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Jack Rodney Kennedy Jr.

Jack Kennedy Obituary

California native Rod Kennedy, age 60, passed away after an extended illness, at his Sacramento, home on Aug. 10, 2015. Rod served as mental health administrator in Napa, Solono and Sacramento Counties, and most recently with Wellspace Health. He leaves behind his beloved daughter Claire, step-son and daughter Chad Kuntz and Kelly Lopez, sisters, S. Alain & Pam Kennedy (Rob Scheideman) and neice Sidney. He will be missed.

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Published by The Sacramento Bee on Aug. 15, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Jack Kennedy

18 Entries

Randall Billington

August 24, 2015

When you feel like you know and admire someone from the positive effect they had on the lives of others, even when you didn't know them personally, you know you're in the presence of someone special. I didn't know you personally, Rod, but reading what so many others have said makes me wish I had. Thanks for your lasting light and influence, and thanks to all of your friends and family who are carrying it on.

Pam Kennedy

August 24, 2015

Rod... oh Rod... I miss you and just want one more chance to talk to you. You were the best brother and we had so much fun so many times!

Stuart Buttlaire

August 18, 2015

What a loss, goodbye my friend. I've known Rod for 30 years he is a dear man, gentle and competent in everything he did. I will miss our conversations about basketball
Stuart Buttlaire

Melanie Cook

August 18, 2015

Dang Rod,I can't believe you aren't still around! You and I go way back - 1989 at Napa Crisis to 2007 when you left Solano County to work closer to home in Sacramento.

Many highlights of more happy, carefree times that were inclusive of you, is long-since past, but, never forgotten: OGIM's (Oh Gosh It's Monday) with Napa Crisis staff at Domaine Chandon in the Summertime, Solano County Mental Health 'gang' going down to Southern California in 1994 to counsel the Northridge Earthquake Victims with you as our fearless leader, surfing the Solano County services waves, and just the way of life back then.

You were always kind, patient, and understanding with me even though we had complete opposite personality styles - You with your kicked back, easy-going, no worries presence, and me being wound up and fretting about life in general.

You will always have a warm, admired place in my heart and I will never forget you!

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Susan Ciccarelli

August 18, 2015

Rod, It is too soon that you have passed. Too young and so much to offer to the world. Many good memories with you through the years. Graduate school when we met. Your sisters will miss you so very much. Claire, your father was so proud of you. He many times said "you were the best thing that ever happened to him. " Rod, you will be very much missed!

August 18, 2015

It was so much fun working with you in the Crisis Unit Building A many years ago. I've often thought of you and wondered how you've been since leaving Napa County. Rest in peace, Rod.

Tom Sabo

August 18, 2015

Dear Rod,
It's been a good life, and you made it sweeter with your sense of humor and kind nature for many of those years.
I think that your tribute must be the love and respect of your family and many good people who have enjoyed your company over a lifetime.

Mary Butler

August 17, 2015

I shared an office with Rod for several years at Napa County mental health. He was so much fun to work with and although I hadn't seen him in years, I always remembered him and over the years told "Rod" stories of those great times. I have wonderful memories. He will be missed.

Jack Malan

August 16, 2015

Rod, our paths crossed many times over the last 30 years and each time I regretted not having stayed in contact. I am now truly sad that we drifted away again since Solano County. I will always remember your wonderful sense of humor, impressive intelligence and broad awareness of cause and effect. I admired you and enjoyed sitting near you when you were in your zone.
I am so very sorry for your loved ones, especially Claire who I met many years ago, but always got an update on from her loving father.
Rod, you will be missed. I will miss you. You were loved for who you are and what you have done.
Your friend, Jack

Ken Pense

August 16, 2015

Hard to believe he's gone. The near decade I spent working under Rod at Napa county seems like yesterday. He had an immeasurable impact on my thinking, profession and life. I'll never forget sitting in his country cottage listening music on those amazing door size speakers. Thanks for all you did and were.

Judith and Peter Sears-Whyte

August 16, 2015

From Chile, Africa, Canada and people across the US Rod's influence and development of their careers is evident. He was kind, intelligent and lots of fun. He was accepting of all of our weaknesses and made us stronger. I worked with Rod at Napa and Solano Counties in the mental health departments. Those were great days. Most of us are shocked and saddened by this too early passing. Our condolences to the family always in the forefront of his thoughts.

Leslie Nevison

August 15, 2015

Rod, I worked with you a lifetime ago at Napa Co Mental Health, but I remember you well, and with respect for what you taught me.

Chris Malan

August 15, 2015

Dear Rod, I haven't seen you in a long time but we worked together at Napa County Mental Health for at least 10 fun years. You have an enduring smile, gentle voice and keen sense of humor. You always took the positive side of life when things were dicy. I often thought of you as a friend and remember your love of life and family. I was very saddened to hear you left this world early. I know you leave behind a treasure of family and memories. I wish to tell you, friend, you are fondly thought of and I am thankful for all that you taught me in mental health. Peace and rest.

Judith Sears

August 15, 2015

I worked with Rod many years at Napa and Solano County. He was a very kind man, intelligent and a lot of fun. Shocked and saddened to hear of his death. He always was so concerned about his mother, sisters and niece and wanted to have a family of is his own. He was thrilled to have a ready made family and a daughter. He will be missed.

DONNA MILLER

August 15, 2015

WAS SO SAD TO HEAR OF ROD'S PASSING, I REMEMBER HIS WONDERFUL SMILE...R.I.P FRIEND AND MY CONDOLENCES TO HIS FAMILY IN THIS TIME OF GREAT SORROW

Chuck Castellar

August 15, 2015

My deepest condolences to Rod's family. Rod was such a positive force. He was a kind and gentle soul who made everyone he came in contact with feel special.

Laura

August 15, 2015

Claire, your dad took a chance on me and advocated for me to get hired at WellSpace Health, where I ended up working for 2.5 years. That job gave me incredible opportunities to meet and work with some very special people. I will always appreciate him for giving me that gift. Please know that your dad beamed every time he talked about you to me (which was very often). He was so proud of you and proud to be your dad. I hope you can find comfort in special memories you have of him. I'm so sorry for your loss.

Michael Shetka

August 15, 2015

I am very sad to hear abut Rod's passing. I enjoyed working with him and appreciated his sense of humor and upbeat attitude-an intelligent enthusiastic guy sorry that we lost him.

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