John Wesley Kennedy

in Seattle on June 28, 1926 John died peacefully at his home in Edmonds on December 16, 2012. John was the youngest of four children born to Jesse and Lily Lacey Kennedy. He grew up in the Madrona neighborhood and attended Garfield High School, graduating from Mt. for Boys in Gill, MA in 1944. Upon graduation, and not yet 18 years old, he obtained parental permission and joined the Navy where he served as a Seabee stationed in the South Pacific, the Philippines and China. TahomaAfter the war he married Barbara Bobbie Fredette in Springfield, MA. The couple honeymooned while driving across country to Seattle. Initially they lived in Tacoma where John attended the College of Puget Sound and delivered newspapers along Pacific Avenue. Returning to Seattle he joined his fathers wholesale lumber company along with his brothers where he learned the business that would be his work for more than 60 years. He was one of the founding principals of Kennedy-Johnsen Lumber and KMJ International. After the companies were sold he continued working for KMJ International until his death. His work was very important to him and his co-workers like family. TahomaPreceded in death by his parents, brothers Jesse and James, sister Lily Lacey Stollwerck, former wife and best friend Bobbie, grandson Jaron Brooke and daughter-in-law Shirley May. TahomaJohn is survived by his daughter and son-in-law Diane and Tim Walsh, son John, grandsons Tim and Patrick Kennedy and many nieces and nephews. Announcement: Remembrances in Johns name may be made to Providence Hospice of Snohomish County, 2731 Wetmore Ave., Everett, WA 98201.