Donald Patrick Kennedy died peacefully at Sunnybrook Hospital on the morning of October 27, 2023, in his 94th year. Don lost the love of his life, Nancy Kennedy, earlier this year after 68 years of marriage. He will be dearly missed by his sons, Bill (Anna) and John (JoAnn) and will forever be in the hearts of his grandchildren: Michael, Rebecca (Ryan), Patrick (Kaitlin) and Jocelyn (Benji). Don is predeceased by his two sisters, Dorothy Weagant and Nancy Raines.
Don was born on May 20, 1930, in Winnipeg, Manitoba. His father, D. Joseph Kennedy, was an American mining engineer sent to Northern Manitoba (Bissett) in 1928 to operate a gold mine. His mother, Edna Kennedy, was also an American and a retired schoolteacher. Don was schooled at St. John’s Ravenscourt school in Winnipeg, the University of Manitoba and the Colorado School of Mines before enrolling in the Canadian Army, where he served honourably as a lieutenant at Camp Borden and later served in the Reserves.
Don’s business career started in finance with Industrial Acceptance Corporation (IAC). He opened a branch in Kenora, Ontario and then moved to Montreal with IAC. In 1960 Don and Nancy moved to Wingham, Ontario, where Don worked with his brother-in-law (Richard LeVan) at Western Foundry, later becoming Wescast Industries. Nancy and Don lived in Wingham for 28 years before relocating to Ottawa, where Don served as Executive Director of the Canadian Foundry Association. He subsequently retired to Toronto and enjoyed working part-time for the Employment Insurance Board of Referees for several years.
His commitment to community and volunteer services was admirable as a Board member of the Wingham and District Hospital, the Canadian Cancer Society, Wingham Golf and Curling Club and numerous other boards. He was part of the original executive of the Junior Hockey team in Wingham, known as the Wingham Ironmen, which just celebrated its 50th anniversary.
Don will be remembered for his sharp wit and sense of humour. He never missed an opportunity to tell a story to anyone who would listen.
At Don’s request, there will be no visitation or funeral service. Cremation has taken place, and a private family interment service will follow for both Don and Nancy. Condolences can be forwarded through Mount Pleasant Funeral Centre (www.etouch.ca). In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Wingham and District Hospital Foundation.
The family thanks the caring support of Dr. Alissia Valentinis, the staff at the Dunfield Retirement Residence, and the Palliative Care Unit at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre in Toronto.
