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Frank KENNEDY Obituary
Following a diagnosis of advanced cancer a short 8 weeks ago, on July 23, 2013 my journey ended peacefully in my home surrounded by the intense love and gentle care of my incredible family and friends. My life began on March 22, 1962. I was so fortunate to be born into the wonderful family of Charles and Frances Kennedy. As the 5th of 7 children, I was raised with plenty of love and adventure along with my siblings Annabel (Mario, Niagara on the Lake), Dorcas (Richard, Lethbridge), Bill (Betsy, Los Angeles), Chuck (Catherine, Ballarat, Australia), Sara (Chris, Kingston) and Doug (Chantal, Ottawa). I was passionate about swimming and spent many rewarding years competing for the Pointe Claire Swim Club. I attended Acadia University (as did my mom). In 1985, at the age of 23, I vowed lifelong love to Lee-Anne and was warmly welcomed by her family and wonderful folks Tom and Carol Sampson of Ingonish, Cape Breton. I went on to complete a Bachelors of Mechanical Engineering at T.U.N.S. in Halifax in 1987. After a brief time with my family's textile sales agency I began a very fulfilling career with many wonderful colleagues at Atomic Energy of Canada Chalk River Nuclear Labs. During the past few years, I particularly enjoyed the opportunity to work with and mentor the students and new engineers who were as passionate about learning as I was. Deep River has been such a wonderful community to raise our family. I was drawn to coaching and with a pool in town, was welcomed as volunteer head coach of the Candu Swim Club, where I had the privilege of spending time with so many wonderful swimmers & coaches - including my own children. I am so honoured to have shared 28 years with Lee-Anne, the love of my life. My children Jennifer, Kevin and Thomas have brought me more joy than I can express and I am so proud of each of them. I will always be grateful for my family's joy of life and the way they enthusiastically participated in our spontaneous family adventures, as well as for my many deep friendships. The travelling, surf trips, canoeing, camping, skiing, biking and times just being with all of you have left my heart so completely full of joy filled memories. My Aloha Celebration of Life Party on June 8th was such a source of joy for us, and hopefully for those of you who were there as well. Thanks to everyone who was able to come and offer love and celebrate my life with us - and for understanding a bit of a different approach. As I requested there is no visitation... and in lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation - maybe even an automatic monthly donation - to North Renfrew Family Services - as I feel it is important our community supports the important work they do. A heartfelt ALOHA to you all... hang loose!
"Some deflate others, while some inspire others. Occasionally, you come across that rare person that not only manages to inspire, but also somehow manages to inspire them to inspire others in turn. Frank was one such rare individual."
- Chuck Kennedy
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32 Entries
Bill Pawlowsky
April 15, 2021
It was only by chance the I found out about Frank's death this morning through a common friend of ours. I swam with Frank at Pointe Claire Swim Club like others who knew him. I remember him as a kind and caring individual. We roomed together a number swim competitions we attended with the club. It was some time ago since the loss of Frank though it is never too late to let those close know that he meant a great deal to many different people. My sincere condolences to the entire family. Sincerely, Bill Pawlowsky
Linda Lefler
September 4, 2013
Condolences to the family from an old residence mate at TUNS. Frank was one of the good guys and I know he will be missed.
Linda Lefler
B. Eng 1985
August 23, 2013
I knew Frank when we swam together at Pointe Claire Swim Club in Montreal. A great guy. My heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones. Sincerely, Jeff Naylor
August 17, 2013
Frank, my childhood friend from B.d'U. I love you and will always remember when we met up at the Mac High reunion and you had me with your positivity and energy! I met your lovely wife, and you were so in love with her, your family, and you were doing in the now. Always so energetic about life - from kindergarten until now! I'll always remember you my friend, and send my heartfelt wishes to your family. May peace and comfort and the memory of Frank's infectious energy serve you well. I'm so sorry for your loss, I'm sure you miss him.
Love,
Leslie Gill (Apple Hill and Warwick Drive - Baie d'Urfe) - now Ottawa.
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Karen Cauchy
August 11, 2013
The first time we met Frank was when our daughter was going out with his younger brother, whom she eventually married. On the day of our daughter's wedding, shortly after the ceremony, Frank, who was one of the ushers along with his other brothers, strolled over to my husband and I with that big grin of his that could light up a room and after a firm hand shake and a big generous bear hug, he said: “Welcome to the Kennedy Clan!”.
