Daniel Kennedy

On May 21, 2024 Daniel Benjamin Kennedy got the call to board the Lancaster for a his final flight. With Godspeed, Dan responded to the call with grace and dignity as he joined his wife Helen (1998), sons Brian (1967) and Jim “Jake” (2011), brother Brian and sisters Marjorie and Doreen.

In Canada, Dan is survived by his daughter Barbara (John), grandchildren Alexandra (Duncan), Samantha, Justina, Kurtis, and Cameron and a large extended family of nieces and nephews in New Zealand.

Dan was born in Aukland, New Zealand on September 30, 1923 and oh the things that he has seen and lived through. A product of Aukland Grammer School, Dan developed a strength in numbers and math. With World War approaching and with New Zealand as a member of the Commonwealth, Dan enlisted with hopes of becoming a pilot. As the story goes, after the initial exam he and one other recruit were called back. Thinking that he had aced the exam, he was surprised to learn that his exam results were so poor that the recruiter thought he was trying to avoid service. Luckily, Dan’s passion of numbers saved the day, and instead of becoming a pilot he became a navigator. Training took him to Edmonton where, days before leaving for the front, he proposed to Helen Bell. Dan had many stories about his time in the air force and could tell you the statistics of the Lancaster Bomber up until the day of his departure.

Post war, Dan and Helen spent a short time in New Zealand prior to relocating to Edmonton where Dan began his career with Woodwards. When opportunity presented, the family relocated to Surrey BC. Dan became the corporate secretary for Woodwards, commuting downtown Vancouver daily. Life in Surrey involved Sundays at the Anglican Church of Epiphany, and what can only be described as an incredible garden in the backyard. His son Jim was a fanatic triathlete and Ironman, and that fanaticism rubbed off on the old guy as later in life Dan became an avid cyclist and did many serious bike tours. Years after Helen passed away, Dan met Winnie Corby and together they travelled the world and enjoyed time together.

Dan was truly a gift to all that met him. He was humble, polite, with drawl sense of humour. We would like to thank the staff at Salvation Army Buchanan Lodge for their care of Dan. In Dan’s memory, please make a donation to the cancer charity of your choice. Cancer has touched many in Dan’s family, your contribution would make Dan happy. Now, if you really want to remember Dan, please pour yourself a glass of sherry, cut a piece of fruitcake and savour both (as much as one can).