In their first meeting since his passing, Kincardine council took time out of Wednesday’s meeting to share their memories of councillor Doug Kennedy.
Kennedy passed on August 15th surrounded by family at Huron Shores Hospice in Tiverton.
He served as a councillor for the Municipality of Kincardine for almost 6 years and was well-known throughout the community because of his 25 years as the general manager for the Kincardine Bulldogs.
While wearing their favourite sports jerseys, his fellow councillors remembered him for his enthusiasm, friendliness, and his dedication to his community.
Comments came from each member of council, starting with Deputy Mayor Andrea Clarke, who had worked with Kennedy on council and several committees, including the Physician Recruitment Committee.
“It was unwavering, not only his commitment to healthcare but towards recreation and family,” she said. “There was never a time where I met Doug and he didn’t ask about my boys.”
She continued to say that he was known for his quiet leadership and the impact it made.
“He exemplified what leadership was, certainly for me. We often have misconceptions that power comes from the top down when it actually comes from the bottom up. It’s the ability to interact with individuals on various levels, earn their respect and earn their trust. And that’s what Doug Kennedy did, day in and day out. And while this community as a whole mourns this loss, we can take some comfort, I think, in knowing we’re all better for having interacted with and known Doug, and this community is better for the leadership role that he took within it.”
The rest of the council members took turns sharing their favourite memories of Kennedy and spoke about the effect he’d had on each of their lives, whether before working together on council or meeting out in the community.
Mayor Ken Craig then addressed council, quoting Martin Luther King Jr. as he talked about Kennedy.
“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy. And your ability to overcome unfavourable situations will provide you with time to demonstrate your true strength, and determination for success.”
Craig said that while reflecting on Kennedy’s efforts in the community, and the legacy left behind, he said the word that felt right to him was “dignity.”
“Dignity not being the aloof or aristocratic sort of dignity that you might think,” he explained. “His dignity was in his humility and perseverance. Dignity in his actions, but also dignity for others which was expressed or demonstrated through respect and loyalty.”
Kennedy’s memorial service will be held on Sunday, September 1st at the Davidson Centre, 601 Durham Street, at 1 p.m.
The reception, being regarded as his “Final Fundraiser” will be in the hall afterwards, and those planning to attend are invited to wear their jerseys in his memory.
Craig explained to the council that from a procedural standpoint, Kennedy’s seat at the council table will be officially declared vacant during their meeting on Wednesday, September 11th. Council will also then decide how they will choose to find someone to step into the role.
A memorial page has been set up on the Municipality of Kincardine’s website, which you can access here.
