Richard (Dick) Kennedy
March 25, 1942 – November 28, 2024
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Richard Kennedy, who left us peacefully on November 28, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. A man who never met a stranger, Richard had an extraordinary gift for conversation that brought joy and connection to everyone he met.
Born on March 25, 1942, in Wakefield, Quebec, Richard had a natural curiosity and a genuine love for people that shaped his life. Whether chatting with a lifelong friend or striking up a conversation with a stranger in line, Richard had a genuine interest in every conversation, making everyone feel as though they had been friends for years.
Richard’s career as a Truck Driver reflected his sense of adventure, personable nature and dedication. He had a knack for turning any conversation into friendships, a testament to his warmth and charisma.
Above all, Richard was a family man. He leaves behind his loving wife, Marion, who was his steadfast partner for 60 years; his children, Tracy (Ron) Frank and Gary (Phaedra) Kennedy, his grandchildren, Julia and Drew, and his brother Bunny (Bernard Kennedy).
In his free time, Richard loved to be at the trailer park, playing guitar with friends, woodworking, volunteering at the church or the ReStore, always using those moments to connect with people. His friendliness, endless chatting with everyone and countless stories will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Over the years, Richard faced health challenges with courage, grace and incredible resilience.
His family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the incredible doctors, nurses and caregivers who supported him during this time. Your kindness, compassion and dedication made an immeasurable difference in his life and brought comfort to the family.
A celebration of Richard’s life will take place on Wednesday, December 4th, 2024 from 5pm to 8pm at the Egan Funeral Home, 203 Queen Street S (Hwy 50), Bolton (905-857-2213). All who knew him are invited to share stories and honour his legacy.
Funeral Mass will take place at 10 am on Thursday December 5th, 2024 at Holy Family Church, 60 Allan Drive, Bolton followed by a reception at Egan Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation in Richard’s memory.
Richard’s warmth and love for conversation made the world a brighter place. Though he has departed, his stories and the connections he created will live on in our hearts forever.
“A stranger is just a friend you haven’t met yet.”
Condolences for the family may be offered at www.EganFuneralHome.com
Linda and Bob Wolf
Such a tremendous loss for the entire family. So grateful that Richard is no longer in pain and is at peace. God bless him and his family and friends who are mourning his passing.
Bryan Thompson
So sorry for your loss. Condolences to the Kennedy Family. RIP Truck Driver. Rusty and Nick are holding open the gates for your arrival. RIP my Friend GBNF.
Audrey Faris
What a beautiful and meaningful story about Ritchie! Remembering his full life brings back so many fond memories. May he rest in peace. Our sincere condolences to the family.
Grant & Elaine Hooper
Dear Marion & family-
We are so very sad to hear of Dick’s passing. We have such fond memories of his waves, shout outs & chats at Lot 12 over many decades! His legacy of a dear friend to many & a loving family man is a tribute to a life well lived!
Jennifer Figueiredo
I am so lucky to have grown up knowing Dick. He was more than just a friend to my dad, he was family. I always loved talking to him on the phone, he was always genuinely interested in my life and eventually, my families lives. The first time I met Dick, he gave me the biggest, warmest bear hug ever and he was the only person I would allow to call me “Jenny.” It has made me very sad to learn of Dick’s passing. My heart goes out to Marion and the rest of the Kennedy family. May Dick live on through those who knew him.
Cheri and Geoff Hoar
A great Loss to the family. Beautiful words about Richard. He was a wonderful man, always happy to chat with you and make you laugh.
Will miss him dearly
Love Cheri, Geoff and Alyssa
Jerry Newton
We are very saddened to hear of Richard’s passing. He was a true and very friendly gentleman. Jerry & Susan Newton.
Mark & Dale Blaire
Dear Marion and family,
Our deepest condolences to the entire family on the passing of our dear friend.
Richard was known as a friend to all. He knew everyone. Richard was the kind of man who would help out anyone he could. He was a man who took such joy in making people laugh. He was a joyful man who made everyone feel noticed. That’s why he was my #1 greeter at the Elections. Richard was a proud husband, father and grandfather. I know he will be missed by all.
RIP my dear friend.
Jane Chapman
Marion we are saddened by the news of Richard passing. Our condolences to the family.
Don & Jane Chapman
Vicky Anne Irwin
I met Richard & Marion for the first time this past spring while here at the retirement home, I immediately connected with both of them as they have been to some of the places in Canada that I also was familiar with. I so enjoyed sharing our travels to various parts of Canada and the U.S. He was a great storyteller and had a great sense of humour. His positive attitude about life was infectious. I will miss him every day. My condolences to Marion & the family.
