Donald Kennedy

Just as the sun was setting on September 3, 2025, Donald Richard Kennedy passed away peacefully at the age of 66 in Sparks NV. He was born in Oakland CA to George and Diane Kennedy on June 18, 1959. His family lived in Oakland before moving to SLC, UT. From there he joined the United States Air Force at the age of 17. Don proudly served his country and was honorably discharged after 8 years of service. When he retired from the Air Force he moved around between California and Reno for a couple years until he finally settled down in Reno NV in the early 90's.
He had a passion for going fast, his spirit just wanted to race. Regardless of if he's behind the wheel of a dragster, funny car, numerous altered chassis, a boat or motorcycle, going fast and pushing the limits is what he lived for. He wanted to race! He also enjoyed tinkering with his RC cars and RC planes. He wanted to have the fastest machine around. If it could drive, he would find a way to race it.
He was the first to drive for his race team, Buzzard Racing. He started his youngest son racing Kid Karts for Buzzard Racing when he was 5 years old. Last year he started building a Kid Kart for his youngest granddaughter. She will be the next Buzzard Racing driver. The Kid Kart will be finished in Don's honor for her. The love of racing will live on in the youngest generation.
Don met Diana in 1998 and it didn't take long for him to realize that she completed him. They got married on December 7, 1999 and from that day forward, for the next 25 years, Don referred to her as "My Beautiful Bride". They were truly made for each other.
Together they went on to pour their heart and soul into building their trucking business, demonstrating an unyielding determination to succeed with Buzzard Trucking. As T.S. Eliot once wrote, "Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go." This is a quote that fully embodied the spirit of Don, a man who always saw the horizon as a challenge, not a boundary.
Don is survived by his beautiful bride Diana, his mom Diane Sewell (Reid), sister Kris Kennedy Hara, his kids; Stephanie K. Graham (Matt), Nicholas M. Kennedy, Meghan Burgess, and Gregory M. Kennedy along with 6 grandkids.
He will be remembered for his quick wit, entrepreneurial spirit, dedication to family and friends, and living a life full with energy, optimism, and a never-ending zest for new adventures. His memory will live on in every life he touched, every road he traveled, and every dream he inspired. As we remember Don, let us not dwell on the sorrow of his passing, but celebrate the vibrancy of his life and the love he shared with us. In the words of Dr. Seuss, "Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened."
We invite you to share your memories of Don, to upload photos, and to engage in the shared celebration of his life on his memorial page. Let us keep his spirit alive, as we remember a man who truly lived life to the fullest, and who continues to inspire us, even in his absence.