Sydney
They say that an obituary is a letter to the loved ones left behind. And for Howard Kenny, he had no shortage of those who loved him. On Thursday, March 10th, 2022, Howard passed away surrounded by family, warm in his bed and held by his loving wife. He was and will always be immeasurably treasured.
In his final days, his home was a revolving door of visitors – friends and family coming together to make just one more memory to hold on to. And even after a week filled with laughter and tears, Irish songs, and comforting stories, we have all found ourselves praying for just ‘one more.’
But despite what we may wish, we take comfort in knowing we have a lifetime of memories to cherish, and that heaven became a little brighter today. Affectionately called Howie by those who loved him, we will remember him for his witty and sharp humour, his gentle nature and endearing stubbornness. How he took care of his family with warm words and ample encouragement. His family knew that they could always count on him to be found on the sidelines, in the stands, or wherever they needed him to be in their times of need.
Born in Halifax to Katherine (MacDonald) Kenny, he later moved to North Sydney where he began to build his life in a way that speaks to who he was as an individual. From his time coaching little league and minor hockey to being a salesman with Canada Packers and Hub Meat Packers – he was a hardworking man who encouraged his children to live with the same values and passion he demonstrated every day of his long and full life.
Through his guidance and support, Howard was an integral part of establishing a locally owned and operated family business – Kenny’s Pizza – which was a great source of pride for him.
As a long-standing member of the Seaview Golf Course, a life-long fan of the Toronto Maple Leafs and the St. Louis Cardinals, Howard was an avid sports enthusiast. If there was a statistic to be known, he knew it.
Above all, Howard was a strong, kind, loving and supportive father, husband, brother, grandfather, and friend. We will all miss him more than words can say.
Howard will be forever cherished in the hearts of: his devoted wife, Catherine (Sis) MacGillivary; daughter, Lorraine (Brian) Harris; sons, John (Elaine), Donald, and Michael (Shelly); grandchildren, Shantel (Nathan), Caitlin (Mariko), Josh (Robyn), Jenna (Kendall), Janelle (Ryan), Jordan (Meaghan), Aaron, and Megan (Johnny); sisters, Maureen (Jim) Doyle, and Dorothy (Albert) Sumarah; sisters-in-law, Mona MacDonald, Colleen (John) Dezagiacomo, and Elaine (Roddie, deceased) MacGillivary; brother-in-law, Elio Ianetti and daughters-in-law, Karen and Shannon.
Besides his mother, Howard was predeceased by his brothers, Donald, Lawrence and sisters, Lorraine and Mary.
Memorial Mass will be celebrated at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, 381 Whitney Avenue, Sydney, at 11a.m. on Monday, March 14, 2022, with Father Dennis Lamey officiating. Interment will take place in Resurrection Cemetery, Sydney Forks, at later date.
We are grateful to Dr. Siva Thanamayooran, Dr. Glen Worth, and the VON and Palliative Care Nurses and Doctors. A heartfelt thank you to Howard’s granddaughter, Jenna McNeil, who provided compassionate care to ensure his final days were both comfortable and peaceful.
Memorial donations in memory of Howard may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or the VON.
In true Howie fashion, today it’s fitting that we end by saying, “Okay, say goodbye.”
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care and direction of Pier Community Funeral Home.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of KENNY Howard Francis 2022..
Death notice for the town of: Sydney, Province: Nova Scotia