ELMER C. KENNEDY

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ELMER C. KENNEDY After a brief illness, Elmer Charles Kennedy, born May 16, 1918, passed away peacefully on Monday December 16, 2002 at Glengarry Hospital in Victoria, surrounded by his beloved family. Elmer was born near Consul, SK to David Charles and Pearl Alvina Kennedy (Craig). He trained and served with the RCAF in Canada, and was attached to the RAF in England as a radar mechanic in the Second World War. In 1946, he married Gladys Mary Staffin in Calgary. Elmer received his B.Sc. in engineering from the U of A in 1950 and followed a career as a chemical engineer, retiring in 1981 from Shell Canada at the St. Boniface Refinery. During those years, he and Gladys welcomed the arrival of three children, David (Linda), Heather and Harlan (Donna). Elmer gave his time and energy to many organizations including the Fred Douglas Lodge, Gorgeview Society Homes in Victoria and the Aboriginal Rights Coalition (Project North). He served on the River East School Board and was active in Veterans Against Nuclear Arms, World Federalists, and the United Nations Association. He was also a long and active member of the United Church of Canada, serving as an elder, Clerk of Session and trustee. Elmer was a passionate philatelist, winning awards for his collections of stamps from around the world featuring Canada and Canadians. He was a mentor and friend to many new Canadians from India and Sri Lanka, and maintained and cherished many friendships through his life. He was a keen and active curler for many years, and enjoyed tennis and square dancing. Elmer was predeceased by his parents, his brother Harold (Margy) and his son David. He is lovingly remembered by wife Gladys; son and daughter, Harlan and Heather; grandchildren, Beth and Alexis; numerous nieces and nephews and countless friends. The family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff of the Richmond Unit, Glengarry Hospital for their loving care in Elmers final years. A celebration of his life will be held on Friday, December 20 at 2:30 p.m. at First Metropolitan United Church, 936 Balmoral Rd., Victoria. Flowers gratefully declined. If desired, a donation may be made to any of the organizations above.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 19, 2002