Obituary of Jim Kennelly

JAMES, EUGENE, KENNELLY

‘JIM’

JULY 21, 1934     -    APRIL 10, 2020

 

 

On Good Friday, April 10th Jim, faithfully & with gratitude for all he was blessed with, met his creator after living all of his life in Cranbrook, or as he so often said, “ The Best Place In The World To Live”.

Jim and Delphine had been married 62 years and began their “Love Story”, when she was 13 and he 15 while attending a Church Social in Fernie, B.C.

Together, their family legacy was built on Catholic Faith, Hard Work, Gratitude and Kindness towards everyone. Jim’s devotion & dedication to the church, was admired and appreciated as he served daily mass and participated in the rosery. He will be missed by many.

He served the community as a Businessman, after graduating from Mt Royal College in Calgary, Alberta; (Kennelly Lumber Company, Kennelly Contracting, Kootenay Wood Products, Banco, to name a few). Jim served as a City Councillor, Volunteer Cranbrook Hospital Board Director, Volunteer Hospital Auxiliary Member & Board Director, Gyro Member, Director and President,  EK Regional District Board Member, Chums of the Chamber,  Knights of Columbus Member & 4th Degree Knight; as well as, a Member of the Building Committee of St. Mary’s School & Parish Council.

He mentored many young entrepreneurial businessmen, as they began to explore small business opportunities and lead, friends, and family, by example: Being one’s best; strong, gentle with manners always, while still exhibiting kindness.

 Jim was grateful for living in his community, he enjoyed the peaceful beauty and majesty of White Swan Lake, but mostly he was proud and profoundly grateful to be blessed with family.

Jim leaves behind his wife, Delphine, his children Jane (Al Coates), Ann Marie (Laurie Johnson), Tom (Canda), Dan (Wendy), Barb (Lorne Stasiuk), Maureen (Don Henderson) & Mike. His Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren, Katie, Carlee, Jeffrey Coates,  Jennifer & Randy, Ryler, Dani Gates, Amy & Joe, Knox, Hendrix, Vail, Eden Jackson, Darren Johnson (Kirsty), Michelle & Brad, Connor, Roslyn Borle,  Danis (Adam), Dallan, Dawson & Marni Kennelly, Sarah, Joey Kennelly, Brittney & Ryan, Annabella, Makenna, Sophia, Robyn Brooks, Nolan, Max Henderson, as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Jim was preceded by his parents, Myrtle and Martin Kennelly, his siblings and their spouses, Harry (Nan), Doreen (Owen Brown), Pat (Donna) and his beloved children, Teddy, and Phillip Kennelly.

Every Day of Jim/Dad’s life was greeted with his infectious smile & a little bit of kindness as he met and saw folks along his many long walks throughout town! Most of all he loved life – Life side by side with his Lifelong Love, Delphine.

A Celebration of Life will take place sometime in the near future when safe to do so.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Jim’s honour the Cranbrook Health Care Auxiliary Society, Donations can be mailed to 30- 8th Avenue South, Cranbrook, B.C., V1C 2K3 or a charity of one’s choice.

         Be Kind Always – It Costs So Little, but worth a Million!

 

Arrangements entrusted to McPherson Funeral Services.

Condolences for the family can be offered at:

www.mcphersonfh.com

Thank you

The Families of Jim Kennelly together with Mom, wish to extend their sincere gratitude to the Community of Cranbrook and beyond, as Dad battled his illness.

To FRIENDS, the numerous Interior Health Professionals, pharmacists, hospital / emergency nurses, specialists and notably and generously, Drs. Brown and Andreas and Brian Clarkson - Thank you for caring for Dad with kindness and compassion.

To the parishioners of St. Mary’s & Christ the Servant Catholic Churches, lead by Father Aaron’s unconditional spiritual guidance, thank you for the prayers and support. Your heartfelt kindness was felt. The cards, flowers and especially the overwhelming donations to the Cranbrook Health Care Auxiliary were deeply appreciated.

To Dane from McPherson Funeral Services, thank you for assisting in making arrangements seamless, under extenuating circumstances.

To remember Dad’s smile, his kindness and his deep love of the Community, Family and especially that of Mom -will continue to bring us strength in shared memories.

A future Celebration of Life will take place when Family can come together safely, while considering COVID protocols.

May God bless you all with KINDNESS and Good Health.

Sincerely, Delphine Kennelly and Families.