Frank was gregarious with a real zest for living and accepted the inevitable with dignity and amazing strength. It is obvious from the many messages of condolences that Frank's family received that he was held in high esteem and he will be missed.
Our deepest sympathy to his wife Lee-Anne and their children, and to his siblings, especially Doug, our son-in-law and his wife, our daughter Chantal and Tabitha, our granddaughter, who shared her birth date of March 22nd with her Uncle Frank.
Rest in Peace dear Frank, you did “swimmingly well” on earth.
Peter and Karen Cauchy,
Kirkland, Quebec.
Glenn Ross (Roscoe)
August 8, 2013
Frank, one of a treasured few people that hold a place close to my heart. I have special memories of the whole Kennedy family who always made me feel part of their family. I remember car-pooling to practice in the morning with his mom at the wheel of a rusty Ford Pinto, grinding gears and punishing that poor car in the freezing pre-dawn mornings, both of them cheery and enthusiastic while I tried to wake myself up. I remember having a secret crush on Sara (she never knew) which made the rides to the pool everyday a happier event. I can remember riding bikes together with Frank to swim practice from Baie d'Urfe. After the first few times of desperately trying to keep up I switched to my moped. That guy had long strong legs, man!
I last saw Frank a couple of years ago at a swim meet near Ottawa with my daughters. He was there with his team and you could see the love and respect they had for him. Frank inspired everyone by his love for everybody, his warm smile and his easy-going manner. He made everyone around him feel important.
My most sincere condolences to the family. I will miss him.
Stephanie Boulianne
August 5, 2013
I was so sad to hear of Frank's passing. I swam with Frank at Pointe Claire pool for many years. I was younger and the annoying friend who hung out with his sister Sara. My enduring memory of Frank is his constant good humor and kindness to everyone. I never once heard him say an unkind word about anyone. He was an incredibly successful swimmer, but more than anything he was an exceptional human being.
August 3, 2013
Aloha Frank ! Lee-Anne and family, our thoughts are with you
Mimi and Dave
Karen & Dave McGrath
August 3, 2013
Leanne,
I was there when your love story began. Frank with the swimming towel around his neck going off to church with the two of us. Dave and I remember the many laughs we shared together. So sorry we drifted apart. We have a lot of memories of the two of you. We are so saddened and shocked to hear of Frank's death.
Pauline Witzke
August 1, 2013
Frank had the most wonderful friendly air about him, took things in stride and could still be serious when warranted. He told the most wonderful stories (like the time you guys kept our black lab, who had a special way of saying hello to Frank). Seeing photos of the bike tours in the last couple of years made me think "hey, I should join them for one of those, it would be great to see them again", and just like that it is too late. In addition to just missing him, this has been a real wake-up call to seize the day. Thanks for that Frank!
Doug Kennedy
August 1, 2013
I slept with Frank many times. I had to. I am his brother and with 9 family members and one black lab in the house, we had to double up in rooms back then.
The stories Frank shared with me as we tried to doze off to sleep, always got me so pumped up…….as a youngster 4 years younger than he…..I was mesmerized by his enthusiasm & love of life and it made my mind race.
I swam at the PCSC for approx. 6 years and I could never reach the performance of KNARF or Sara.
5 am wake ups. In the pool at 6. To school. Pte Claire Library to study. Back at the pool for more. Home. Dinner. Bed. That was our grueling ritual every day 365. (We did receive X-Mass Morning off).
I recall walking into my grade 10 math class at Mac High on the first day. I ran into a polite gal who was wearing a PCSC classic Blue jacket with the Pte Claire windmill emblem on it. She asked me my name and I said Kennedy. She said “You're not Frank Kennedy's brother are you? That guy is my mentor. Do you know how many records he has broken and held for so long?” It was then and there that I realized Frank was in fact unique and sort of a Rock Star in his own way?.
Frank was on Canada's National Swim Team and a top CDN favorite for his age group- in a number of events, mostly backstroke..for the 1980 Moscow Olympics. At age 18, Frank was at his swimming prime. When Canada decided to join the US and boycott these Olympics, Frank's dreams of being an Olympic medalist were crushed.
