Kennedy, Donald Ellis (Died)

KENNEDY- Donald Ellis of Byron, and formerly of St. Thomas, passed away at Parkwood Hospital, London, on Wednesday, April 9, 2014 in his 85th year. Beloved husband of the late Donna Jean (Beckley) Kennedy (1989) and dear fiancé of Joan Robinson. Loved father of Mark (Lori) Kennedy of Oakville, Cathy Neely (Steve) of St. Thomas, Karen Smith of Port Stanley (late Glenn ) and the late Allison Portlock (Edwin). Loved grandfather of Carrie (Dave), Drew, Sarah, Andrea, Benjamin (Richelle), Vicki, Adam (Amanda), Amanda and the late Jenifer Portlock. Great grandfather of David (Amber) and Britney and great, great grandfather of Ellison. Dear brother of Richard and Arthur Kennedy. Predeceased by a number of brothers and sisters. Also survived by several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Donald was born June 29, 1929, in Dixie (Mississauga), the son of the late Jack and Evelyn (Ellis) Kennedy. He was retired from Bell Canada. Don was a former member of the St. Thomas Kiwanis Club, the Oakville Kiwanis (Past President) and the North London Kiwanis. He served on the Central Elgin School Board and was the former chairman of the Locke's Fair Board. Don spent many years coaching minor hockey and loved watching his grandchildren play. The family will receive friends at Williams Funeral Home, 45 Elgin St., St. Thomas on Sunday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. The funeral service to be conducted at St. John's Anglican Church on Monday at 11:00 a.m. Interment to follow in South Park Cemetery. Remembrances may be made to Parkwood Palliative Care Unit or the Canadian Tire Jump Start program. A very special thanks to Dr. Singh and the nursing staff of Parkwood Palliative Care Centre.