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
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London Track 3
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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.
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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