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Herbert Kennedy Obituary

Herbert MacKay Kennedy (4/4/1933-6/6/2012) Resident of Oakland will be remembered as a beloved high school educator, husband, father, grandfather, and dear friend. He was a Bay Area native who resided in Oakland. He married Velma Phillips in 1955; they had been sweethearts since their days at Oakland High School. He earned his BA at Cal (1955) and his MA at Stanford (1970), mentoring future teachers. He was on the faculty at Skyline High School from the time it opened, founding School Within a School and leading other educational initiatives, until his retirement in 1992. After retiring, he continued teaching as a substitute in Piedmont and as a College of the Redwoods part time faculty member. He is survived by his wife, sister and brother-in-law (Betty and Dave Gordon), three daughters (Cheryl, Lisa, and Kathleen), nephew (Lance Gordon), and five grandchildren. He died suddenly June 6 of a heart attack while at home with Velma. A celebration of his life will be held at the Cal Alumni House on June 30, 2012 with an open house reception 2:00-4:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the Kennedy family encourages contributions to the Herbert Kennedy Memorial Scholarship for Skyline Graduates, UC Berkeley, Gift Administration, 2080 Addison Street MC 4200, Berkeley, CA 94720-4200.

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

Published by Inside Bay Area on Jun. 17, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Herbert Kennedy

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Billy Darnell

August 26, 2021

He was my Leadership class teacher in my senior year 1992. Great guy I miss him and everyone around him!

Judy GeBauer

June 11, 2020

He was a bright spirit at Skyline. The perpetual grin and enthusiasm. He seemed to love teaching. I'm sorry I never had a class with him, but I sure hold him in my heart as the essence of a good teacher.

Steven Wong

March 12, 2013

I graduated from Skyline in 1981 and although I never had Mr. Kennedy as my teacher, he somehow came to know me by name during my senior year and he never failed to greet me by my first name and a warm smile whenever we walked past each other on campus. I could tell then that Mr. Kennedy was someone who really cared about his students.

I last communicated with Mr. Kennedy around 2006 or 2007 on Classmates.com and while searching for news on Skyline High, I came upon news of his passing and I'm very saddened by this.

Rochonne Simmons

October 9, 2012

There has never been a teacher that has touched me as Mr. Kennedy did. With much sadness that I sign this guest book. He was conscientious teacher with a genuine passion for teaching and contributing, both inside and outside the educational setting. His patience and relaxed demeanor as and educator always put me at ease. Mr. Kennedy contributed substantially to my productive study habits and, ultimately, my academic success at Skyline High School. His humility and selflessness made Mr. Kennedy the great teacher that he was. He lead by example, encouraging those around him to maximize their potential and be the best they can be. I salute you Mr. Kennedy and may you rest in peace.

Class of 78

Helen Harris

September 23, 2012

I am so sad and shocked to learn of Herb's death. His and Velma's wholehearted commitment to the education of Oakland's youth always made me proud to also be a teacher. My loving thoughts go out to his whole family during this difficult time.

Buzz & Mary DaVega

July 21, 2012

Buzz and I just found out today the Herb had passed away. We were so sorry to hear that. Herb always had a story to tell while at the Colonial coffee. We enjoyed his conversations and will miss him.

Ronald Young

July 6, 2012

My deepest sympathy to the Kennedy Family. I remember Mr. Kennedy at Skyline High when I had him for my English teacher. I remember the Shakespeare plays, watching "Anne of Green Gables" in class, and his fantastic knowledge of The "Big Game" between Cal Berkeley and Stanford.
My class reunion will be celebrating its 25th Anniversary in August, and I know that my fellow classmates and I will be thinking about Mr. Herbert Kennedy. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Inspiration goes a long, long way!

Jim Norrena

July 5, 2012

My condolences to the entire Kennedy family. Herb Kennedy's passion for Shakespeare helped inspire my own academic pursuits, and I am currently serving on the board of a nonprofit that celebrates the plays and sonnets. I can't think of greater praise for a teacher's influence. While I've only met some of your family a few times, many, many years ago, I was close with Kathleen in high school and college, and I have your entire family in my thoughts.

