William (Bill) Joseph Kennedy
October 26, 1939 to September 6, 2024
Obituary
For those individuals unable to attend the service for the Late Bill Kennedy may view it at the appointed time via this link: https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/index.php?data=MTcyNTgyNzAxOTMyNzI3MiZvbmVyb29tLWFkbWluJmNvcHlfbGluaw==
On September 6th, 2024, the world lost a beautiful human being when Bill Kennedy passed away at HSC ICU. He left behind a family with broken hearts who will miss him deeply forever: Wife, Donna; children: Jason (Michelle) grandchildren George and Henry, Cologne, Germany; Aaron (Kristi) grandchildren Jack and Maddison, Comox, BC; and Meghan, St John’s. Also mourning his loss are sister, Mary Keiley, St John’s; sisters-in-law Marguerite Cole, Catherine Cole, St John’s; Carol Ann Lewis (Don), Avondale; brothers-in-law Ron Ezekiel (Shirley), Harbour Main; Ralph Harper, Guelph, Ontario. Also, many loving and much loved nieces and nephews. Predeceased by son, Matthew; parents William and Josephine (Molloy) Kennedy; parents-in-law Peter and Genevieve (McDonald) Ezekiel; siblings Edward (Elizabeth); Regina; James (Anne); Rita (Thomas Finlay); Marge (Paul Comeau); Albert (Kathleen); and Anne (Al Sebastien); brothers-in-law Peter Keiley and Gordon Ezekiel; nephew Tim Kennedy.
As a true believer in the human spirit, Bill always strived to ensure every person felt valued. A dedicated community member, Bill sat on local, provincial and national health boards including president and executive member of the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association, and a long service as a volunteer and executive member with the Prostate Cancer Advisory Board and the Prostate Cancer Canada Network Board of Directors. As an educational psychologist, Bill was a strong advocate for school guidance and psychological services throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. He early recognizing the importance of young people’s mental health and how it relates to their education potential and worked to establish and increase counselling services throughout the province. He carried this value through his work as a professor with the department of education at Memorial University, and still continued to support and mentor students long after retirement. To this day, he maintains strong ties to former students, as well as cherished friendships with many colleagues across faculties at Memorial University.
Our thanks to his family physician, Dr. Lori Shandera, for her dedicated and compassionate medical care over the years. Our extra special thanks to dear friend Clar Doyle, and Bill’s caring and generous nieces who went out of their way to help whenever it was needed. You are rock stars. Thank you to Carnell’s Funeral Home for their considerate and professional assistance.
Visitation on Monday, September 9, 2024, at Carnell’s Funeral Home 329 Freshwater Road from 12:00 noon to 2:00 pm. Service to follow at 2:30 pm in the Carnell Memorial Chapel.
Flowers gratefully accepted since Bill loved flowers so much. Donations can also be made to any food bank or to Iris Kirby House.
Schedule
Visitations
12 - 2:00 p.m. on September 9, 2024
Carnell’s Funeral Home
329 Freshwater Road
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funeral
2:30pm, Monday September 9th
The Carnell Memorial Chapel
329 Freshwater Road
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RECEPTION TO FOLLOW
We are so surprse and sad hearing of Bill’s passing. We are fortuate knowig him as our neighbor and colleague for many years. Our children and Jason and Aaron have been good friends growing up together. We share your great loss and may he rests in peace.
Lan and Tran Gien
So very sorry to hear the sad news of Bill’s recent passing. Bill and I were friends while working together in the Faculty of Education at MUN. Bill was always happy to share a smile and a chat. I will remember him fondly. My sincerest sympathies to his family. May happy memories comfort you all during this difficult time.
Donna, Jason, Aaron, Megan, and Mary, My sincere condolences. I was so saddened today to learn of Bill’s death. He was as you said “a beautiful human being”. He also made many contributions in a number of spheres to make the world a better place. I have some wonderful memories of him from Edmonton, St. John’s, and at MUN. He had such a wonderful sense of humour that it was always great to be in his presence whether it be social or a faculty meeting. May you take comfort in your memories. He definitely will be missed. Shirley Solberg
I was so saddened to hear of Bill’s passing. We met at the Faculty of Education many years ago. He was such a sweet man who always had a kind word and was always willing to take the time to chat. Hoping memories of happier times brings you peace and comfort in the days ahead. Sincere and heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.
Aaron
Our condolences on your loss . May the memories you hold in your heart help during this difficult time.
We are saddened to hear that Bill has passed. Sincerest condolences to Donna and their family. May Bill rest well!
My sincere condolences to Donna and family. He certainly made a positive impact on those who were fortunate to know him. God Bless.
My condolences to Donna and family as you grieve your loss. You can also well celebrate the wonderful person Bill was and the legacy he left. God bless you all,. and may Bill forever rest in peace.
My sincere condolences to you and all your family. So sorry for your loss. Krista and I send you our regards.
I was a graduate student at MUN and Dr. Kennedy was always interesting, warm and inviting. He made everyone feel heard and important. He was a very special person.
My sincere condolences to Bill’s wife, Don, and children. Bill did so much good in this world, loved and cared for so many people.
I was proud to call Bill my colleague and my friend. The consummate professional, Bill was dedicated to students and to the advancement of education. Kindness and generosity of spirit exemplified Bill all the days of his life. I shall miss him greatly.
Kevin and I extend our deepest sympathies to Donna and family.
Sending all the family my sincere condolences on Bill’s passing. Our memories are precious.
Oh Donna!
I was deeply saddened to learn of Bill’s passing. He was such a gentle soul and a great conservationist. I always enjoyed a yarn with Bill. You and your family must be heart broken. I hope the memories you build together will help sooth you. So sorry for your loss.
