Kennedy, John Richard
May 16th, 2021
Peacefully died on Sunday, May 16, 2021, at age 70. He will be forever remembered by his mother, Sylvia; his wife, Susan (née Nolan); his three sons, Christopher (Brooke), Peter, and Michael (Sandy) and their mother, Frances Kennedy; and his three step-children, Jason (Ashlee), Hayley (Justin), and Ashley. John and Susan shared ten grandchildren, Jillian, Stella, Emily, Alexandria, and Sylvia; and John, Nora, Adam, Dylan and Clara. He is also survived by his brother, Robert, (Judith, Aaron, Robyn), his sister, Patricia (Phillip Wattie, Lauren, Graeme), and his brother, Paul.
John was born in Halifax, Nova Scotia, to Donald (2002) and Sylvia Kennedy on July 18, 1950. Donald’s career brought the family to London, Ontario, where they raised their four children. John attended the University of Western Ontario and received an HBA from the Ivey Business School and his J.D from the University of Toronto. He was admitted to the Ontario Bar in 1977.
John was the epitome of life, enthusiasm, selflessness, and positivity. His life focused on his loving family and imparting a love of the outdoors, whether on a ski hill in winter or dockside in the Muskokas during summer. He helped to instill a deep appreciation for adventure in his children and grandchildren, and for that they will be forever grateful.
His enthusiasm and his deep appreciation for the practice of law began with the firm Aston, Berg, Kennedy, and Morrisey, which later merged with the local powerhouse, Siskinds. His dedication and his unwavering commitment to his clients kept John engaged and passionate over the course of his career.
His selflessness drove him to be involved with many different causes. Those closest to his heart included Boler Mountain, London Track 3, Goodwill Industries – Ontario Great Lakes, Orchestra London and Orchestra Canada. John believed that his business and legal expertise would be of assistance, but each organization would say that his passion and commitment to their cause was the biggest asset.
John was unfailingly positive and optimistic. His glass half full outlook was inspiring to all. When John walked you through a challenge there was often little doubt that things would work out. He has left a mark on everyone, and a legacy that will live on forever.
A private family funeral will be held in the Westview Funeral Chapel. A celebration of his life will be announced for the summer of 2022.
In lieu of flowers, it is John’s wish that any donations be directed to the London Track 3 in London, Ontario.
If you would like to send a private message to the family please send it to family@kennedy.mobi.
Charitable donations may be made to:
London Track 3
Please click here to send a donation notification to the family
London Track 3
Book of Condolences
Peter and Sharon BrennanI don’t know that there are words to describe John Kennedy, but I am going to try.
When John saw you he would call out your name as though it was spelled with a combination of letters and exclamation points,
followed by “How the h*ll are you!?”
He somehow found three days of living out of every one day of life. We were so blessed to have known him.
It seems impossible that this larger than life warrior of a man is gone. He connected so many people, and those introductions forged deep, loving forever-friendships.
He tried to help everyone he met. People who needed something he could give, were his favourite project. This commitment to service lit him up.
John did everything big. Big plans, big parties and a big laugh. He had large opinions that he shared with conviction and these were matched in size by his massive heart. It is no wonder that the grief we feel is equally enormous.
If you got in a boat, went on a holiday or hiked on a trail with John, it was going to be an adventure. That’s how he lived his life.
John liked to assign pet names. Sharonski, RichieBain, Little Katie Rose and of course Suzie-Q.
A goodbye from John was always the same. A massive hug and the words, “I love ya!”.
He didn’t just say it. We knew he loved us.
Whenever I think of John, he will be standing, smiling by the lake in Muskoka, surrounded by the family he loved so much, and the friends he spoiled at every opportunity.
These are only some of the gifts he gave us.
You could always count on him; a true friend. Our hearts are broken with the loss of this warm man who we loved so very much.
Add Your Condolences
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Kennedy John Richard May 16th 2021..
Death notice for the town of: London, Province: Ontario
To the entire Kennedy clan I send my deepest sympathy to all of you from the bottom of my heart. I would like to thank you all for sharing John with me and obviously so many others across London , Ontario and Canada. John was so good to me from the moment I met him on the sidelines of the Rugby pitch many , many years ago where he was ever present on the sidelines pretending to know the game while I coached his sons at the HS level. Even though his sons went the grid iron way into Varsity level and I then coaching Western Rugby John followed my career and many pints later he gained a solid knowledge of the game and from there we became great friends.
Though many personal and career battles he guided me and supported me with intense precision and he was one of few people in my life that I actually listened to and always was rewarded because of it.
I thought I lived and loved until I met John and I also thought that I was giving back to the community again until I met John. His ongoing level of love for his family and those around him and his genuine interest in others was sincere and real which can be very absent in today’s world especially to his standards.
My life changed in a very positive way after I met John and we became friends He is one Canadian that will never leave my mind given the sincere efforts he made to support me and never with a personal agenda.
I made big decisions personally that have helped me develop as a person and with John’s influence I found a deep sense of peace and increased passion for life that has allowed me to pass it on so as to help others.
I know for certain that many people will be feeling this tragic loss and I for one will miss him and for now please note especially for the family that John Kennedy had a massive impact on me that will last until the day I die. John gave me first time experiences at the lake when I first came to Canada and we will leave it at that given that my water sporting skills were absent so a story for another day. We also went to battle at his law firm one day and this is another story for another day hopefully in 2022.
John Kennedy’s legacy is a Golden one and cannot be matched !
Rest in peace John and love always from Slats
Former coach Oaks Rugby
Former coach Western U Men’s Rugby
Westervelt college London Campus Director