Jenny (Young) Pedersen

July 1, 2012

My deepest sympathy to the Kennedy family. I enjoyed Mr. Kennedy as my teacher while at Skyline. He was a wonderful educator!

My prayers are with you in this time of loss.

Linda Crocker Randall

June 29, 2012

Not too many of us are fortunate enough to leave this life having left such a special mark on so many lives. Mr. Kennedy touched mine as both a wonderful teacher and by being the loving father of my childhood friend. May your memories bring you comfort and peace.

christina cason

June 27, 2012

one of my favorite lines from a song
there's holes in the floor of heaven and teaars are comeing down thats how i know hes watchin wishin he could be here now...
i'm sure he is wishing he could be here now

Brian McCabe

June 27, 2012

Very sorry to hear the sad news. My condolences to Mrs. Kennedy and the rest of the family.

Brian McCabe
Skyline '89

Gay Parker

June 27, 2012

I didn't have Mr Kennedy for a teacher when I
Was at Skyline 61-64 but I remember the kids
Liking him. He came to our 40th class reunion
And everyone was happy to see him.
I am so sorry for the families loss.

christina cason

June 25, 2012

i consider myself very lucky to have had a teacher that had such an impact on my life........ most adults remember their worst teachers not the ones who impacted their lives....... in my block class fall 88 spring 89 there were several of us who had 6yrs ear;yer had had mrs kennedy as our 6th grade teacher...... it was nice to go into the real world with a teacher that cared

Elyse Dukatz

June 25, 2012

Herb Kennedy was one of the finest teachers that Skyline H.S.ever had.
Elyse Dukatz

Randy Piplica

June 24, 2012

Mr Kennedy was a great man and a great educator. My sincerest condolences to his family.

marcellus gathright

June 24, 2012

Mr. Kennedy was a very good and respected teacher of mine back at skyline (79-81). Myself being such an introvert , he had a certain talent for reaching and challenging me academically that only a few of my former instructors posessed. God rest his soul and my prayers are with his immediate and extended family .

Walter Fields

June 23, 2012

I have such great memories of Mr. Kennedy while I attended Skyline High in the late 1970's. He clearly loved what he was doing and showed that love in his teaching methodology. He will be missed. My thoughts are with his family. It is so few of us that make a real difference in the lives of others. Mr. Kennedy was one of those who made a difference not only in my life but the lives of hundreds of his students.

Kerry McLean

June 23, 2012

Dear Kennedy Family

I have such great memories of Mr. Kennedy's class at Skyline. He was such a passionate teacher, and clearly loved to read and teach - every student in that class was engaged and learning, and you could feel his passion for his work every day. My thoughts go out to you all, and hope you will have comfort in knowing how many people he touched in his life, and how much of a difference he made as a teacher.

Kindest thoughts,

Kerry McLean

christina cason

June 23, 2012

i had mrs kenndy in the 6th grade grade school wasn't an easy time so she encouraged my writing skills .....
my sr yr of high school i had mr kennedy on my first paper i got back it said mrs kenndy says hi and i love ur casonisms people have assumed i got my writeing skills from my dad but i got it from the encouragement of 2 wonderful teachers mr kennedy will forever be missed

Rusty Simms

June 21, 2012

I will always remember Mr. Kennedy for his smile, words of wisdom, and for inspiring us to enjoy exploring the world of English Literature. Thank you for the love, Mr. Kennedy...you will truly be missed. May God comfort the Kennedy family....

Andrew Green

June 21, 2012

I can't that I recall that many of my teachers, but Mr Kennedy stands out in my memory. He was one of the truly motivational teachers that inspired you to learn and enjoy the subject of English, writing and literature. I'm thankful for everything he did for us and his gift of pedagogical style. Condolences to the family from here in Norway.

nancy sarber

June 21, 2012

to Velma and family......I am very very sorry for your loss. You all are in my thoughts.

Heidi Brevet

June 21, 2012

Herb was a great teacher and person. I always enjoyed seeing his smile at school but for the many years since our graduation I would see him in Montclair with that same smile. I have missed seeing him in recent months but his smile and memory will last for ever!

Judy GeBauer

June 17, 2012

Very fond memories of your brilliant energy in the Skyline halls.

Showing 1 - 25 of 25 results

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