We Remember

KENNEDY, Donald Gregory

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 (née 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 (née 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 Dad’s or Grandpa’s 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.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Donald’s charity of choice, the Huntington’s Society of Canada, are gratefully appreciated.

A Prayer Service will be on FRIDAY, APRIL 26, 2024, at 7:00 pm (PST) and a Funeral Mass will be held on SATURDAY, APRIL 27, 2024, at 10:30 am (PST), both at ST. CHARLES GARNIER CHURCH, 3645 Benvoulin Road, Kelowna, BC. A reception in the hall next door and private interment will follow. If you are unable to attend in person, please join the family online by Livestream at the time of the service (see below).

If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area call “Condolences”.

LIVESTREAM:

Prayer Service
FRIDAY, APRIL 26, 2024, at 7:00 pm (PST)

Service
Mass: SATURDAY, APRIL 27, 2024, at 10:30 am (PST)

Location
ST. CHARLES GARNIER CHURCH

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Huntington Society of Canada Link: www.huntingtonsociety.ca/

 


Service Information

Service Details

The prayer service for KENNEDY, Donald Gregory is scheduled for FRIDAY, APRIL 26, 2024, at 7:00 pm (PST) at located at 3645 Benvoulin Road, Kelowna, BC.


The service for KENNEDY, Donald Gregory is scheduled for Mass: SATURDAY, APRIL 27, 2024, at 10:30 am (PST). Below you will find the map for the service location and the contact information should you have any questions.

Address & Contact for Service Location:

ST. CHARLES GARNIER CHURCH

3645 Benvoulin Road Kelowna, BC

Phone:

Special Requests:

None.

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Condolences

  • Timothy Sewell says:
    April 27, 2024 at 11:57 am

    What a beautiful and fitting service for such a great man. Don was an enigma, tough as steel and with a superior sense of humour. My sincere condolences to all his friends and family. It may provide some comfort to know that I and many share with you in your sorrow.

    Reply

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