club just two years ago. Good appies, and so many jokes and laughs with all four of us together! So sorry to hear of Don's passing, but pleased to know he is free of the suffering he did not deserve.

November 4, 2012

Larry Dill

Rest in peace JB

November 3, 2012

I'm sure "JB " , will be remembered by the Brothers as a fun-loving ,unique character , who was proud to be a "DU".
I remember well those crazy "Apache".
We'll miss you , JB .
Best wishes to the family.
Brian Davies DU Grad of 1969

November 3, 2012

Dennis Kirkwood

I attended Lester Pearson with Don and always thought of him as one of the good guys. I'm sorry he had to leave us at such a young age.

Showing 1 - 12 of 12 results

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