JOHN KENNY

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JOHN KENNY It is with love and sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of John Kenny in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. John was 71 when his journey ended peacefully at 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 17, 2006 with his loving wife at his side. He was predeceased by his parents Peter and Elizabeth; twin sister Jean; older sisters, Betty and Doreen and brother Peter. He is lovingly remembered by his wife of over 40 years, Marilyn; by his children, James, Thea and Jason; daughters-in-law, Elsa and Marna; son-in-law Gary and his deeply beloved granddaughters, Laurean Lyn Kenny and Serena Florence Rawn and his in-laws, Ray and Evelyn Jones, Muriel and Cornell Wynnobel and Teresa Jones and family. He will be remembered by his siblings, relatives and friends in England and his many friends and acquaintances in Manitoba and other parts of Canada and the world. John was born in Bradford, England on December 9, 1934 and was evacuated from his home town at age five because of the Second World War. He spent the next 25 years living with the Whittaker family (Willie, Theresa and their daughter Martha Jane) in Colne, Lancashire. Over the years John expressed great fondness for this family and he always attributed his love of reading and learning to the examples set in their household. Though separated from his parents, brothers and sisters, including his twin by time and events, John maintained contact with his natural family throughout his life. This included his cherished time visiting with his brother Brian shortly before his passing. He began his working career as a weaver and served in a number of positions in the textile division of the international conglomerate T.J. Smith and Nephew at Glen Mills, Colne. He served in the British Army's Life Guards and saw overseas service in Germany and Egypt. He later spent several years as an active reserve bomb disposal technician with the Royal Engineers. He immigrated to Canada in 1966 and through seeking career changes attended the University of Winnipeg where he obtained a B.A degree. He was a graduate student at the University of Manitoba and went on to work for the Province of Manitoba. Over the years he served as a social work supervisor in the Interlake Region, Director of Health and Social Services in Thompson, MB and as a media specialist and speech writer in Winnipeg for several health ministers. After early retirement in 1991 he contributed to several landlord associations and refugee sponsorship groups and committees. John's life has been a picture painted with many contributions of wisdom, action and deeply valued advice. He has always been happy to help those striving for better things. His strong sense of natural justice and a need to contribute have been deep driving forces throughout his life. His actions will continue to create ripples in the lives of those left behind. He lives on in our hearts and fondest memories, a fine man who changed our world with subtle significance. He is deeply loved and will be dearly missed. At John's request his body has been donated for research and study which will be followed by cremation. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in John Kenny's name to the Foster Parents Plan of Canada, 95 St. Clair Ave. West, Ste. 1001, Toronto, ON M4V 3B5. Memorial services to be held Tuesday, May 23 at 7:00 p.m., St. Mark's Anglican Church, 19 St. Mark's Pl., Winnipeg, MB Canada.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 23, 2006