Passed away August 7th, 2018 at the age of 89 years. John Kennedy was born in Flowers Cove, NL on February 25th, 1929. John was the son of Uncle Mike (Nicholas) and Mary Ann Kennedy (Young). John (Jack as he was lovingly known) was placed in the Grenfell Orphanage in St. Anthony at the age of 7 years old where he was raised and educated until he was 17 years of age. Upon leaving the Orphanage he travelled by dog sled team to Main Brook where he was employed by Bowaters as a Cookee initially but was later hired as a lumberjack. He moved to Roddickton where he continued his career as a woodsman. Uncle Mike, John’s father was residing in Roddickton at that time and was operating a general store. Shortly after moving to Roddickton he met the love of his life Meta Cassell. They were married February 28th, 1952. He set up his own business John Kennedy & Sons for which he was the owner & operator for 30 years. Together with his loving wife they raised a family of 8 children. After closing his business John & Meta moved to Ontario where he worked in the logging industry for ten years. Upon retiring they moved back to Roddickton where they lived a very contented, loving and happy life together until the morning of August 7th, 2018. John loved and served the Lord for the majority of his life. He had an ear for music and sang and played the violin as part of the Apostolic Faith Mission in Roddickton for many years. He had a heart for others and everyone he met was a friend. He opened his home and his heart to everyone. He judged no one and lived only to serve others. When you saw him, he would greet you with his smile and a wave of his hand. John was a brilliant man with an avid love of reading. He was a hard-working man who loved his family dearly. John passed peacefully away into the presence of the Lord with his wife and some members of his large family by his side. He leaves to mourn his loving wife Meta and 7 of their children. 24 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild. He leaves behind a legacy of music, faith, love and hope. He is predeceased by his parents, his daughter Marjorie and great-grandson Nicholas. Visitation was held from he Apostolic Faith Church in Roddickton from where the funeral was held on Saturday, August 11, 2018 at 1:00 pm with Rev. Chris Hewlett officiating. Interment followed. Funeral arrangements entrusted to Kerry M. Fillatre's Funeral Home, St. Anthony and Roddickton, Alicia Patey Funeral Director.
Special Note of Thanks goes to Dr. Yagoob, the nursing staff & palliative care unit of Curtis Memorial Hospital, St. Anthony, Dr. Girgis & the nursing staff of White Bay Central Health Care, Roddickton, K. M. Fillatre’s Funeral Home, Pastor Christopher Hewitt & Ministry as well as the musicians, choir and ladies group of the Apostolic Faith, Roddickton. Thank you to everyone who has called, sent messages and cards. If we have missed anyone thank you so much for your kindness.