Allan A Kennedy

KENNEDY, Allan, 80. Passed away peacefully with his wife Willa and niece Laura at his side at his home in West Palm Beach, FL, on Thursday, December 21, 2023. Allan was first diagnosed with throat cancer in 2011. Allan overcame the cancer. Unfortunately, Allan's cancer returned in 2020. Allan was the epitome of inner strength, determination, courage, bravery, and positivity as he faced each diagnosis.

Allan was born July 20, 1943, in Montreal, Canada. At a young age, Allan lost his mother Genevieve Kennedy (Ross) to Tuberculosis and went to live with his grandparents (Ross) at their farm in Inverness, Nova Scotia, where he developed a lifelong love for Cape Breton. As a teen, Allan would live with his father Ronald (Rannie) Kennedy in Montreal where, as a gifted high school student, he would be admitted early with a full scholarship to McGill University. Allan graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in 1963. Allan began working on a PhD in Physics at MIT but was compelled to join the Civil Rights Movement, specifically the Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee. His dedication and engagement would lead him to the Selma Freedom March and connect him with many prominent figures within the Civil Rights Movement.

Allan's career would span decades and include employment at IBM, John Hancock Mutual Life Insurance Company, APM, McKinsey, Rolland Berger & Partners, and even establishing the software firm Selkirk. While at McKinsey, Allan also played major roles in helping Lloyds of London recover from their near collapse in the early 90s and the privatization of British Telecom. This was one of the largest privatizations in history. Alan's leading role had him reporting directly to Prime Ministers Margaret Thatcher and, subsequently, John Major.

In 1982, Allan would add Author to his resume as he and Terrence Deal collaborated to write and publish "Corporate Cultures" which became an international best seller and followed by "The New Corporate Cultures". They may well have been the first to explore this concept and may even have coined the term, "corporate culture". Following the success of this book, Allan authored "The End of Shareholder Value".

Allan loved music, was an avid reader, writer, golfer, traveler and sports fan, (specifically the Boston Red Sox, Celtics, Patriots and Canadian Hockey).

Allan is survived by his wife Willa Hillman, his nieces Laura Ojemann (Hawes)& husband John, Jennifer LaBrecque (Hawes) & husband Stephen, Cathy Findlay, and Nancy Findlay, his nephew Ronald Findlay & wife Jennifer Borja. Allan is also survived by brother-in law Richard B. Hawes Jr. and fourteen grandnieces/nephews Ava & Ben LaBrecque, Sarah Rackley (Ojemann) & husband Stephen, Emma, Grace, Andrew, Nathaniel, Jonathan, Maya, Samara, Amanda, Matthew, Jack, and Samantha Findlay. Allan was predeceased by his parents & sister Barbara Findlay (Kennedy), his beloved Uncle Jim, his first wife Alison Kennedy (Stone), and sister in-law Sheila Hawes (Stone).

Most importantly, Allan was a loving and caring person who supported friends/family and endeavored to support the careers of those he worked with.

Memorial donations may be made to Dana- Farber Cancer Institute Boston, MA.