DR. JOHN HAWKS KENNELL M.D.

Thanks so much for posting this tribute to John Kennell. I was fortunate enough to have met John and Margaret Kennel at the conference which organized the Doula organization. As an obstetric nurse who was fascinated by his ideas about the importance of close attachment between newborns and mothers, I returned to work, became the first doula in Alberta and a doula instructor. I continued promoting mother infant bonding both as a doula and obstetric nurse. The remainder of my career was...

Dr Kennell was a very kind n compassionate physician. He was my pediatrician when I was a 5 yr old girl suffering from a seizure disorder. I was always excited to see him at Rainbow Babies n Children's hospital, as his office was on the same floor as the nursery . I remember him always asking me , " how I was feeling " feeling about my friends , family, school n ice cream! He nvr forgot to write a prescription for a choc ice cream cone from Baskin Robbins . He instructed my mother...

John Kennell was my mentor and a hero to me as a medical student at CWRU. I admired him so much and I will always remember him. I had the honor of meeting his wife at one of our behavioral pediatric meetings when I was an attending. I hope she is still alive and well. His life really mattered to so many people. He made a difference in this world.

I was so sad to hear that Dr. Kennell had passed away - and so grateful that I got to know him. I used to hang out at his office when I was in grad school because his gentleness, commitment to research, and warm sense of humor fed my soul. He would smile broadly when I complained about "those pediatricians" taking newborns away from their mothers. I treasure my signed copy of Bonding. Thank you for sharing him with so many.

My husband and I were so sorry to hear of Dr. Kennell's passing. We will always have a very special place in our hearts for him. He made this indelible imprint when we were desperate for help for our newborn baby. Time after time, his compassion and his level of caring were a virtual life line for us. His medical expertise was formidable, and was only exceeded by his intuitive wisdom as regards the human heart. He steered us through the shoals of a very frightening time, and he continued...

Dr. Kennell was my role model and friend. He will be so missed. I send my heartfelt sympathy to his family. The world is so much better because of him.

Dear Mrs. Kennell,
Reading today's New York Times obituary reminds me of a story. About 5 years after my pediatric residency in Cleveland I met a woman in the RB&C clinic. She had brought her toddler for an exam, and said to me "I remember you. You're the doctor who let me hold my baby". Her baby had died shortly after birth, 4 or 5 years previously. It was a lesson in the power of attachment, and one I learned from John.
He was such a kind human being.
Laurie Stuart, MD

I was so grateful to have met Dr. Kennell, through my good friend, his daughter, Susan. I was at that time what I used to call a "closet mother" as I had my two wonderful children during the height of the women's movement in the 1970's when the push for women was for working over mothering. Susan had me read his book about mother/child bonding and invited me to meet him when he was in town visiting (and speaking) - his gentle humor and encouragement helped me be more openly proud of being a...

While I worked at Rainbow only 5 years and didn't have much contact with Dr. Kennell, the few times our paths would cross I was always impressed with his kindness and sense of humor. He was a lovely and gentle soul whose memory brings a smile to my face.