To view the recording of the Funeral Mass click here: Donald Kennedy Funeral Mass

Donald Gregory Kennedy long time resident of Oakville Ontario died Wednesday, May 29 after a cardiac procedure at Trillium Hospital, Mississauga.

Born in Antigonish on May 31, 1931, he was the son of the late Daniel Kennedy and Rose MacGillivray. He graduated from Morrison School in Antigonish then attended St. Francis Xavier University graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in 1951 and a Bachelor of Education in 1952.

While at St.F.X., Don enrolled in the Naval Officer Training Program spending one summer in Esquimalt, BC. This training brought him to England and France with fellow trainee, cousin, and dear friend, Father Angus MacGillivray. Don and Angie had the honour of playing the pipes at a commemorative ceremony in Dieppe honouring Canadian soldiers who died there during World War II.

Don studied philosophy at St. Jerome University, Waterloo, Ontario and graduated with a Masters in History from Cornell University, Ithaca, New York.

In 1954, Don entered St. Paul Seminary, Ottawa and was ordained in 1958. Subsequently, he joined the faculty at St. Francis Xavier University where he taught history. After a decade and much soul searching, Don chose to leave the priesthood and remained a devoted Catholic.

Don relocated to Ontario in the late 1960s where he worked for many years as a guidance counsellor at Perdu High School, Oakville and General Brock High School, Burlington.

In 1971 Don met the love of his life, Catherine Hart at a dinner party hosted by his dear friend, Max Haines. Seven weeks later they were engaged and on August 12, 1972, they married. Don and Cathy enjoyed many happy years together graciously hosting and spending time with family and friends. They also travelled extensively enjoying cruises in Europe and annual sojourns south to Florida.

In recent years, Don was especially close to his niece Patsy and her family upon whom he could depend as they could him. Don became a loving and supportive 'grandfather' to their children, Leah and Steven.

Don was a curious, clever, compassionate and captivating individual. His wit was characteristic of his clan, eternally dry and always entertaining. He had a deep love of music, was an accomplished piper, a fine singer and played the trombone. Don greatly valued the importance of history and genealogy. The breadth of his knowledge of history and his forebears was impressive, his passion for it inspiring. He loved nothing more than warmly sharing engaging tales about Kennedys, MacGillivrays, Chisholms et al with a humorous squint.

Surviving Don is his cherished and loving companion of 52 years Cathy, sister-in-law, Agnes Kennedy, nieces Patsy Kennedy Prest (Michael), Susan Kennedy Horn (Don), Mary Rose McIntyre, nephews Michael McIntyre (Sue) and Ronald McIntyre (Verne).

Besides his parents, Don was predeceased by sister Lenore Kennedy McIntyre and her husband Leo, brothers Lloyd Kennedy, Saint John Kennedy, sister-in law Anne Boutilier Kennedy-Chisholm, nieces, Joanne Frisoli, Rose Danderfer and nephew David McIntyre (surviving spouse Joan McIntyre).

We would like to extend heartfelt thanks to Dr. McConachie, Dr. Glover, Dr. Ahmed, friends & neighbours Dave and Eve Amos, Eric Benson Bilquist and Sonja Craig for dedicated care for and support of Don.

Don's kind and gentle spirit will be deeply missed by those whose lives he indelibly touched.

There will be no visitation but a funeral mass will be offered Thursday, June 6 at 10:30 am at St. Dominic Parish, 2415 Rebecca Street, Oakville ON L6L 2B1. Burial to follow at St. Jude's Cemetery,  258 Lakeshore Rd. West, Oakville ON L6K1E8. Donations in Don's memory may be made to a charity of your choice.