Donald passed away into the loving arms of his Saviour on Saturday, October 27, 2012. He was a wonderful husband, father, opi, uncle and brother-in-law, and a beloved friend to many.

Don was born in New Westminster on July 13, 1942, and lived his whole life in the Royal City. He graduated from Lester Pearson High School in 1960 and went on to complete a Commerce Degree at the University of British Columbia, where he was a proud member and president of the Delta Upsilon Fraternity.

Don married “Nita”, the love of his life, on April 8, 1971. Together they raised three daughters. Don’s only regret in life was not having more children. He loved his girls so much.

Don began his professional career as a real estate agent with Block Brothers and later Kennedy Cooper. In 1976, he took over the family business, Kennedy Travel Service Ltd, which was established by his father as the first travel agency in Western Canada. He took every advantage of the travel opportunities presented to him and explored much of the world with Nita at his side. He made many connections as a member and past president of the Skal Club of Vancouver. He was a caring and compassionate boss, respected by all who worked for and with him.

Don led by example and dedicated much of his life to serving others, acting on the Queen’s Park Hospital Foundation Board and the BC Parole Board. He was an enthusiastic member and past president of the New Westminster Rotary Club, and he made many lifelong friends through the YM/YWCA of New Westminster.

When he wasn’t playing handball with his buddies or improvising a tune on the piano, he could be found (or rather, not found) at one of his secret blackberry patches around Birch Bay. The cabin at Birch Bay will always remain a very special place for Don’s family because of how much he loved being there.

He is survived by his wife, Anita, daughters Christine, Tobi May (Kyle), and Holly, grandson Heath and a future grandchild due in April; cousins Merrick Hunter, Graham Hunter, Lorian Kennedy and Allison Akgungor; brother Bruce. He also leaves behind an incredible extended family of 16 sisters- and brothers-in-law and many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews, all of whom he loved dearly.
The family wishes to thank the staff at the Royal Columbian Hospital Dialysis Clinic and the Alzheimer’s Society for their support and care.

A Celebration of Life will be held on November 16, 2012 at the Centennial Lodge in Queen’s Park, New Westminster, from 1 to 4 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Rotary Foundation.