John Richard Kennedy's Obituary
John Richard Kennedy died July 22, 2009, at the age of 84.
Mr. Kennedy was born on October 5, 1924 in Portland. He lived most of his life in Scappoose, where he began his love of playing saxophone shortly after high school in a local jazz band. During World War II, he served in the Army as a pharmaceutical assistant and played saxophone in a military band. After his service in the Army, Mr. Kennedy met the love of his life. Beverly Darrow. They married and raised 2 sons, Steven Kennedy of Redmond, Wash, and Robert Kennedy, who died in 2007. After studying art at a Portland area college, Mr. Kennedy worked as a graphic artist for Portland Sign Company, Columbia Regional Assoc. of Governments, and as a self employed commercial artist. He enjoyed playing both the clarinet and saxophone at home with his brother William Kennedy and later with his children.
Mr. Kennedy enjoyed playing his instruments, hiking and gardening, motorcycle riding, kayaking and was also a member of the Columbia Chordsman, based in St. Helens.
His family extends special thanks to Sunrise Assisted Living of Bellevue, Wash.
Survivors include his son, Steven Kennedy and his wife Julie Kennedy and their children Thomas, Patrick and Jacob Kennedy, all of Redmond, Wash; sister in law Hazel Kennedy of St. Helens; niece Mary Ann and her husband Jeff Specht of Warren; brother and sister in law Ben and Audrey Van Eaton of Yakima, Wash. Mr. Kennedy's wife died in 2003.
A celebration of his life will be held on August 8, 2009 at Columbia Funeral Home is St. Helens.
Committal services and interment will be held on August 8, 2009 at Columbia Memorial Gardens in Scappoose.
Memorial gifts may be made to the National Wildlife Federation
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