It is with great sadness that we announce George’s passing on Friday, March 28, 2025. He will be forever remembered as a loving husband and father, a cherished brother, brother-in-law and uncle, a fun grandpa and great grandpa, and a good friend.
Born to JB and Irma Kennedy on May 19, 1936 and raised in Ilderton, Ontario, George spent most of his life enjoying country living alongside his loving wife, dear Joan. He was the loving father of Catherine Long(d) (husband Brian Long) and Stephen Kennedy (wife Ann-Marie Kennedy). George grew up with and tantalized his sisters and brothers, Gwen Holmes(d) (Arnold), Donald Kennedy(d), Judy Nixon(d), Mary Kennedy(d), Jim Kennedy(d), Patsy Harlton (John), Lynda Hodgins (Jim) and Ruth E Weaver. As a grandfather, George loved and supported his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Bryan Johnson, Courtney Brown, Tianna Levesque, and Stephanie Kurtz held a special place in his heart. His love and tomfoolery extended to his grandchildren’s spouses (Beth, Christian, Thomas, and Steve) and his great grandchildren (Saoirse, Rowan, Tyler, Tatianna, Levi and Lydia).
George was a cornerstone of his community, serving proudly on the Ilderton Fair Board and the Ilderton Lions Club where he met many lifelong friends. He had a gift for storytelling, a great sense of humor, and an ability to bring laughter to everyone around him. His happiest times were when he could make others happy and laugh, and his jokes and playful spirit will remain treasured memories for those who knew him.
He was one of a kind—for sure; there was only one George. When people reflect on him, they often remark, “They don’t make them like that anymore.”
Besides his family, many of his fondest memories would be with his hunting buddies, no doubt. An avid sports enthusiast, George also loved playing sports in his younger days and remained a dedicated fan throughout his life. Many joyful afternoons were spent cheering on the Toronto Blue Jays with Joan, and their friends, whether from stadium seats or the comfort of their home. These moments, filled with laughter and excitement, defined the joy and comfort George brought to those around him.
To his son, he was a father, a partner, and a buddy. George enjoyed working alongside his son, creating lasting memories and bonds through shared experiences. But on the second and fourth Tuesday of every month, the tractor sat still because it was Lions’ night. His son fondly recalls that George seemed to leave an impression on everyone he met, as people would frequently ask, “How’s George doing?”
He spent his last hours doing one of the things he loved, socializing and playing cards at the Ilderton Community Centre. The family extends heartfelt thanks to the Ilderton community members and volunteer firefighters who responded swiftly.
Rest in peace George, knowing that your stories, humor, and spirit will live on.
A come and go celebration of George’s life will be held at Haskett Funeral Home 456 Main Street, EXETER on Monday, April 7th from 4 – 7 PM. Private family interment at Medway Cemetery at a later date.
For those who wish, contributions can be made to the Ilderton Lions Club or Ilderton Firefighters Association.
We are always willing to go where called upon but this image shows a visual of the communities that our included in our initial transportation fee. We offer a 40km radius from any of our 5 locations (Arva (London), Exeter, Lucan, Seaforth, and Zurich). Any mileage beyond the included 40km will be charged a rate of $2.50/km (one way travel only).
Deb and Rob Andrews
Stephen, Ann Marie, Tianna, Stephanie, Courtney, Bryan and your families
Sending our condolences and hugs to all during this sad time. George was a “unique” man who brought joy and laughter to all walks of life – both young and old.
He was loved by all whose lives he touched.
The celebration of life today for your father and grandfather was a lovely tribute. You all definitely showed your love and respect as you stood for many hours and greeted everyone who attended.
RIP -George.
Joan Edwards
My sympathy to the Kennedy family.
Always enjoyed the kibitzing with George and walking away with a smile!! He definitely will be missed and as the expression goes “they don’t make’em like that anymore”!!
Pauline & Roy Phillips
Our condolences to the Kennedy Family
We enjoyed our card games and visits while playing. There will be no one who can replace George.
Pauline & Roy Phillips
Mildred Warner
To the Kennedy Family,
Played euchre with George on the Tues of his passing. Enjoyed the fellowship that we shared at the many card gatherings in our community. He will be so missed. Peace be with your family.
Mary Colbert
Our sincerest condolences to the Kennedy family…George will be missed by all who knew him. He was quite the character!