At Acadia, Frank would show up “on occasion” for swim practice, tear the pool up, then go have a blast with his pals. He still managed to secure numerous Acadia first swim records. MIT offered Frank a full scholarship if he swam for them, but he chose the Maritimes & Acadia which is rich in our family history.
To watch Frank swim was surreal. The power, the poise, the elegance was just incredible. The man was ½ fish. Victor Davis learned a lot from Frank as his older role model.
Frank's love of life greatly influenced my life and the individual I am today.
In Frank's final weeks, he scheduled each brother & sister to lie beside him in bed. To hold his hand and to look in his eyes and listen to the words of wisdom he wanted to communicate before he passed. His singular largest message to me was “Love”. Get it, give it, share it with everyone (do not discriminate) & always. To Knarf, Love is Life & the singular, most important thing in life.
I could not agree more.
Frank was an Olympic athlete. More importantly, Frank was an Olympic human being.
He will be in our minds, hearts & souls forever.
Go Big Or Go Home!
Danka Gareau
August 1, 2013
Lee-Anne and family:
What a beautiful obituary. Although I didn't know Frank well, he always made me feel like we'd known each other for years when we spoke. What a wonderful life you've had with Frank. May the coming days, months, years be filled with wonderful memories of a great husband and father. May each day bring more peace into your lives. You were truly blessed to have Frank in your lives. You're in my thoughts and prayers.
Mary Hitchcock
August 1, 2013
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Peter Szmidt
July 31, 2013
I was shocked and saddened to hear of Frank's passing. I swam with Frank at Pointe Claire and, as others have mentioned, I remember his happy demeanor. We all put in a lot of hard work and long hours and it was people like Frank that lightened the load with his infectious spirit. And what a way to say goodbye: his Aloha Celebration of Life (wish I could have been there) and his own words in his obituary.
Don Bourgeois
July 31, 2013
I had the privilege of calling Frank my friend. We swam together in High School at Pointe Claire Swim lLub and I was able to convince him to join our little team at John Abbott College. Frank made a Huge impact from day one. He was a natural leader and inspired all his teammates to do the best they could. With his skill as an anchor swimmer we set multiple school and provincial relay records. Even though we lost contact when I moved to South Carolina my kids have grown up learning and hearing about the exploits I had with a good friend named "Knarf".
May our God continue to hold each member of Franks family in His hands and comfort them during these difficult times
Debbie Clark
July 31, 2013
My sincere condolences to Frank's family. I knew Frank and swam with Frank at PCSC and I, too, am shocked & saddened to hear this dreadful news. I got to know Frank a little better at John Abbott swim club & we went to see The Who concert together. I can honestly say there was never a happier person anywhere he was. You couldn't help but smile in his presence. I always believed he had wisdom beyond his years and I am very happy to hear his life was fulfilled with happiness & lots of love. God Bless Frank and best wishes for strength & courage to his family & friends during this very difficult time.
July 31, 2013
My condolences to all the family and friends of Frank. I remember him as a rugrat at the Pointe Claire Pool. Dad always soke highly of him. Dianne Gate (Ottawa,Ontario)
Karl Noll
July 31, 2013
To the Kennedy family
I knew Frank from when he first came to AECL in the NRU reactor. We worked together for many years and even when our career paths at CRL diverged we still bumped into each other either in Deep River at the JLGray building or in the plant. I did not know of Franks illness and am deeply saddened to hear of his demise. I will miss the fact that Frank is no longer there to joke with or share reminiscences with he was a true gentleman with a great sense of humour. I will never forget when I asked him to bring in apple fritters for my shift entry gift and poor Frank left them in his truck in the middle of winter and they froze solid I still chuckle when I think about it. My sincerest condolences to his wife an family God bless you all I will say a prayer for Frank and all of you.
Kindest Regards
Karl G. Noll
July 31, 2013
All the Plantes have memories of Frank on the pool deck at meets... Encouraging everyone with that great big voice.. He was an inspiration to so many,... didn't matter how you finished but it always mattered how you tried !!
Our hearts go out to you all.
