DONALD GREGORY KENNEDY

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

DONALD GREGORY KENNEDY

June 17, 1961 – April 10, 2024

Donald Kennedy, a vibrant presence in every room he ever entered, a person of action and an original thinker, and most of all, an incredibly devoted father and family man, has left us far too soon at age 62.

Born to Jack and Caroline (nee Shemanski) Kennedy (both deceased) in The Pas, Manitoba, Donald was based in Winnipeg with a second home in Kelowna, B.C.

He is missed deeply by his loving wife Marika (nee Tetrault), his five adoring children; Katrina (David), Kristina, Monique, Jack and Bobby and his two cherished grandchildren; Karolina and Natalie.

Also mourning him greatly are his siblings; Susan Kennedy of Calgary, Maureen (Robin) Kennedy, Joan Kennedy and Edward (Stella) Kennedy, all of Winnipeg, and Gerard (Jeanette) Kennedy of Toronto, and many nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles, cousins and friends from across the country.

From an early age, Donald developed unusual self-confidence to take on life in his own way. He challenged everyone around him in the best way, skewering any pretensions and defusing any situation with his ever-present sense of humour.

Growing up in a small town and in a large family ensured Don kept both of his feet on the ground. The minimal distraction of the single black and white tv channel aided him to fully develop his own imaginative and athletic abilities. Donald played competitive hockey for the Notre Dame Hounds and junior hockey in Alberta (complete with a "Rocky" style job at a meat packing plant) in a year off before going on to four years at the University of Winnipeg.

Right out of school, Donald joined with his father in expanding the family business, launching him into a career of ever greater self-made successes. A voracious ongoing learner, with a photographic memory and keen insight into human nature, Donald built up bulk-fuel businesses successively in Flin Flon, Thompson, The Pas and Winnipeg, always striving to treat his employees and customers with the penultimate respect that he insisted everyone was entitled to.

Most important to him, he helped build up a remarkable family. Married to Marika in 1993, he delighted in each of their children and grandchildren, taking part in all their activities and always being available when needed. Taking a cue from his own parents, he gave each one unwavering support and individualized encouragement. If there was a Dads or Grandpas Hall of Fame for always being present and engaged, he would most certainly be in it!

Donald's big personality sheltered an enormous, kind heart of gold. Along the way, he quietly helped many people, staying true to his sharp built-in sense of fairness and justice. One instance did land him on the front page of a local Kelowna paper, when Donald and two of his kids ran several blocks to recover a purse snatched at a restaurant they were in, and then held the perpetrator for the police.

Donald will be missed for his uncompromising honesty, his loyalty to family and friends, his great generosity and for making everyone laugh whenever they really needed it. His strong Catholic faith guided him throughout his life and made it clear he will be watching us from above.

There will be a prayer service is at 7:00 p.m., April 26, 2024 and Funeral Mass at 10:30 am, April 27, 2024 (pls note slight time change), both at St. Charles Garnier Church, 3645 Benvolio Road, Kelowna. The mass will also be livestreamed on the Springfieldfuneralhome.com/obituaries site. A reception in the hall next door and private interment will follow. In lieu of flowers, donations to Donald's charity of choice, the Huntington's Society of Canada are gratefully appreciated.

DONALD GREGORY KENNEDY

June 17, 1961 - April 10, 2024

The family of Donald Kennedy announces the sudden passing of their beloved father, grandfather, husband, and brother on April 10, 2024.



A prayer service will held at 7:00 p.m. on Friday April 26, 2024, and a Funeral Mass on April 27 at 11:00 a.m. Both services will be located at St. Charles Garnier Parish, 3645 Benvoulin Road, Kelowna, B.C.



A full obituary will follow shortly.



Please consider a donation to Huntington Society of Canada in memory of Donald, in lieu of flowers.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 13, 2024, Apr 13, 2024, Apr 20, 2024