Donald Real Kennedy

Redding, CA

December 8, 1926 –

January 17, 2017

Donald Real Kennedy who died at the age of 90 was a man whose pursuit of justice defined his life throughout his career. A graduate of UC Berkeley and Hastings College of the Law, Kennedy was an exceptionally perceptive, balanced and empathetic Judge.

Don, as he was known to friends, family and colleagues, was born in Sacramento, California in 1926. He attended Berkeley High School and at the age of 17, Don enlisted in the US Navy where he served in the Pacific Theater as a Seaman Third Class on radio duty.

Don was one of several radiomen who received the distress call from the USS Indianapolis, torpedoed by the Japanese after delivering components of the atomic bomb to the island of Tinian. More than 600 men perished in the sinking of the Indianapolis, the greatest single loss of life at sea ever suffered by the U.S. Navy, a tragedy Don felt deeply his entire life.

Don returned to California at the end of the war, enrolling at UC Berkeley where he studied Geology and Political Science, working summers at Yosemite National Park as a park ranger.

While completing law school in 1952, Don joined the Berkeley Police Force. He later married Dione (Dede) Marie Dousseau whom he had met as an undergraduate and took a position as Assistant District Attorney for Alameda County.

Don and Dede soon had three girls; a set of twin girls, Kathleen and Constance, followed a year later by their sister, Dana.

In 1957, Don and Dede moved their young family to Weaverville, California where Don joined the law firm of State Senator Edwin J. Regan. In 1958, he was appointed Trinity County District Attorney.

At this time, Don also served as legal counsel to the California State Legislature under Governor Edmond "Pat" Brown and participated in the development of the California Water Project and the building of Trinity Dam. He became a key player in municipal and state affairs, particularly in forestry, hydro-electric power generation, mining claims and Native American issues.

The family moved to Redding, CA in 1964 where Don formed a new law partnership with attorneys Lee Lopez and Bob Srite. During this time he was also actively engaged in civic affairs, serving on the Redding Planning Commission and Shasta Historical Society.

Don loved boats. He spent his summers on Trinity, Whiskeytown and Shasta Lakes, entertaining friends on his houseboat, teaching his girls to waterski and enjoying the natural surroundings of their life in Northern California. Don's other hobbies included filmmaking, often creating Super 8 movies of his family and local events.

Following Don and Dede's divorce in the early 1970s, Don subsequently met and married Margaret (Smith) Phillips, a long-time Redding resident and expanded their family to include Margaret's two children, Rick and Mike Phillips.

Don was appointed the first judge of the Municipal Court of Redding in 1979. Three years later he was elevated to the Superior Court of Shasta County, fulfilling a professional dream and achieving a career path that ideally suited his temperament and skills. Don retired from the bench in 1994 at the age of 65.

In retirement, Don and Margaret divided their time between Redding and Newport, OR, where they volunteered as docents in the Hatfield Marine Science Center.

Don's legacy includes his avid appreciation for local businesses and the people who served his community. He is remembered fondly by all for his friendly outgoing personality, his wit and sense of humor along with his deep empathy for people.

He leaves his wife Margaret, daughters Constance Kennedy (Joe Brown), Kathleen Kennedy (Frank Marshall), and Dana Silberstein (Eric), three grandchildren, Cameron Middleton (Cassie), Lili Marshall and Meghan Marshall and stepsons Rick and Michael Phillips.

Donations in Don's memory may be made to the Shasta Historical Society, 1449 Market St., Redding, CA 96001 (shastahistorical.org) or the Hatfield Marine Science Center, 2030 SE Marine Science Dr., Newport, OR 97365-5229.

The family would like to thank Pam Clary, R.N., and the care-givers whose loving attention helped make it possible for Don and Margaret to remain in their home during the last months of Don's life.

Please sign the guest book at http://obits.redding.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Redding Record Searchlight on Jan. 25, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Donald Kennedy

Sponsored by Allen & Dahl Funeral Chapel - Redding Redding.

7 Entries

Lang Dayton

February 10, 2017

I first met Don and Margaret Kennedy over 30 years ago. They were a lovely and gracious couple. I remember him most as a gregarious, engaging, warm, and likable man who also was a witty and unforgettable raconteur. His stories and recollections of some of the cases that he adjudicated as a superior court judge were instructive parables about human behavior ranging from the consequences of Darwin Award stunts, greed, and anger to the power of forgiveness. They revealed the qualities of intelligence, fairness, and decency that made him such a highly respected judge.
As he was a lawyer with an interest in, connection to, and love of filmmaking, he gladly worked as a pro bono agent to launch my underground cult classic video movie onto the big screen. The Brown Rocket's Last Ride premiered successfully in Redding in 1988, starring his some of his nieces and nephews, and raising thousands of dollars for local charities. He was one of these people who made this world a better place. I will miss him.

Fred & Sandi Furry

February 3, 2017

We were saddened by the new of Don's passing. It was a pleasure to call him friend. We met Don and Margaret shortly after moving to Redding and enjoyed houseboating on Lake Shasta for a number of years with the "gang". Don loved to play games while relaxing on the deck - particularly Trivial Pursuit! Our hearts go out to the family from the "Foolish Pleasure".

Guy Jones

January 25, 2017

Carmen and I met Don shortly after he moved to Redding. He handled a number of important things for us and we admired him as a caring person. A I got to know Don we became closer and I called him 'friend'. I pray he called me the same thing. Condolences to the entire family.

Larry and Alivia Long

January 25, 2017

Judge Kennedy was an exceptional individual and an exceptional public servant. Despite his success he never lost his ability to relate to others and was always a positive influence on those around him. He was also a family man, tremendously proud of his children, who spoke often of them. It was my great pleasure to know such a man.

Debby Wiegand

January 25, 2017

During my time at Tocher & Boeckman, Don and Margaret were like my second Mom and Dad. I will miss you old friend. Debby Wiegand

Carla Blessing-O'Donnell

January 22, 2017

I had the privilege of working for Donald Kennedy for a few years in the legal field and was close to his daughters throughout high School. Truly remarkable man and family. God Bless his heart and soul and family and friends. He will be very missed and forever loved by all.

Lola MacMillan

January 22, 2017

Mr. Kennedy was a honor to know and loved his Family very much.
God Bless you,gone,but never forgotten.

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