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Mike KENNEDY Obituary
Mike died Tuesday, April 7, 2009, in Roanoke. He was 58 years old, and owned MTA (Motorcycle Tires and Accessories) in Roanoke.
He is survived by his sister, Karen Kennedy of Lynchburg, and her son, Hunter Kennedy Lyng of Sandy, Utah; a beloved daughter, Erin Michele Burch and her mother, Michele Burch, of Athens, Ga.; an aunt, Mary Kennedy Hall of Arvada, Colo.; and the children of his brother Steve, Blair Kennedy of Albuquerque, N.M., Beth Macher (Richard) of Salem, Heather Miano (Anthony) of Radford, Brennan Pollen (Richard) of Richmond, Ky., Stephen Kennedy (Mindy) of Richlands, William Kennedy of Augusta, Ga., and their children.
Born in Lynchburg, he was the son of the late Joseph R. Kennedy and Jessie K. Kennedy. He was preceded in death by his older brother, Stephen H. Kennedy of Salem and Albuquerque, N.M.
He was a U.S. Army veteran and served in the Vietnam Conflict, where he was awarded the Bronze Star for bravery.
As a young man his mechanical abilities became apparent and his skills were perfected during his life. He loved to ride dirt bikes and racing street bikes on curvy roads. A daring but peaceful man, Mike had an abundance of friends; many of those shared his love of motorcycling. In 1980 Mike won the W.E.R.A. 750cc National Road Racing Championship.
A reception for Mike's friends and family will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, April 25, 2009, in Magill Hall at St. John's Episcopal Church, Elmwood Avenue, Lynchburg.
In lieu of flowers, please consider the following charities, Lynchburg Humane Society, 3305 Naval Reserve Road, Lynchburg, VA 24501; or Roanoke Valley SPCA, 1340 Baldwin Ave. NE, Roanoke, VA, 24012.
Tharp Funeral Home and Crematory, Lynchburg, is assisting the family, (434) 237-9424.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Mike KENNEDY
Howard Swayne
December 3, 2023
Lived at Mike's place at the end of main street Lynchburg. What a bunch we were. A good man, always had your back. We'll ride together again, my friend. Great photo Linda.
Mark Labadie
April 3, 2021
I was just reminiscing about Mike with one of his homeboys. Brotherhood 4 ever. Miss ya Miguel.
Gemmer Hall
April 29, 2009
My deepest sympathy go to the friends and family of Mike. Even though I have only known Mike for two years, I feel a deep sorrow for the loss of a friend.
Jim Peeden
April 26, 2009
I am saddened to learn of Mike's passing from a mutual friend.
I very much hate that I lost touch in a time that no one should, I still am guilty.
I remember riding bikes with Mike on the Blue Ridge and going riding from Greensboro to Roanoke just to get a cherry cheesecake from the New York Pizza.
I remember listening to his time in Vietnam and his racing.
I remember learning to be his pit crew when I could and going to Lynchburg and Daytona and ....
I remember "Budda", and I know where Mike got his demeanor.
I remember sharing a ride to Daytona for speedweeks and "Mo" and Kenneth and too many friends to name and how Mike would laugh and fret over things that others would dismiss.
I remember working on Mikes revcons and helping with the bikes and getting special service when the new arai's came in.
I remember meeting his friends and finding that they were my friends too because Mike's friends were good enough for them too.
I have used "I" way too much
We will sorely miss Mike and all that he is, and I for one know that I will have time to make up for the lost time and I do look forward to getting back together.
Mike I'll get the "Blau Ribbon".
Jay Burkett
April 25, 2009
I'll remember of all the good times in the Roanoke shop. Someone I loved to ride with over the past 21 years. I can still hear his laugh. My thoughts and prayers go out to Mike's family.
Marshall Gray
April 24, 2009
Like everyone, it’s so sad to think of Mike’s passing. Visiting Mike at his shop, riding with, or just hanging out with him was almost always something to remember. He was a fun loving, free spirit that would give you the shirt off his back if you needed it. He has my deepest respect for his combat service to this country, the laughter he brought to many, his authenticity, his entrepreneural spirit, and friendship. I will always smile when I remember him.
My sincere thoughts and prayers to the Kennedy family.
Joseph (Joey) Campbell
April 21, 2009
I was shocked and saddened to hear that Mike had passed. I've known Mike for 20+ years and he was always the same. He loved motorcycles and that was a passion that we shared. He will be missed. Godspeed Mike.
jamie thurman
April 19, 2009
mike would come to the deli at least once maybe twice a week to get chicken salad always the chicken he would say can i get some saltines jamie! then it would be bike talk or costa rico stories what a character always a story the best thing was mike just wanted people to ride no matter what he was on that day hey man take it around the block new or old he will be sadly missed truly one of a kind.
deane (Sarge) Crawford
April 17, 2009
I was shocked and saddened to learn that Mike had passed on, he was a wonderful, knowledgable person who knew his way around a bike. He always treated me kindly and answered all questions, that I asked of him, I only knew him for a short while, only meeting him through a mutual friend, but his memory will stay with me for a while. The family has my deepest sympathy.
