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J. Christopher Kennedy

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Harvard University

J. Kennedy Obituary

KENNEDY, J. Christopher (57), of Los Angeles, died October 20, 2007 of complications of prostate cancer at Cedar Sinai Hospital. His survivors include his partner, Tom Nguyen, of Los Angeles, his parents, Paul and Virginia Kennedy, of Smithfield, RI, his siblings and their spouses, Paul Vincent and Rebecca Kennedy, of Needham, MA, Mary Louise Kennedy, of Providence, RI, and Virginia Kennedy and Larry Lachman, of Houston, TX; and several nieces and nephews. Born in Boston, MA, Chris was a graduate of Mount Hermon School, Harvard College, and University of Virginia Law School. A partner of the law firm of Irell & Manella, Century City, CA, he had worked there for 31 years in the bankruptcy and finance areas. Chris was active in and a supporter of numerous professional, civic and cultural organizations, among which were the Financial Lawyers Conference and the LA Bankruptcy Forum, Alliance for Children's Rights, Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles (LAFLA), The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation, The Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund, Lambda Legal Defense & Education Fund, The LA Gay & Lesbian Center, The National Gay & Lesbian Task Force Policy Institute, Ford Theater Foundation, the LA Chamber Orchestra, Ojai Music Festival, The Pacific Serenades, Dance Kaleidoscope, and the University of Virginia Law School Foundation. Donations in Chris's honor may be made to the UVA Law School Foundation, 580 Massie Road, Charlottesville, VA 22903-1789 or to the Cedar Sinai Prostate Cancer Center, Research of Dr Agus, 8631 W. Third St., Suite 215E, Los Angeles, CA 90048. Memorial will be Saturday, November 10th, at 2:00 p.m. at the Beverly Hills Hotel.

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Published by Los Angeles Times on Nov. 7, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for J. Kennedy

15 Entries

Gary Miller

November 26, 2007

A fine man taken too soon.

David Wells

November 22, 2007

Besides all the other attributes of greatness which Chris embodied, as recited here by those he inspired, let me note this. As a senior, when I felt beleagured with my own modest course load and school responsibilities, Chris had twice as much on his plate and still he took on even one more course... to teach himself the Chinese language. I was in awe of him and still am.

Yi-Tze (Seth) Wu

November 21, 2007

Chris was a wonderful "cheerleader" and role model to life at Mt. Hermon. He embodied a bright, alert, cheerful, enthusiastic, positive goodness in his natural leadership. I shall always have very fond memories of wonderful and talented Chris Kennedy at Mt. Hermon and am so saddened to learn of his cruel and untimely demise. Deepest condolences to his family and all who loved him.

Randall Volkert

November 19, 2007

I remember Chris as admirable and confidence-inspiring. There have been occasions in my life when I've felt somewhat lost, existentially, and my recalling Chris's demeanor and appearance was helpful.

What a fine guy!

Peter Szura

November 18, 2007

I did not get to know Chris well at Mt. Hermon but one could sense the respect he received from all those on campus. Let's pray there are graduates and future graduates of Mt. Hermon that can help find a way to prevent cancer from taking other precious lives. God bless us all. Peter Szura

Ed Cook

November 18, 2007

I came to Mt. Hermon in 1964 as a naiive little-boy rube from a small rural town in upstate NY, and immediately started encountering guys like Chris. Boy, did I feel like I had just entered the Major Leagues.

How could you not be in awe of Chris? When he ran for class office he had developed a well thought out plan for splitting his opponents' vote. Imagine that, from a 14 year old! He won, of course.

I'll always fondly remember Chris' humor, leadership, brightness and humanity. He's greatly missed.

Eric Jankel

November 15, 2007

Thank you for your effective and steady leadership through difficult times. Deepest sympathy to your loved ones. Noblesse Oblige.

Fred Cook

November 14, 2007

Chris was a leader all of his life and we are all the poorer for his passing. My very deepest condolences to his family and loved ones.

Buzz Constable

November 14, 2007

Comrade, Inspiration, Friend, 1964 - 1968 Such a focused, contemplative leader even back then. Condolences to Tom, Vince and Becky. BUZZ

Curtis Hansen

November 14, 2007

My deepest sympathy goes to Chris' family and loved ones. He was a great man and our leader throughout our formative years. Chris will always live on in our hearts.

Mark Auerbach

November 13, 2007

Chris was one of the first people to welcome me to NMH, as a student. We connected years later, when a mutual classmate, Doug Barrett, had taken ill. We'd stayed in touch casually over the years. Chris gave so much to the community, as a donor, a do-er, and a door-opener. He is a role model who will be fondly remembered and very much missed.

Steve Holt

November 12, 2007

You have been greatly appreciated, and you will be greatly missed, as a good man who brought light and humor and a generous spirit into so many others' lives.

Steven Tower

November 12, 2007

I am saddened by the passing of this good and decent man. His quiet leadership, his reasoned and principled approach, his concern at the personal level, his wit and ready humor -- these and more will be sorely missed. Rest in Peace, my friend.

John Hansbury

November 12, 2007

Chris was a brilliant and generous man, kind and considerate, thoughtful and caring. The world is a poorer and darker place without him, but we who knew him were lucky to have shared life with him.

Cathi Mackey

November 7, 2007

Rest in Peace my dear friend. I will miss you forever.

Love Always,
xoxox

Cathi

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