Obituary of Donald KENNEDY

KENNEDY, Donald B. - Don Kennedy died peacefully at home on August 22, 2016. His beloved wife, Jo (née Ames), a career nurse, predeceased him in 1985. They leave behind their children Sheryl and her husband Bill Fleury, Toronto, Carol and her husband Roger Dewar, Vancouver, and Bob and his wife Françine (née Lépine) Kennedy, Calgary. Cherished Popi of 5 grandchildren - Krista, Nora, Adam, Will and André. Predeceased by his brother, William (Bill) Kennedy. Don was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and grew up near the Assiniboine River. His father, William, died before Don was born. Don was always proud that his mother, Winifred Kennedy (née Crabb), worked in the investment and mortgage business and raised two boys during the tough Depression years. While studying engineering at the University of Manitoba, Don worked summers on Lake of the Woods where he became an expert boatsman. Upon graduation, he accepted a job with Dupont of Canada in Kingston, then returned to Winnipeg to marry Jo on February 4, 1954. On her arrival in Kingston, Jo was shocked to discover there was no expansive Eaton' s store in her new hometown. Nonetheless, she and Don quickly devoted themselves to the community. Don worked his entire career at Dupont, as an engineer and in human resources. He was very analytical but also valued the importance of good employee relations. In his spare time, Don was active on the Polson Park Home and School Association and a devoted gardener and member of the Kingston Horticultural Society. It was a sad day when, after his wife 's premature death, he gave up gardening which he had dedicated to Jo. Don retired and remained in the home they had built in Polson Park. But the arrival and growth of his grandchildren gave Don a new lease on life and he was invigorated by his visits with them in Vancouver, Calgary, Paris and Ottawa. The family wishes to express its profound gratitude to Don' s neighbours who kept a caring eye on him, and for the kindness and support of Dr. Suzanne Shepherd, Lifeline responders, the Frontenac paramedics, and the emergency staff at the Kingston General Hospital. Funeral service will be held in Christ Church, Cataraqui, 974 Sydenham Road, Kingston, at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, September 3, 2016, with Father Blair Peever officiating. Following interment at Cataraqui Cemetery, family and friends are invited to a reception at 4:00 p.m. at the James Reid Funeral Home, 1900 Counter Boulevard. In Don 's memory, donations may be made to the V.O.N. - Greater Kingston (1469 Princess St., Kingston, ON K7M 3E9), or the County of Frontenac Paramedic Services (2069 Battersea Rd., Glenburnie, ON K0H 1S0).