Bryan Daly
Dear Marion, Tracy, Gary & Family,
My condolences to you on the passing of Richie. As mentioned in the obit, he was always welcoming. Great memories of the school days at St. Joseph’s. May he rest in peace.
Bryan Daly
Debi
Marion & family, let the memories of all his stories & friendships keep him alive & in our hearts. Pleasure to have know him.
Debi & Dave Hillier
Kerri Leslie
Such a sad time. Richard was an amazing man and had the biggest heart. As someone said, no one was a stranger to him, only a friend he hadn’t meet. Our deepest condolences to the family. Rest in peace dear man.
Sam and Niki Gallo
The quote in his obituary says it all about a stranger being a new friend. When I first met Richard I thought he was a long time resident of Bolton, but he had just moved to Bolton a few weeks prior. Both Richard and Marion were one of the friendliest couples we are blessed to know. Richard you have left a legacy of memories for your family and numerous friends. Your grandkids especially were so lucky to have been a part of your life. Rest in peace. Until we meet again. Sam and Niki Gallo
Barb & Joe Lamy
Your father must’ve been a joy to many Gary. May your memories keep him close. Our sympathies to you and your family.
Barb and Joe
Anne Pendergast
Dear Tracy and Ron: My condolences on the loss of your father. You family will feel so lost after having him in your life so long.
Anne Pendergast (Alliston)
Ann Smith
Dear Marion
I was saddened to read about Richard’s passing. Extending my heartfelt condolences to you and your family
Ann Smith
Brenda North
My sincere condolences to you and your family Marion. He will definitely be missed. I’m so sorry to say that I won’t be able to make it to the funeral or visitation as I will be back at the hospital after several weeks away. The obituary certainly captures his essence…..a man who made friends everywhere he went. I will always remember him and our times together with much fondness.
Pug and Jo-Anne Brown
Our deepest sympathy to Dick’s family. One of the best things when we started camping at Birchcove was meeting Dick and Marion. We became close friends and had the best times together. He was a true friend and will be deeply missed. Sending love and hugs to all.
Pug and Jo-Anne Brown
Beryl & Rob
Dearest Marion
Rob & I are saddened to hear of Rich’s Passing. We are honoured to have called Him Friend & will miss Him forever & a day. Our Condolences go to you, your family & all who knew & loved him.
Brenda Duncan
Marion, I am so sorry to hear of Richard’s passing. I have missed seeing both of you at church. He was a wonderful man who had many friends and acquaintances. Such an outgoing person who always had a story to tell. A true delight. He will be missed.
Brenda Duncan
Bill and bev bateman
Sorry for your loss Marion and family. Thinking of you. Our thoughts and prayers are with and the family
Kim Ingram
So sorry to hear of Richard’s passing. My condolences and prayers to you Marion and the family. I’m thankful to have known him — I think of you often Marion —take care—
Gallagher Family
Our condolences to the Kennedy Family.
Rich was a true standup Character, loved his stories and his laugh, he will be sadly missed but never forgotten.
RIP Richard till we all see you again.
Heidi Phillips
My deepest condolences upon hearing of Dick’s passing. I met him through the Restore and afterwards often ran into him at the Walmart McDonald’s. He always made my day brighter and I will miss the laughter and conversations we had. My heart and thoughts go out to his family.
Jill Leach
My sincere condolences to Marion and family on the passing of Dick! He was quite the travelling one-man welcome committee when we first started to camp at Birch Cove and he will be missed by many. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time.
Dr. Rosanna Porretta
The written obituary fits him to a “T”.
He will be truly missed by everyone as he was a bright light onto the earth.
We all send our condolences from Bolton Family Dental Centre. Thoughts and prayers with your family at this time.
Margaret Barrett
Sending our deepest condolences to you Marion and your family. We shared many laughs and conversations with Dick and you at the trailer park over many years with Dad (Ed Leach) and Dorothy.
Though we have lots of great memories, Dick will be sadly missed.
Sincerely, Marg Barrett, Marilyn Fry and our families.
Joan Mahoney
Marion
So sorry to hear of Richard’s death.
My condolences to you and your family.
What memories of both of you, life on McLeod street, apartment in what we then called “Eastview”, tripping of to Montreal on a whim to see the Canadiens play at the forum, and so many others.
He brought laughter to so many of us.
You are in my thoughts.
