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Graham Kennedy Obituary
Graham Kennedy passed away peacefully on June 14, 2015 in his 93rd year. He was the loving husband to Helen (McEachern) for 66 years. Committed father to Norman, David (Gail), Lynda, Marilynne (Robert) and Kim (Scott) and the doting grandfather to Megan, Michael, Lana, Maddie, Avery and Graham. Graham was born in Toronto in 1922, one of two brothers who fulfilled his duty and obligation to country and joined the Royal Canadian Air Force on July 1, 1941 at the age of 18. He earned his wings in 1942 and flew the skies over Europe in a Typhoon in Normandy, covering the allies and moving to liberate the Dutch based in Eindhoven. His tour of duty continued until his plane was shot down by anti-aircraft over Holland in November of 1944. Unlike his brother Bill whose plane was downed two weeks earlier, Graham survived and lived the rest of his life with the after-effects of a broken back and concussion. But it never stopped him. He met wife Helen after the war and was married in 1949. Graham graduated with a degree in mining engineering from the University of Toronto in 1950 and began a successful career in the mining equipment industry until he retired in 1986. Retirement meant something completely different to "Poppa"; it meant starting a new career. And a career it was. Graham acquired his real estate license and began selling commercial properties with passion for 10 years. His life was always full and between puttering on do it yourself projects and what is perhaps the longest boathouse and rail renovation (it never really ended), kept himself constantly engaged and busy. The family cottage on Sturgeon Lake near Fenelon Falls was a joy and passion and the meeting place for his children, in-laws, grandchildren and countless friends. He was an avid reader who kept up to date on the world around him, was internet savvy at teaching other seniors how to use the web and shared his war stories with schoolkids during each school year and was a hot commodity for Remembrance Day celebrations. He shared his life with others. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, September 19th at 1:00 p.m. at Thompson Funeral Home, 530 Industrial Pkwy. S. in Aurora, Ontario. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Schizophrenia Society, schizophreniaresearchsociety.org/about-us/donate/. Special thanks to Hollandview Trail Retirement Community and Newmarket Health Centre for special caring.
www.thompsonfh-aurora.com
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Memories and Condolences
for Graham Kennedy
5 Entries
July 5, 2015
My father was a modern man, particularly for his generation. He was understanding and accepting, supportive and insightful. He helped with the bedtime routine, cooked meals ( his Saturday night Mexican rice dish while my mom shopped at Yorkdale was a hit), kept notes to remember the names of all our friends and loved to sneak in a treat or two ( giving him a bite of your chocolate bar resulted in a huge chunk being gone....devastating!) I have so many great memories and for that I am truly blessed. My dad was a huge supporter of my career, a choice which was not the norm for our family. I'm so happy that we shared the experience of him coming out on the road with me for a part of two shifts over the years. I knew he was so proud. I could not be more proud of him. He was such a strong, good hearted, glass is half full type of man. He had everything...good looks and good character. I am without regret. 92 fabulous years of age and he died in his sleep. I wish everybody could be so lucky.
Ken and Anne Roberts
June 21, 2015
A gutsy interesting man full of energy and interests makes for
a long successful life and a grateful family left behind. Our condolences.
Nancy Strah
June 17, 2015
Graham and Helen were great friends of our family and always doted on my daughter Rachel who referred to Graham as her Poppas friend Gram
He lived a very accomplished life personally and professionally and will be missed
June 17, 2015
Graham & Helen were my next-door neighbours at Hollandview Trail Community Residence. Graham was a true gentleman & gentle man. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him. My condolences to Helen & all the family.
Sincerely,
Molly Callaghan
http://www.thememoryproject.com/stories/1805:graham-david-kennedy/
Amanda
June 16, 2015
A true hero has gone on to his eternal reward. Thank you for your service and your staunch support of YRP. I pray your family feels you near, always.
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