Obituary of John David Kennedy
John David Kennedy
August 28, 1931 – March 1, 2024
John will be dearly missed by his wife, and best friend, Joan (nee Fraser), and his daughter Susan (of Stouffville), sister Yvonne Huson, and many friends and neighbours.
John was a devoted husband and father, and a good friend to many. He left school early to help support his family, and spent most of his 46 year working life at the Boot Shop on St. Paul Street (where he met Joan). John supported his community through volunteerism from an early age, as an auxiliary police officer and volunteer fire fighter (when there were such things), and later as a founding member of the Regional Niagara fire support unit, which attended at major fires and fed and assisted the firefighters during calls. John served on the support unit for 17 years, until his retirement from the unit at age 75.
In later years John and Joan moved into Martindale Place in St. Catharines, a move John described, as “one of the best decisions we ever made”, a feeling due, in large part, to the friends he made there. He took great comfort in knowing that, although he finally had to leave, Joan would, in his absence, be surrounded by support and community.
Joan and Susan would like to thank the staff of Niagara Health, St. Catharines site, for their compassion and excellent care. No one likes to be in hospital, but John was overwhelmed by the kindness he received from his health care team.
John was predeceased by his brother Bruce and sister-in-law Iva, his brother-in-law Ronald Huson, and sister-in-law Isobel Sullivan (late Dick). He is also survived by his nieces Sandy, Cindy (Joe), Terri (Rich), and Tricia (Dan), and his dear cousin Janet Penrose (Don).
Those we love don’t go away
They walk beside us everyday
Unseen, unheard, but always near
Still loved, still missed, and very dear.
Cremation has taken place. A service in memory of John’s life will be held on Friday, March 15 at 1pm at the George Darte Funeral Home & Cremation Centre, 585 Carlton Street. The family will receive friends from 11am. If so desired, Donation made in John's Memory to NHS, St. Catharines Site or the charity of your choice would be appreciated by his family.