Joan Mahoney
Lisa Fallis and family
Dear Marion and family, our deepest condolences go out to you and your family. Richard was truly one of a kind. He could brighten anyone’s day with a simple hello, laughter or story to tell. Many a great time was had by myself and my family as we talked in the Walmart McDonald’s while you were shopping. He knew how to make friends and entertain everyone while keeping an eye out so that he could be ready to happily join you at the checkout. He’s going to be greatly missed!
Ginger.Dick
Marion and Family. I can’t send a card but I want you all to know what a wonderful person Dick was. We were neighbours a few times but most of all good friends.
He was such a kind man and would do anything to help anyone. Dick will be certainly missed but never forgotten.
The rest of my Family all send their condolences.
Jim and Jill
Sending love and condolences to all. So many memories to cherish from so many good times. Rest easy Dick and say Hi to Rusty and Nick.
Ken Graham
This is a huge loss for Frank family and I send my condolences to Tracy, Ron, Julia and Drew.
Laurie Loney
Marion and Family- We were so very sorry to hear the passing of our dear neighbour. We always had something to talk about when he drove by.
It was so nice to see him in September.
Laurie and Peter Loney
Jodi M
We are sending our deepest condolences to your whole family. Dick was the most friendly and outgoing resident of Bolton. He never forgot a name or face and could recall every conversation you ever shared. He genuinely cared about everyone and their families and you felt it when running into him in town while having a little chat. You’re in our thoughts during this difficult time. Ian, Jodi, Lauren, Grady and Lindsey
Jim & Deb
Sad to hear of Dick’s passing. Deb and I had great conversations with Dick over the years at Birch Cove. Always a good laugh was definitely in the conversation. Dick will be missed.
Michael Moyle
Marion and family. My deepest sympathy and condolences to you and your family.
Richard was such an amazing man and a great friend.
So much fun working with him. Lots of great memories.
He will be missed!
Michael Moyle
Bette -Anne Folkard
My deepest sympathy Marion and Family on the loss of a truly fine gentleman.
Richard knew how to make a person feel welcomed and valued with his warm gift of friendly conversation.
He was a deep man of Faith and it carried him through until his passing Home.
May he rest in the peace and joy that he so believed and hoped in. He shall be greatly missed. Not goodbye, but until we meet again, Richard. Blessings and peace to all of the family, Bette – Anne Folkard.
Terry Coles
Very sorry to hear of Dick’s passing.. I worked with Dick at the Restore and often ran into him at the Walmart. He was a great guy.
Terry
Janet and Sam Fowler
We would like to send our condolences to all the family at this sad time. Dick was a wonderful friend that my family will hold dear in our memories. I still cherish all the photos that he took of our wedding. The snow is keeping us from travelling to you, but know our thoughts and prayers are with your family. R.I.P Dick
Lorraine Guilfoyle
Dear Marion,
Our deepest condolences to you and all your family, Such sad news and tremendous loss to your family and everyone who has been part of his life. Growing up, Ritchie was always a close part of our family and this relationship continued throughout our lives to this day.. We are fortunate to have been part of his life. His memories will always be in our hearts, never forgotten. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Leo, Lillian & Lorraine
Ron & Lois Frizzell
Our sincere condolences to Marion & the entire family. Dick & Marion have been long time friends for over 50 years with so many, many shared memories. May he Rest in Peace.
Carmel Hili
Marion, I cannot imagine the sadness and sense of emptiness you and your family feel at the passing of Richard.
We had met so often at the liturgies at both Holy Family Church as well as St. John the Evangelist. We had a friendly chat occasionally after the daily Mass at Holy Family Church in the recent past.
I visited Richard a couple of times when he first ended at the Cortellucci Hospital due to a stroke and he had shared with me how much he was looking forward towards moving into the retirement home. It was not to be too long a stay: God has now claimed for himself. A good man!
May you find comfort and strength in the deep faith he shared with you as you entrust him to God, who is love.
carmel – anne marie
Shelly Bartley
Dear Marian and family. I just heard of Dick’s passing. I’m sooo sorry for your loss. What a sweet, funny man. We had so many great chats. I think of all the great memories I made in that incredible neighborhood. Sending huge hugs to all.
Robert Martin
I had the pleasure of working with Dick for 20 years. Great individual who would give you the shirt off his back if you asked for it. My condolences to Marion and family. Another loss for the Carlings-Molson group, RIP my friend.
Giacomo Fabrizio
It was a pleasure getting to know Rich. Thank you for trusting me with his care when he needed it. Condolences from all of us at Nobleton Physio.
Albion Bolton Agricultural Society
On behalf of the Albion & Bolton Agricultural Society, we extend our deepest condolences to Ron and his family. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.