Clarence William Kennedy

CLARENCE WILLIAM “BILL” KENNEDY

December 10, 1932 – April 04, 2018

It is with heavy hearts that we announce Bill’s passing on April 04, 2018 at the age of 85 years.  Bill was born in Radway, Alberta on December 10, 1932.  He was predeceased by his parents Karl and Gladys Kennedy and brother, George.  Bill is survived by and will be missed by his wife; Edna Rose Kennedy (Rebalkin), his son; David Kennedy (grandchildren; Christie and Melissa), daughter; Colleen Hief (grandchildren; Kelly, Michael & Rachel), stepdaughter; Tania Rebalkin (grandchildren; Kathryn, Alexandra, Anastasia & Ramon), stepson; Warren Graner (grandchildren; Draden & Kylie), his great grandchildren, plus numerous other family members and life long friends.

Bill went to several schools in Alberta and BC, coming to BC at the age of 9.  After graduating, he joined the Royal Canadian Airforce.  He met Nadine Pearce while stationed with the air force in Comox.  He was stationed in Ontario and was going to be sent to university to become an air force lawyer, when they discovered he and Nadine were pregnant whereupon he left the Air Force and moved to Vancouver Island.  After he and Nadine parted ways, he went to work in Ft. McMurray for a time before moving down to California.  He joined the craft (Masons) around this time as well.  He worked as a commercial fisherman off both the BC coast and in the Gulf of Mexico.  It was during one of his visits back to see his mother after his move to California in the late 1970’s, that he met and married Edna (Rebalkin) and moved to Haztic Lake to be near his mother prior to her passing.  He and Edna enjoyed the latter years “snowbirding” and touring the Southwestern United States, enjoying the company of a number of his cousins on these expeditions.

As his health declined, he was no longer able to travel.  A number of years later, he and Edna moved to Oliver to care for Edna’s mother.

Coming from a musical family, Bill loved nothing more than to sit down and jam with his cousins and Edna, whom he taught to play guitar so she could keep him company while he played his favorite instrument, the banjo.  The very last song he played with Edna was just weeks before his passing, “So long, it’s been good to know you”.  He got to see one of his lifelong friends, Arnie Iverson, just days before passing.  Bill was at peace when he passed, with Edna by his side.

There will be a “Celebration of Life” on the September long weekend at the Vedder River Campground.  For those unable to attend, please text message Edna or call 778-982-9289 so that Edna may arrange another meeting in New Westminster for August 25, 2018.