Obituary of Robert Kenny

Life Legacy Robert Kenny, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend to many, died in Fredericton on Saturday, June 6th, 2015 of complications related to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or Lou Gehrig’s Disease. Bob was born on Oct.19, 1942 in Marysville, NB to Winifred (Price) Kenny and Irvine Kenny. His wife Joan (Keenan) and his daughters Mary Ellen, Natalie, and Brigette were his first loves, anchoring a life filled with a passion for family. His grandchildren were the object of endless grandfatherly pride and affection, and will miss him deeply. Bob’s boundless optimism infected others, inspired many, and left all those who encountered him better off for their time with him. Even while facing the insurmountable odds of an incurable disease, he proved that the most pernicious of afflictions is no match for a vital spirit. This spirit will live on in countless ways, for his was a life dedicated to building, helping, serving and nurturing. His legacy is underscored by the countless friends who mourn his passing, a community strengthened by his selfless contributions, and a family that embodies his love and dedication to fellowship and service. Bob left no one untouched by his humour, his gift for storytelling, and his modesty. His friendships extended to every corner of society regardless of age, profession, location or social status. Whether as a baseball coach, a young professional, a prominent leader, or a woodsman, Bob possessed an uncanny ability to enrich others’ lives and to draw people together. Among Bob’s numerous passions, fly-fishing and the Boston Red Sox were two interests that particularly nourished his soul and even occasionally repaid the emotion and energy he invested in them. Bob was ultimately rewarded with three World Series championships, and, allegedly, a salmon or two. A visit to Fenway Park with Bob was a treat that would reanimate in anyone a love for the beauty of the game. A trip to any river in New Brunswick with Bob was a lesson in respect for the delicacy of nature and awe of its beauty. Bob graduated from Fredericton High School, the RCMP Academy, New Brunswick Teachers’ College and the University of New Brunswick, and was called to the New Brunswick Bar in 1968. A dedicated lawyer and contributor to the legal profession, he was a deputy Provincial Court Judge from 1970 to 1972 and served as an adjudicator for the Public Service Labour Relations Board for the Province of New Brunswick. He was appointed Queen’s Counsel in 1986. A battler for the “little guy”, Bob pursued justice for his clients in a way that inspired other lawyers and embodied the principles of the Canadian justice system. Countless Frederictonians and New Brunswickers have benefited from Bob’s involvement in the community. Some of the organizations with which he shared his talents include: the YM/YWCA (president); Fredericton North Rotary Club; Miramichi Salmon Association; Killarney Lake Wildlife Advisory Board; Marysville Heritage Committee; Fredericton Chamber of Commerce (president); and the Dr. Everett Chalmers Hospital Foundation. He also served the United Way, ALS Society, University of New Brunswick, St. Thomas University, the Fredericton Indoor Pool Committee (co-chair), the 1997 East Coast Music Awards, and the Bid Committee for the 2003 Fredericton Canada Winter Games. In 2014 St. Thomas University awarded Bob an honorary doctorate. Other honours included the Paul Harris Fellowship Award; International Year of Volunteers Award, Government of Canada (2001); Team Membership, Fredericton Sports Wall of Fame (1992); North Side Recognition Distinction, Nashwaaksis “Y” Men’s Club (1991). In 1999 he was named the Fredericton Chamber of Commerce Distinguished Citizen of the Year, and in 2013 the City of Fredericton celebrated Bob by proclaiming Bob Kenny Day, which included a gala performance at The Playhouse. Bob never sought such honours, preferring instead to direct the spotlight to the causes he championed. Many people have been led by his example to make their own contributions to helping others and their community. Moreover, generations of New Brunswick Liberals have been inspired in their commitment to politics and public service by Bob’s social conscience and his unshakeable belief in equality and human rights. A man with keen political interests and deep convictions, he maintained close friendships with people of all political persuasions and offered counsel to leaders in all parties. Bob was predeceased by his parents and by his only sibling Donald Kenny. In addition to Joan, his wife of 49 years, Bob is survived by his children Mary Ellen Kenny (Fred Headon), Natalie Kenny, and Brigette Kenny (Marc Antoine Chiasson), and by his grandchildren Ellen Richardson, William and Meredith Headon, and Claire Chiasson. He is also survived by his sisters-in-law Lillian Bibby of Belleville, ON; Evelyn Catterson (Dr. Alistair Catterson) and Beatrice Ross, all of Ottawa; and Monica Jurosky of Lompoc, CA, as well as many other members of the Keenan family with which he shared a close and loving relationship. Bob will be fondly remembered by his Kenny and Price relatives, many of whom share his love of the Miramichi. Bob’s family wishes to thank the staff of Parkland Shannex in Fredericton for their excellent care and support. We wish to express our special appreciation and gratitude to Dr. D. Gowan. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Wednesday, June 10th at 12:05 pm at St. Dunstan’s Catholic Church, with Father Bill Brennan officiating. Family will receive guests at the reception in the Monsignor Boyd Family Centre following the service. At Bob’s request, those wishing to honor his memory are invited to plant a tree in his name, or to reach out to anyone who may be in need of a visit or a helping hand. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of York Funeral Home. Personal condolences may be offered through www.yorkfh.com