ROBERT JOHN (R.J.) KENNEDY

Robert John (R.J.) Kennedy passed away in the early-morning hours of May 2, 2006 in his own home, surrounded and embraced by his family. After living ever so graciously with cancer for the past few months, he now rests in peace.
R.J. was born April 22, 1952 to Elda May Kennedy and the late Edwin James Kennedy in Fort Frances, Ont., where he lived his entire life.
On May 19, 1979, R.J. married Vickie McMillan and they were blessed with two beautiful daughters, Lisa Kathleen and Jana Christine. On July 20, 2004, Lisa and her fiancé, Scott, gave R.J. and Vickie a precious granddaughter, Mackenzee Christine.
He adored his little “punkinhead” and, especially in the last few months, her energy and sparkle brought sunshine into his day. Nothing made Papa happier than her special hugs and kisses.
His years of employment began as a “rink rat,” where he formed many of the bonds that are still strong today. He then worked for Ernest Thompson Distributors for more than a decade prior to beginning with the local mill, where he became a skilled paper-maker.
R.J. had a love of the outdoors and early in his life, he developed a passion for skeet and trap shooting, fishing, hunting, and later golfing. He was widely admired for his natural skill and ability as both a golfer and a shooter.
His successes included numerous years as skeet shooting champion, and it gave him much joy to give others guidance and encouragement to improve their abilities in the sport.
R.J. eagerly anticipated his annual hunting trip with Jim, Doug, and Tyler, as as well the chosen few who occasionally accompanied this exclusive group. He also enjoyed fishing year-round. It was an annual tradition to open the walleye season with Jim regardless of the weather—and the competition continued throughout the season.
Through each of his activities, he developed strong and lasting friendships.
A loyal and generous friend, R.J. never hesitated to lend a hand. It was his nature to be meticulous about every task he undertook. His strong work ethic on the job carried over into his everyday life.
R.J. was predeceased by his father, Edwin; brother, Allan; sister, Audrey; nephew Craig; father-in-law, Bruce McMillan; and mother-in-law, Betty Squires.
His wife, Vickie, daughter, Lisa and her fiancé, Scott Cullen, daughter, Jana, granddaughter, Mackenzee, and his mother, Elda, will forever cherish the love and the life they shared with him.
He is lovingly remembered by his siblings, Faye (John Hazel), Ruffus (Marika Barchuk), Ed and son, Jake, Helen (Hugh Geary) and son, Aron, Betty (Mark Madill) and her daughter, Tara; as well as Vivian Smith, Ted, Isla Hayes, and Jim (Lucille).
R.J. is truly missed by Vickie’s family, John and Donna McMillan and children, Steven and Jennifer, Kathy and Brian Loeppky and children, Jason and Jeffrey, Scott McMillan, Jim and Eileen Squires, and Mary Lynn McMillan.
Uncle R.J. also is lovingly remembered by his niece, Brenda (Dave Gustafson) and their daughter, Jillian. R.J. will always hold a special place in the hearts of dear friends Jim and Kathy Cuthbertson, Jay, Ria, Katie, and Tanner, along with a multitude of other friends and family.
A celebration of R.J.’s life, led by Diane and Garth Clifford, will be held Saturday, May 6, 2006 at 11 a.m. at Green Funeral Home in Fort Frances. A luncheon will follow at Church of the Holy Spirit (824 Victoria Ave.)
In lieu of flowers, in memoriam donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or Church of the Holy Spirit Memorial Fund.