Kennedy, Paul
Kennedy, (William) Paul
October 5, 1940 – July 12, 2024Paul Kennedy passed away on July 12, 2024. He was 83 – or, as he would have put it – in his 84th year.
Born in Chatham, ON on October 5th 1940 to Donald and Mary Kennedy, he is predeceased by his parents and his eldest siblings, Richard and Judy.
He is survived by his brother, Terry; his children, Richard, Jennifer, Christopher, and Victoria; his son-in-law, Steven; his grandchildren, Tyler and Sarah; and numerous beloved nephews and nieces.
As a young man, he felt a vocation to the profession of teaching. After graduating from Assumption University (now the University of Windsor), he began an over 30-year career during which he inspired a love of learning, of language, and of literature. His students from Laura Secord and Kernahan Park, among others, remembered him fondly and would often recognize him and come over to say ‘hello’ and tell him that he was their favourite teacher – even decades after graduating.
Despite this, he was a humble man. We knew this because he told us so again and again over the years.
A steadfast Blue Jays fan, Paul loved sports, film, and music. Even during the 5 years he suffered with dementia, the sound of rock n’ roll could get his feet and hips moving.
He always left a party without saying goodbye, not wanting his leaving to interrupt the good times. Paul has left us at the party one last time.
According to Paul’s wishes, cremation has taken place and there will be no funeral. In lieu of flowers, the family appreciates donations to the Alzheimer Society in honour of Paul’s memory to help fund research and supports for dementia sufferers and their families.
