Rev. Dr. Dan Raymond Kennedy

Dan Raymond Kennedy was born in Colorado Springs, Colorado on December 23, 1933. He passed away peacefully on March 9, 2022 at the age of 88.

He grew up in Pasadena, California and excelled in academics, classical piano, football and baseball, as well as participated in clubs such as the Boys Christian League where he made many lifelong friends. He graduated from Pomona College in 1956 and Union Theological Seminary in 1959.  His graduate work continued as he later earned a Masters Degree in Counseling and Guidance and a Ph.D. in Education from University of CA Santa Barbara. He was also a licensed Child, Marriage and Family Counselor.

In 1959 Dan’s first appointment was at Anaheim First United Methodist Church (UMC). In 1961 he served as Senior Pastor to Ocean Park UMC and obtained his “first million dollar” grant from the Federal Government to open three community centers. This was the beginning of the Ocean Park Community Center (OPCC), now called The People Concern, a 75M dollar organization and one of the largest agencies supporting LA County homelessness efforts.

It was during this time in Ocean Park that Dan met the love of his life, Joan Marie Lloyd. They married in Santa Monica, California on February 8, 1964. They welcomed Marie in 1967 and Debbie in 1970 while Dan was serving at Goleta University Church and Campus Ministry at UC Santa Barbara.

When Dan served in Goleta, it was a creative time (1966-1972) with both Traditional and Contemporary Worship Services that gained the attention of media outlets. It was also a period of unrest with three major riots in Isla Vista, prompting him to get his first clerical collars so that he was recognized as clergy. Dan was an important facilitator of healing in that community. For three years, he partnered with the community to establish positive humanitarian and religious support programs such as the Isla Vista Youth Project. He then went on to serve as the Senior Pastor in Pacific Palisades and Fullerton First UMC.

In 1978, the Bishop appointed Dan to be the Long Beach District Superintendent. In this role, he supported over 60 UMC parishes and their culturally diverse congregations. During this time, his efforts were instrumental in bringing people together to resolve financial issues, most notably the Pacific Home Crisis where he chaired the Pacific Homes Capital Campaign to ultimately raise over 19 million dollars. He served as Dean of the UMC Cabinet under Bishops Golden and Tuell. In 1985, Bishop Tuell appointed Dan to be the Director of the Conference Foundation where he grew the donor list to 9000+, worth a value of 50M+. He retired from the church in 2001. He is infamous for many of his sermons and humorous orations, including such titles as “Don’t Start Dancing in the Dark Too High” and “The Gospel According to Olive Oyl”.

Post retirement, Dan worked as the Director of Development for Toberman Settlement House in San Pedro, securing funds to begin the refurbishment of the oldest settlement house in the Los Angeles area. Toberman served over 15,000 people of all ages on an annual basis. For his body of work, he was recognized with many distinctions and humanitarian awards, most recently being the recipient of the Bishop’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 2018 for his contributions to the United Methodist Church.

Dan was the ultimate Renaissance Man. He was a scholar, athlete, Dodger Fan, golfer, master of the filet on the grill, accomplished pianist, avid reader, and lifelong learner. But most of all, he was a devoted husband, incredible father, and dedicated friend to so many. We will miss his wit and sense of humor, his insatiable thirst for knowledge and new experiences, and his commitment to family and friends as a mentor, guide, and cheerleader. Dan championed diversity and developed deep community roots that connected him personally with people. His determination and drive empowered him to achieve great things even when the path was not clear.

Helade

There is a special place on the westward side of San Juan Island, Washington. He referred to this place as Helade. A great home was built on this location in 1983 with the love and support of family and friends. This home and the beauty of the San Juans created an environment that would enrich the lives of those that were able to visit. This was also the place that Dan and Joan held as their primary residence for several years before returning to Long Beach, CA.

The name of Helade in Kwakiutl means “Having Everything Right”.  (Kim Stafford)

Dan is survived by Joan Lloyd Kennedy, his wife of 58 years, as well as his daughters Marie Kennedy (Steve) and Debbie Kennedy. He is also survived by his brother Michael Kennedy, nieces and nephews.

“And so, at this time, I greet you, not quite as the world sends greetings, but with my profound esteem and with the prayer that for you, now and forever, the day breaks and the shadows flee away.”   - 1513 Fra Giavanni

Donations in lieu of flowers can be made in Dan’s memory to the charity important to you or The People Concern https://www.thepeopleconcern.org/ .

Luyben Dilday Mortuary (562) 425-6401