Love from Judith, Daniel, Melanie and Sarah
Karen Peterson
July 31, 2013
What an amazing story. I swam with Frank in Pte.Claire, and he was always kind to everyone, funny and an inspiring asset to our team. He is someone not easily forgotten. We lost touch many years ago, but he remains vivid in my memories as he will with all of his loved ones. We were all blessed to know someone as wonderful as Frank. My condolences to all of his family in this difficult time.
Karen Graham
July 31, 2013
I knew Frank through Lee-Anne's sharing of what a supportive partner and wonderful father he was. He played an essential part in bringing into this world goodness carried on by his children. He will be lovingly remembered and missed by Lee-Anne and family. My thoughts are with you all in this time of loss.
Mike Broadway
July 31, 2013
To Sara and the entire Kennedy family. I'm am deeply saddened to hear of Frank's passing. I'm so sorry I didn't get to meet up with him at one of our meets. He will be missed.
Rest in Peace Knarf
sue harris-hodgins
July 30, 2013
Dear Lee ann and family, Sara and yours and all of the Kennedy children.So sorry for your great loss. I remember Frank , Chuck, Sara, and little Dougie years ago in Montreal when wevisited Aunt Shirl- I loved going to your house! Swimming and craziness! It was so much fun!!You are all such a nice family and Aunt Shirls other family. Thinking of you at this sad time. Sincerely, Sue
Margie, Allan, Ethan and Maddie Katz
July 30, 2013
Dear Lee-Anne and Family,
We were very saddened to hear of Frank's loss. He touched so many lives in such an amazing, positive way. Our prayers and thoughts are with you, your family and his incredible circle of friends in Deep River and around the world.
Profoundest sympathies to you and your family.
Mark Gillies
July 30, 2013
To Sara and all the Kennedy family,
I am so sorry to hear of Frank's passing.
I know that everyone who swam with Frank at Pointe-Claire Swim Club will never forget him -- no matter what lane you swam in, every knew when Frank was around!
Beautiful obituary, Frank.
My thoughts and love go out to you, Sara, and all of your family for your loss.
Linda Spears
July 30, 2013
So sorry for your loss Leeanne and all the words in the obit are so true. a wonderful man who had a good but too short life. We will miss him and you and the kids are in our prayers. Glen and Linda Spears
Karen Schell
July 30, 2013
I knew Frank as a fellow swimmer on the John Abbott swim team (1980) and I'm fairly certain he worked at Pointe-Claire pool for a while and we were fellow staffers. In anycase, I remember that he was kind and easy going and a great athlete. I read his obituary with interest and such sadness; my condolences to his family.
Ronald Duguid
July 30, 2013
My condolences to all the Kennedy's and especially Lee-Anne, Jennifer, Kevin and Thomas. I met Frank (and all the other Kennedys) through his brother Chuck. What a family they were – and from the sounds of Frank's uniquely Kennedy eulogy and Aloha party still are. Everyone was always made welcome. While I am sorry to have missed Frank's party and last call it comes as no surprise that he left on his own terms before the door was closed, surrounded by friends and family. Slange Var – Cheers to a too short life well lived.
Kristina Kibirkstis Timmings
July 30, 2013
To the Kennedy family... Although I did not know Frank, I do know & love Chantal & Doug. I wish to share my deepest heartfelt sympathy for your loss.
July 30, 2013
Frank's obituary was amazing. I am a pal of his sister, Dorcas, and always enjoyed visiting the bustling, high energy Kennedy home. I remember hearing of family canoe trips and adventures. Sending you all my heartfelt sympathy.
Love Louise Rivington Brownlee
Colleen Maloney
July 30, 2013
To the family of a dear childhood friend,
I swam with Frank at Pointe Claire Swim Club and was the lucky teenaged girl who he invited to John Rennie's High School graduation. I will remember his big smile and zest for life. He drove us crazy on the pool deck; he was always happy and joking around-even at those god-awful 06:00 practices! He brought joy to our lives and I will remember him fondly. My sincere sympathies, Colleen Maloney
Mark Tremblay
July 30, 2013
I never met Frank, and clearly this was my loss. Lee-Anne, I am so sorry that Frank was taken from you far too early in life. But reading his self-written obituary it is clear he had a very full life and one worth celebrating. And he clearly wants the focus to be on the wonderful memories of him you will keep forever. So please accept my most sincere condolences, and congratulations for the time you had with this wonderful man.
Sincerely,
Mark Tremblay
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