Ellen
Donna, children, and grandchildren please accept our condolences on Bill’s passing. He was the epitome of a gentleman and as fine a neighbour as one might have. Always with a smile on his face and a good word. We will miss him lovingly tending his garden
When I think of Bill my memory is flooded with the many happy, warm and uplifting experiences we shared.. I realize how lucky and grateful I am to be able to count him among my very best friends.
Love
Trudy
Donna, saddened to learn that the world lost a fine human being with the death of Bill and you and the family, a much loved husband and father.
Please accept my condolences
Norah O’ Reilly
Donna and family
We are saddened to hear of Bill’s passing. He was such a nice man. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time.
Mary and all of your family, condolences on the death of your brother whose obituary is so lovely, reflecting a man so well loved and kind. His smile is contagious and similar to your own. We are thinking of you and sending you our meditative thoughts and love.
Condolences to Donna and family, Marguerite, Cal, Ron, Carol Ann, Don and all your family.. I know Bill’s passing has left a large break in your family circle..
Bill made everyone feel important with his kind, caring and gentle manner.. He had a genuine interest in people, young and old alike. He will be missed.
May your cherished memories help ease your pain.
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
RIP Bill
Our sincere condolences to cousin Bill’s family on their very sad loss. Such a well respected man! We enjoyed his book which was a very interesting and well written account of growing up on Shoal Point.ay he now rest in peace.
Donna and the Kennedy Family
So sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. Please accept our sincere condolences.
We became good friends as a result of Prostate Cancer diagnosis and it was such an inspiration to see Bill provide so much comfort , advice an assistance to so many couples facing Cancer treatment. He will be sadly missed by all his friends in Prostate Cancer Support Group, especially at Christmas time when we both tried to lead the Carol sing.
Donna, wishing you well as you adjust to the new norm without him, BUT knowing the many great memories will help along the way
God Bless,
Ray and Joyce ANDREWS
It is with deep sadness I read of Bill’s passing. A lovely written obituary that defines the beautiful person that walked among us. I had the privilege of working with Bill for several years. A decent,, caring and special gentleman. There are those who come into our lives and never leave. Even though our paths have not crossed in recent years., Bill has left us with an indelible mark of goodness and precious memories. Hugs Geri & Family
Meghan and family so sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. He will be missed dearly.
When I think about my uncle Bill, I think about a life well lived, well traveled, much accomplished. I’m sure if you asked anyone who knew him they would speak to the kind, gentle, compassionate man he was. Always pleasant, for as long as I can remember even though I am Sarah Ann, Bill always called me Sarah Lee, like the cake. He will certainly be missed by many. To my Aunt Donna, who has lost her soulmate, there aren’t many words that can help ease your grief right now. Hold tight to all the precious memories you share to get you through the difficult times ahead. God bless you Bill, rest easy.
My condolences to Bills family. He was a very kind man who always had a yarn or two about Trepassey when I passed his residence in St. John’s with my daycare friends in tow. His presence around both Shoal Point and Yellowknife St will be missed.
Donna & family: please accept our sincere condolences on the passing of your loved one. Our prayers are with you all. May he rest in peace.
Rose & Cyril OReilly
Donna & family,
We were saddened to hear of Bills passing. He was a true friend and constant support and mentor to me during my educational journey. As a rural health advocate and educator, I remember learning & working under his guidance during the ongoing fishery crises back in the 1990’s – early 2000’s.
His compassion and understanding of what really mattered to displaced fishery/community members was something I will always remember. His recent book brought back so many memories to me of a past I also enjoyed and loved. I remember often going to the old homestead to pick up the mail from his mom……..; We will keep you all in our thoughts and prayers at this sad time. May God continue to bless you with strength and courage in the days ahead.
God Bless always,
Wilf & Daphne Sutton – Trepassey, NL
Dear Donna & family
We’re so very sorry for the loss of your beloved Bill. Sending love & light to surround you all during this sad & difficult journey. May the angels carry your dear Bill home. Take care of each other and your tender hearts.
Sincere condolences,
Glendora & Ron Boland
Jason & family. A ‘beautiful human being’ indeed. He was such a pleasure to work with, so kind, gentle, and unassuming. Sincere condolences.
Donna and Family
Sending very sincere condolences on the passing of Bill. He is remembered with fond memories of his joining in at NSD activities through the years. Bless you.
Donna and family, my sincere condolences on Bill’s passing. What a loving tribute to a life well lived. May you draw strength and comfort from the support of family and friends. Take good care of each other.
May he Rest in Peace.
Our prayers and condolences upon the passing of your beloved Bill. His journey certainly touched many.
May he rest in peace.
Leo and Kit Lewis
Donna and family, we were incredibly saddened to hear of Bill’s passing. He was such a wonderful man, a privilege to have known. Too bad we never got the opportunity to share in another trip to the blueberry hills but I guess it was not meant to be. Condolences to all the family.. RIP Bill!
Our condolences to Donna and family and to his sister Mary Keiley and family.
Bill’s passing has left a void in our lives.
We have walked life’s path for many ,many years.
He will be missed.
God Bless You All
Pat and Jean Heffernan
We were saddened to hear the news of Bill’s passing and send our deepest condolences to Donna., Jason, Aaron, Megan and their families. Our families have known each other since the mid 1970’s, when Jason and Ivan became the best of friends. We recently read Bill’s book “Then …. Everything Changed” and couldn’t help but be impressed by his deep love of his Family, Shoal Point and Rural Newfoundland before Confederation, with a positive view of many changes that have occurred since then. With caring thoughts from Peter and Nita