Kennedy, Matthew
Passed away peacefully at The Village of Tansley Woods on August 19, 2021, at the age of 92. Will be deeply missed by Elma, his wife of 65 years, and children Carol Hill (Steve), Mike Kennedy (Lisa) and Trish Muir (Mark). Lovingly remembered by grandchildren Alexander, Ross, Matthew (Jennah), Ryan, Jenna, Jaime (Matthew), Alexa and Brooker. He will also be sadly missed by his sister, Sylvia Kadar.
A well-known and admired figure in the Hamilton jazz music community, Matt was a very talented and highly sought-after pianist and vibraphonist. He performed with groups large and small as well as solo for close to 60 years throughout the region, playing at countless venues, including Hamilton Place where he accompanied headline performers. The Matt Kennedy Trio was a fixture at the Royal Connaught Hotel every Friday and Saturday night for over 10 years.
As Musical Director for CHCH television for several decades, Matt created the original theme music for the station’s long-running show Tiny Talent Time, among other productions. Matt was also a former President of the Hamilton Musicians’ Guild and a recipient of the Guild’s Lifetime Achievement Award.
Born in Hamilton, Matt had lived in Burlington since 1972, retiring from Bell Canada in the mid-1990s after a career in sales.
He will be remembered as a consummate gentleman with a wonderful wit and a role model for his family and friends.
Visitation at SMITH’S FUNERAL HOME, 1167 Guelph Line (one stop light north of QEW), BURLINGTON (905-632-3333), on Monday August 23, 2021 from 3-5pm and 7-9pm. where a Funeral Service will be held in the Chapel on Tuesday August 24, 2021 at 10am. There is a limit to the number of visitors who may attend at one time. Please RSVP in advance at www.smithsfh.com If you are having difficulty with the online RSVP, please call the Funeral Home between 9a.m. – 5 p.m. All visitors are asked to wear a face mask and are to remain in their cars until their allotted time. Interment at Gate of Heaven Catholic Cemetery. For those who wish, donations in memory of Matt to the Hamilton Musicians’ Guild or a music charity of your choice would be sincerely appreciated by the family.
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Matthew Kennedy Thursday August 19th 2021..
Death notice for the town of: , Province: Ontario