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In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
KENNEDY, Grant Herbert - Born in Amherstburg, Ontario, he joined the Canadian Navy at the age of 18, as a trombone player in the Navy band. He was stationed on the west coast for a brief period before transferring to the east coast, where he joined the Stadacona Band. He served 25 years and retired in 1978. While in the band, he and his brother Vern Kennedy of Toronto, established the first recording studio in the Maritimes, Audio Atlantic. Many well know artists and musicians pass thought the doors, including Ryan’s Fancy, McGinty, Sylvia Tyson as well as the cast of CBC’s Sing-a-long Jubilee and many other productions including commercials and documentaries.
In 1983 he joined ATV (now CTV) as the top audio engineer and many more musical acts got the benefit of Grant’s expertise. Grant was a icon there, at a time when production still had a robust role in the local television world. He recorded many musical programs with a variety of producers including his wife Penny. “ Up Home Tonight,” “ the Joan Kennedy Show”,” Maritime Country “ “Up and Coming” “New Faces”, as well as the daily musical acts on Breakfast Television. All these among his credits.
He retired from CTV in 2003 and promptly joined the Commissionaires. He worked primarily as a fire warden in HMCS dockyard till his departure in 2021 after he was diagnosed with mild dementia, gaining the respect and approval from all the welders.
He participated in the Northwood Day Program until his death on Nov. 15, 2024. Every position, every job, every challenge he met with dignity and grace and was widely beloved. While in the Navy band, he also was an accomplished diver, marksman and learned to fly. He purchased 2 planes, first a Yankee 2 seater and the a Grumman Tiger 4 seater. He earned his IFR (instrument flight rating) no mean task. He was extremely proud ( in his quiet way) to have flown CTV reporters and media around the Maritimes to gather news events within hours to report on the nightly news.
In 2003 he sold the airplane and purchased a boat, first a 28ft. Chris Craft and then a 38ft. Bayliner, (Lady Lee). For 17 years he was a proud member of Armdale Yacht Club. With Penny at his side, they travelled the Maritime waters and he was unfailingly generous and kind to anyone who wanted to enjoy the beautiful scenery on the boat. He also was a member of the Salvation Army band, along side some of his former Stad fellow bandsmen to continue his love of playing music.
He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Penny MacAuley, his daughter Tracey MacIssac (Sean), Moncton, NB his brother, Vern and sister inlaw, Harriet Kennedy, his son in law Dan Campbell, his brother in law, Duncan and sister in law Paula MacAuley, 5 granddaughters and 1 grandson, many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his daughter Terry Campbell, his sister Carol and his 2nd wife Karen (Oxley).
He has been cremated. Special thanks to Dr. L Mallory of Veterans Memorial, the nurses at Q.E.2 8 north, and the staff at the Northwood Day program.
There will be an informal gathering at the Roxbury Condominium to celebrate his life on November 30, 2024, 2-4pm. No flowers please, Give to the charity of choice if you wish. (J.A. Snow Funeral Home)
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