Jim and Mary Colbert
Jim & Diane McNaughton
I grew up respecting George and the way everyone was always happier when George was around them. After retiring and joining the Ilderton Lions I saw the driving force that George was within the community and the brightened lives of those fortunate enough to know him. Our hearts go out to Joan and the family. God bless
Bob and Anne-Marie McNaughton
George always lit up the room. He was larger than life and lived his to the fullest He was one of a kind and we are all the better for having known him God Bless
Joan Robson
When we played slow pitch, George was like the ‘pied piper “. All the kids just could not get enough of him…each one wanted to be his friend and George made each one feel special
Truly a special guy.
Rest in peace George.
Joan Robson
Ann Wong
To the Kennedy Family
So many memories of George with his wonderful sense of humour and fun. Never a dull moment in his presence! He will be sadly missed by many. Our deepest sympathy,
Larry and Ann Wong
Heather Bice
Stephen, Ann – Marie, Tianna, Stephanie and Courtney and Bryan and families
George was definitely one of a kind and he had the most infectious sense of humor, his jokes, his amazing stories and how he told them always had everyone laughing and he had a heart of gold, always lending a helping hand to whoever needed it.
A great pillar of the Ilderton Community and the many organizations he was part of. He will be missed many.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and and my all the wonderful memories you hold in your hearts give you the peace and strength to get through the difficult times.
Bob Petrie
Stephen, Ann-Marie and Family
So many great memories of times spent together over the years, baseball games, dances, trips and get togethers.
George will be missed and often remembered.
A life well lived
Thinking of all of you,
Bob Petrie
Brenda Swindell
Our sincere sympathy in the loss of George. His infectious humour and smile were always enjoyed by everyone he met. I played his final card game with him and the final bell.
SIncerely,
Brenda and Ron Swindell
Laurie Brown
Those we Love remain with us
for love itself lives on,
and cherished memories never fade
because a loved one’s gone.
Those we love can never be,
more than a thought apart,
for as long as there is memory,
they’ll live on in our hearts.
Praying the lord will comfort you with his peace, surround you in his love, and encourage you with his presence.
Please except our deepest condolences
Laurie and Gary Brown
For the Lord shall comfort you
Isaiah 51:3
Elston Family
We are sending warm and caring hugs to everyone in George’s family. George kept all of us, then the Elston ‘kids’, thoroughly entertained before and after church… and sometimes even during the service! That twinkle in his eye had us all smiling and wondering what he would next have up his sleeve. Whether at church or in the community, George’s genuine friendliness, support and sense of humour were ongoing. Oh, George, you brought laughter and light to our world, gifts that we will always fondly remember and for which we are truly grateful.
Sincerely, the Elston families.
Ruth Stephenson
My sincere sympathy to all the Kennedy family. George always left you with a smile and a good feeling.
Steve and Kim Bowman
Our deepest sympathies to George’s family. He could always warm up a room with his infectous laugh and smile.
Helga Howald
Stephen, Ann Marie and family, my deepest condolences, my thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time. George was a great man, may he rest in peace.
Chris Hern
To the Kennedy Family,
George was one of a kind! I think my favorite memory of him would be the day I was surrounded by ‘George’s’ at the parts counter in Arva (Kennedy, Skinnner & Nixon) The wisdom that was shared that fine spring day has become the stuff of legends.
My sincere condolences to you all. He will be missed.
Chris & Kate Hern
Mike and Diane O’Shea
Dear Kennedy Family,
Joining with so many who truly admired George. He was indeed a character but a man with a heart for his family and his community. Please accept our sincere sympathy.
Mike and Diane O’Shea
Jeff & Teresa Young
George was indeed one of a kind He and my dad were life long friends and they had some wonderful times over the years Sorry to hear of his passing
Chelsey Passmore
My condolences, Kennedy’s. May your many memories bring you some peace in the coming days and weeks.
Sincerely,
Chelsey (Manning) Passmore
Tom & Carol Baker
Our sincere condolences to you Steve, Ann Marie and your family on the loss of your dad
Bill Dobbie
Steve and Ann-Marie,
Deepest condolences to you both and your families. My thoughts are with you all.
Bill Dobbie
Pat Goertz
Our condolences to the Kennedy family. George left lasting impressions no matter where he went. RIP George…..you’ve earned your wings.
Ben and Pat Goertz
Rebecca Robb
Steve, Ann-Marie and families
My sincere condolences to you.
I remember George’s sense of humour.
He will be missed greatly.
Thinking of you.
Beckie Robb
Dawna Van Boxmeer
Dear Steve, Ann-Marie and family. Our heartfelt condolences to all of you.
Thinking of you.
Dawna and Harry Van Boxmeer
Fran Urbshott
Stephen, AnnMarie and all the Kennedy Family,
Brian & I were sad to hear of George’s passing. May all your special memories comfort you during this difficult time.
