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Richard Kendrick Obituary

Richard E. Kendrick, 78, of 5 Oberlin Street, died Tuesday, March 4th in UMass Memorial Hospital. He leaves his sister, Amelia E. Blyden of Lawrenceville, NJ; three nephews, Bai Kendrick Blyden of Elk Grove, CA, Edward N. Blyden of San Francisco, CA and Eleum Richard Blyden of Seattle, WA; four nieces, Henrietta C. Blyden of New York City, NY, Nemata A. Blyden-Bickersteth of Dumfries, VA, Isa J. Blyden of Freetown, Sierra Leone and Fenda A. Akiwumi of Tampa, FL; twelve grandnephews and nieces; two great grandnephews; and two close friends, Joan LaForce and Jennifer LeClerc. He was predeceased by his close friend, Jessica LaForce.

He was born in Worcester, the son of Frank and Henrietta (Maund) Kendrick. Mr. Kendrick was a graduate of Worcester Boys' Trade School. He was employed by Clark University for 37 years as a Master pipe fitter in the physical plant. Mr. Kendrick founded a power lifting club while at Clark for students, Clark employees and Worcester residents. He established and directed a yearly community bench press competition. Mr. Kendrick designed, built and donated the equipment for the weight room located in the basement of Clark's Athletic Facility. Known as the Master Key, he spent much time sharing "Pearls of Wisdom" that shaped the character of young men and women. His other interests included: steam engines, traveling, basketball and working as a crew member on various ships. Mr. Kendrick was a post WWII and Korean War veteran, serving in the U.S. Navy. He left behind a great legacy and will be remembered for his ability to bring people together within the community.

The funeral is Saturday, March 8th with a service at 9:30 AM in O'CONNOR BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, 592 Park Avenue. Burial will be in Hope Cemetery. Calling hours are Friday, March 7th from 6:00 until 8:00 PM in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Clark University to establish a memorial for Richard Kendrick, Attn: University Advancements, 950 Main Street, Worcester, MA 01610.

oconnorbrothers.com

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Published by Worcester Telegram & Gazette on Mar. 6, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Richard Kendrick

Not sure what to say?





E. Richard Blyden

March 26, 2008

Richie's great-nephew, my son Eluem Elijah Blyden spent the week after designing a memorial island for him. I inlclude a video so you can here what he has to say for himself.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CmJaiO-41bQ

I will miss my Uncle Richie. In my generation i was the one that got named after him and I had a special conection because of that.

bohdan porytko

March 24, 2008

lucky strikes and scotch produce one of my fondest scents. thanks for letting me be part of a very exclusive group that got to truly appreciate you.

Bryan Tamburro

March 19, 2008

Richie, you will be missed but your legacy on the many lives you have touched over the years, including mine, will live on....

"Thou shalt not whine!"

Barbara (Brevard) Hawley

March 8, 2008

Richie always had a smile and a word to make you laugh. We called each other Leadfoot because as young drivers we liked to put a little metal to the peddle. Richie will be sorely missed by all who knew him and especially the folks at Clark University.

Michael W.P.D.

March 8, 2008

To the Kendrick Family
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and Mr. K. May he rest in peace and god bless you all.

Abdul Muwwakkil

March 7, 2008

To call Richie Kendrick a friend of the family would be one a mistake and two an understatement, he was family. I man would always loved me and looked out for me. I can remember my father telling he met Richie before they were both old enough to attend school. I can remember my mother and Uncle Richie telling me they were best friends. Kendrick would tell me how my grandfather would pack the car full to take the family to Harvard, Kendrick would ask my grandfather if he could go, after my grandfather told him no he would go to the other side of the car and my grandmother would pack him in with along with the rest. One time Kendrick said, "Your grandfather always would embarrass me, while Kendrick I see your going bald". My grandfather sometimes teased the people he liked, if he didn't like you he would either let you know or not speak to you, he had his ways. When my grandmother died he said, "You know when I was in the service I would to 47 Mason Street see your grandmother, then go home, when I had to return I would go say good by on my way to the Train Station and do you know with all the children she had, she would give me a shoe box full of sandwiches and four or five dollars would be inside the box".

My Uncle Joe told me he was over seas in a harbour he look across and noticed the ship was Richie Kendrick's ship. So Joe took a boat over to Richie's ship and found him they were teenagers bombs were flying over their heads and these two brothers from Worcester, Ma. a bit frieghten were crying in each others arms.

I don't know how many times Richie had bought me Frappes, fish and ships given me money as a child. I alway knew that he was there for me and it meant the world to me. After my mother telephoned me to let me know the Richie had passed, my wife asked me if I was mad at her, I told her no, that I had just lost another family member. To Richard Kendrick I love you, will miss you, hope and I have already prayed to Allah G'd that he forgive you your sins and grant you paradise. I am trying as hard as I can to be the best person that I can be because I want see Kendrick along we all the people both of us know on the other side.

Abdul Muwwakkil

Andrew Fesuk

March 7, 2008

My condolences to the family. Richie was both a customer of my company and my friend. I loved his sense of humor, his big trucks and his ready smile. He will be sorely missed.

Sharon Hazard-Johnson

March 6, 2008

I pray that Richie Kendricks spirit is resting in peace. Thoughts and prayers are with you all with sincere condolensces to the family.

Bob & Sharon Brazawskis

March 6, 2008

Papa you will always be with us in our hearts and thoughts daily. We love you!

John Brown

March 6, 2008

Richie kendrick he touched many and no one will forget the Gentle man that made us smile and laugh.he wll always be in our hearts and minds and I am greatful for that wonderful memory.

Nicole

March 6, 2008

May you find comfort in knowing that your loved one touched the lives of so many others and gave them the gift of many happy memories - - Richie, you will be missed by so many

Jamie "Matchbox" Cogliano

March 6, 2008

Thank you for the stories, Ritchie.

Michael Couloute

March 6, 2008

My condolences to the Kendrick Family. Richie was instrumental in my accomplishments with power lifting. He was an amazing motivator and will be dearly missed.

Steve Goulet

March 6, 2008

Friend to all of us forever.
Friend, and part, of Clark forever.

Kenny Troy

March 6, 2008

A man for all seasons, that passes our way once in a life time. A friend that will always be in memory. A quiet soul that watched over the neighborhood along with his friends and my brothers. They and I are sad as we hear of the wonderful person called a friend to leave our world. Richard you taught me a few lessons and I shall always remember them.

Jon "The Whiner" Blumenthal

March 6, 2008

We will miss you Richie.

Tom "crazy horse" Hippe

March 6, 2008

Thank you for all the wonderful memories, Richie. You will be dearly missed.

Joyce Smith

March 6, 2008

Rich will be sadly missed by his many friends at Clark.

Kathy Fitzpatrick

March 6, 2008

Richie will be missed very much. I loved talking to him. My condolences goes out to his family. My he rest in peace.

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