Descriptor.
Born in 1896, son of R. J. Kennedy, he attended the University of Manitoba then worked as an underwriter with the Manufacturer's Life Insurance Company until retirement in 1975. He served as President of the Life Underwriter's Association of Canada (1935).
Active in the community, in 1958 he ran for Mayor of Winnipeg but was defeated by incumbent Steve Juba. He served on the boards of the Salvation Army, YMCA, Winnipeg Community Chest, Canadian Cancer Society (Manitoba Branch), Winnipeg Blue Bombers, and Manitoba Motor League. He was President of the Western Canada Football Union, Winnipeg Kiwanis Club, Executives Club, and River Heights Community Club. An eager promoter of youth sports, he was Chairman of a Public Parks Board Commission that reported on recreational and youth activity needs for the City of Winnipeg. Its recommendations led to the creation of many of the city's community clubs. He was involved with the original playgrounds hockey league and in the organization of high school football in Manitoba. He received a City of Winnipeg Community Service Award (1963).
He was married twice, first on 2 October 1928 to Helen Clare Hitchings (1903-1949) at Broadway Baptist Church and they subsequently had three children: Clare Kennedy (1929-2003, wife of Harold A. Still), Janet “Jan” Kennedy (wife of Steven Sheridan), and John Kennedy. He later married Bertha Elaine Kennedy (?-1999). The family resided at 143 Elm Street, Winnipeg. He was a lifelong member of Broadway First Baptist Church.
He died at Winnipeg on 2 January 1980 and was buried in the Elmwood Cemetery.
Birth registration [Helen Clare Hitchings], Manitoba Vital Statistics.
“Kennedy - Hitchings,” Winnipeg Free Press, 4 October 1928, page 6.
“Mrs. W. Kennedy, city clubwoman, dies in hospital,” Winnipeg Tribune, 29 April 1949, page 19.
Obituary, Winnipeg Free Press, 4 January 1980, page 36.
Obituary [Bertha Elaine Kennedy], Winnipeg Free Press, 29 May 1999, page 25.
Obituary [Clare Kennedy Still], Winnipeg Free Press, 13 April 2003.
This page was prepared by Gordon Goldsborough.
Page revised: 13 September 2026
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