Brian, Fran, John-Guy, Alisa and family .
Patrick Maidens
Stephen and family. My sincere condolences and thoughts to you for your loss. He sounds like he left a lasting impression with everything he did.
John & Arlene Berendsen
Sorry to hear of your loss…Always enjoyed joking around with George & Steve on the farm…thinking of all of you…John & Arlene Berendsen
Kim Waugh
Stephen, Ann Marie and family,
Our families got together many times over the years and we have so many fond memories of those days. George was the height of hilarity during those visits. As kids we could not wait to see what he would do next and we still tell those stories to this day. He was a great guy, with a great sense of fun and he will missed by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him. Our family sends our condolences and we are thinking of you during this sad time.
The Grigg Family
Ann (Shoebottom) Brabender
Stephen and family – George was one of a kind. He loved to tease people and his smile and laughter was contagious! George & Joan and the entire Kennedy family were certainly pillars in the community! Big shoes to fill! Cherish the wonderful memories. My deepest sympathy.
Greg & Ruth Strapp
What a guy! Time spent seeking out George at any event was well worth it.
You were always rewarded with a good (sometimes a little risque) story or just a good laugh.
Condolences to the Kennedy clan on the loss of someone we will all miss.
Greg & Ruth
Kim Miles
To all the Kennedy families, our heartfelt condolences on your loss. George was a wonderful kind spirit with a joyful knack of spreading light and a little laughter all around.
Kim Miles along with Jessi & Bill and their families.
Dale & Linda Froats
Smiles and laughter were contagious when running into George; always came away with a warm spot in your heart for family and community. He will be so missed in the community of Ilderton.
Linda Fox
To George’s Family,
Please accept my Deepest Sympath in the loss of George. I remember well being on the bus with Ilderton Tours going to see the Blue Jays play. It was always a bonus when they won for us when we were there.
Treasure you many memories of him and hold them close to your hearts where he will always remain and remember that LOVE never dies.
RIP George.
Sincerely.
Linda Fox
Bob and Nancy Manning
To the Kennedy family: Our community has lost another great one. George’s joke telling and pranks will be missed by many. He has created many great memories and may they comfort you in the coming days. I was at euchre on Tuesday with him and had a brief chat and we will miss his “bell ringing” skills. RIP George!
Jack & Dana Garrett
Stephen, Anne Marie & Kennedy families,
We are so sorry to hear about George’s passing. He was always someone that could cheer you up every time you saw him, and make you thankful to live in his community. His contributions to the Ilderton Lions were countless, and he always had a smile and/or a story to tell you when you met him.
Our sincere condolences to the whole Kennedy family.
Jack & Dana Garrett
Cliff and Ruth Dickie
Our sympathies to you Steve, Ann Marie and families. What a great guy. There was never a dull moment when George was around.
richard graham
Stephen * Ann Marie and family
George brought a lot of laughs to the Lions Club and the Euchre Club going to miss him dearly.
our deepest Condolences
John & Mary Walls
To George’s family;
George was full of fun and laughter. Telling a story in his unique way which would always put a smile on people’s faces. George was a great Lion’s member and was involved in community activities. His presence will be missed. Thinking of everyone at this sad time.
Strathroy Lions Club
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Ilderton & District Lions Club as they mourn the loss of a dedicated Lion – Lion George Kennedy. Our condolences to Lion George’s family, friends and fellow Lions. He will be missed.
Mary Hammel
Steve and Ann Marie, our sincere condolences to you and all your family.
Met your dad several times, he was quite a character! He will be missed.
Paul and Mary Hammel
Bev and Barb Shipley
To the Kennedy family-
Bev and I have so many fond memories of George. He could always make anyone smile and laugh. His family and his community were so important to him and he leaves a big hole in our Ilderton area.
Our sincere condolences for your loss.
Bev and Barb
Sandi Johnson
My heartfelt condolences to George’s Family. George was a wonderful man, a unique individual and who possessed a wicked sense of humour. He was loved and appreciated by all who knew him.
Bryan and Liz Graham
Stephen and family,
We have many fond memories of spending time with your mom and dad over the years. Always lots of fun and laughter and never a dull moment. Please know that we are thinking of you at this difficult time.
Bryan and Liz Graham
Glenn & Sharleen Phillips
Stephen – Ann Marie and Family
George was certainly one of kind with his infectious sense of humor.He was a great lions member and friend.His enrolment in the community made it a better place.Our thoughts and memories are with you during this difficult time