JOHN JOSEPH KENNEDY

Funeral service for the late John Joseph Kennedy, 83, Lanark, Antigonish County, was held June 10 in St. Ninian Cathedral with Father Donald MacGillivray officiating, assisted by Father Elliott O’Neal. Burial was in the parish cemetery. Mr. Kennedy died June 6, 2019, at home. Readers at the funeral Mass were Makayla Keith, Eilysh Keith and Audrey Squires. Kerilyn Kennedy, Ruby Cameron and Ella Squires presented the offertory gifts. Music was provided by Ty Wallace. Active pallbearers were Bryan Kennedy, Ben Kennedy, Seamus Keith, Ryan Kennedy, Grady Squires and Malcolm Cameron. Honorary pallbearers were David Bekkers, Gerard MacEachern, Allister MacDougall, Donald MacNeil, J. R. MacDougall, Raymond MacGillivray, Donald Chisholm and Laughlin MacDonald. Born September 21, 1935, he was a son of the late Roderick and Jean (MacDonald) Kennedy. After the passing of his mother, he was raised by Rod and stepmother Tina (MacLean) on the Kennedy farm in Lanark. He lived, worked, and raised his family there and never wished for any other life. He and his wife started with a small mixed farm and trucking company. With hard work, they built it into a modern farm which continues to operate as a 3rd generation dairy farm. A devoted Catholic, he was a man of strength and character, always helping a friend or neighbour who needed a helping hand. He was a fan of the Leafs, X-Men, and was a supporter of the Tories. He enjoyed tug-o-war and softball, competing himself when young. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Florence (MacDonald); six children, Shawn (Lynn), Fairmont; Roddie (Jeannie),Lanark; Jean (David Keith),Calgary; Elaine, Antigonish; Blair (Fabiana), California; Joanne (Bruce Squires), Ottawa; 19 grandchildren, Kaitlyn (Andrew), Bryan, Ben, Jonathan, Riley, (their mother Linda), Ryan, Dan, Ryan, Kerilyn, Makayla, Eilysh, Seamus, Ruby, Malcolm, Angus, Grady, Ella, Audrey, Olivia; two great-grandchildren, Evie, Leo; sister, Loretta Troyer, Point-Claire, Quebec;. He was predeceased by daughter, Jennifer Corinne; two sisters, Mary McCarron; one in infancy; two brothers-in-law, Peter Troyer, Leonard McCarron. Memorial donations may be made to the Nova Scotia Lung Association or Heart and Stroke Foundation. Online condolences: www.clcurry.com