1921 -2009
It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Duncan Duaine “Red” Kennedy on May 22, 2009.
Red was predeceased by his parents Allan and Laura Kennedy, two brothers Gower and Lorne “(Tubby)” one sister Irene, one daughter (Kathy) and one granddaughter (Juliet).
He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Kaye, two sons Ric (Ruth) children Erin (Neithan) Jody(Rob) and Lindsay. Son Greg (Stacey) children Caleb, Joel and Hilary and one daughter Bonnie child Kelsey. And two great grandchildren Robbie and Katie.
Red was born and raised in Fort Macleod Alberta. He loved his sports and was an avid sportsman all of his life. He was a Curler, Fisherman, Hunter and played Baseball and Rugby, but his most favourite sport of them all was Hockey. He never missed a Hockey Night In Canada Game and right up to the last day of his life, he could name every player on every NHL Team along with each of their personal statistics.
Red was a WW 2 Veteran having served with the 23 BTY Second Anti-Tank Regiment RCA. He was very proud to have served his Country and was also one of many brave soldiers who risked their young lives to Liberate Holland.
After the war Red decided to pursue a career in the Sciences and enrolled in the University of Alberta in Edmonton and received his BA in Pharmacy.
After receiving his degree, he moved back to Fort Macleod, and along with a friend, constructed their own building and opened a Drug Store named Fort Pharmacy, which still stands to this day. In 1965, Red decided to sell his half of the business to his friend and he decided it was time to pursue another career.
He enrolled in the University of Calgary and successfully completed his BA in Education.
With this new degree in hand, he moved his family to Qualicum Beach, BC in 1967,where he obtained a Teachers position at the Qualicum Beach Secondary School.
Red was a very dedicated teacher and loved his students and if asked would not hesitate to stay later after class, come in early or work over a lunch break to help a student struggling with a problem. He had a gift for teaching and had a special teaching technique that made learning fun. For example, when asking you a question like “ what is two plus two?” and you answered four! he would quickly respond with a phrase like “ Four what! Four Fleas on a dogs ear!
After only two years of teaching at Qualicum, Reds passion for learning got the best of him and he decided to uproot the family and in 1969 headed north. North to Alaska! Anchorage Alaska!
Once again he enrolled into school, this time at the Alaska Methodist University to pursue a MBA in Education.
The next two and half years proved to be very interesting.
Shortly after arriving in Alaska he heard that the University was starting up a Hockey Program and were looking for an experienced Coach. Red wasted no time in applying for the position. He felt that he was the man for the job and due to an impressive resume that boasted a life long involvement with hockey not only as a Semi Pro Player but also as a coach in all levels of minor and Senior Hockey was hired as head coach for the AMU Vikings.
Within two years, Red had formed a winning team capturing two State Championships and completed his MBA.
He then moved his family back to Qualicum Beach in 1971 where he took a position as Vice Principle at Ballenas Secondary, until his retirement in the early 80’s.
He remained active in Hockey after returning to Qualicum coaching the Parksville Eagles Senior Team.
Red was not only an avid sportsman and excellent teacher, but was always a very loving and understanding Husband, Father and Grandfather, He will be greatly missed.
No Service by Request
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to one of the following in his name;
1) Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB)
2340 Richmond Road, Victoria, B.C. V8R 4R9 (Qualicum Beach Branch)
2) Oceanside Minor Hockey Association
P.O. Box 1175, Parksville, B.C. V9P 2H2