Linda Walraven
April 14, 2009
Mike was a legend and everyone who knew him will miss him. My deepest sympathy to his friends and family.
Mike and the F2 in L'burg mid 90's
April 13, 2009
Ed Webster
April 13, 2009
Mike was the most natural rider I have ever met. I remember when he arrived at Deal's Gap, it was like dropping a fish in the water, he was gone. I went on many rides with him, even a few trips to Daytona. He was always ready to go ride another curvy road. I do feel lucky to have known Mike. You will be missed. Ride on...
Dusty Schilling
April 11, 2009
Once or twice every year I would visit the shop and replace a set of tires on my motorcycle, sitting and talking with Mike as he swapped out the tires was a large part of the experience. I doubt I will ever change tires again without thinking of Mike, and I am glad I got the opportunity to share that with him the last 4 or 5 years.
John Ramsey
April 11, 2009
Mike will be missed by everyone who knew him. Mike made me laugh more times than I can count. Mike was one of a kind.
Mark Cline
April 11, 2009
God's Speed Mike , you will be Missed ..
Chris Tanner
April 10, 2009
One of a kind is the only way to describe Mike. I was fortunate enough to know him, and learned quite a few things from him over the years. He will be deeply missed. With deepest sympathy,
John Tyree
April 10, 2009
I learned of Mike's passing yesterday and am saddened that I lost touch with him for a few years. I was able to know him from the shops he had in Lynchburg and Roanoke and he taught me a lot on maintaining a motorcycle that I use to this day. He used to call me just Ye or Howdy-Doodie because of my big face cheeks that I inherited from my Grandmother. Loved riding to the races with him and others to places like Daytona, Pocono and Summit Point helping with the bike and camping and having wonderful memories because of this kind soul! Please know that even though I moved from VA and now live in OH that I feel a terrible loss and I share this with his family. Thankyou for everything Mike and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Mark Labadie
April 10, 2009
Saddened by the loss is an understatement. I feel as though I've lost a brother. I loved to barter and banter with Mike. Riding with him was always a blast, even though I was always behind him. May the winds be at your back, the sun be shining on your face, and a perpetual smile be worn. Ride on, bro.....
Lynn & Sabrina Smith
April 10, 2009
Mike was one of a kind, full of energy, just a super guy. He would stop whatever he was working on to share one of his great stories with you. He will be greatly missed. Our prayers go out to all of his family.
Michael Goodman
April 10, 2009
He was one of a kind. He will be missed!
Teri Davidson-VanHorn
April 10, 2009
Mike was such a a great guy. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Seth Pagani
April 10, 2009
I will miss Mike's riding stories greatly. Our prayers are with his family.
Deitz & Terry Lilly
April 10, 2009
Our thoughts and prayers are with family and friends. Sending our deepest sympathy,
Liz and Charlie Mitchell
April 10, 2009
Karen and Michele and family,
So sorry for your loss. We have many fond memories including all of you.
April 10, 2009
Sending you our Sympathy in the loss of your brother. Jo Ann Seagle, Madison Heights, Virginia
Joe Novak & Family
April 9, 2009
Our thoughts and prayers to Mikes family and friends.
Paul & Martha Ewing
April 9, 2009
Karen,
Please know that you and your families are in our thoughts and prayers. We will miss Mike more than words can express. I learned so much about working on bikes from him. It is because of him that I ride as much as I do today. He was always there or us with a smile, kind words, or some kind of strange wisdom. The stories he told kept us laughing! I know internally he freaked when I bought the Harley, and although he preferred me riding my old 900 Kawi, he kept that to himself. To him, it was the fact that people were riding, being free. He is now free, riding somewhere, probably up on one wheel!! We love ya man!!!!
April 9, 2009
Your friends at Honda Suzuki of Lynchburg
Dave & Cathy Waldron
April 9, 2009
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.
keith preston
April 9, 2009
Mike will be missed, a kind generous soul, funny to talk to, and always ready with a joke....your friends and customers will miss u....peace
Daisy Coleman
April 9, 2009
Mike will greatly be missed through out the bike community. We are at a loss for what to do now. Mike and MTA will always be remebered.
RIDE ON!
Coleman EDGE Racing & 186 Krew
Milt Hallmark
April 9, 2009
Mike will be missed. My self and others who knew him will miss his sense of humor and the good times shared in his shop here in lynchburg and later in Roanoke . Our thoughts and prayers are with his family. RIP Mike.
Michael Smith
April 9, 2009
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
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