Robert “Bobby” Kennedy
Died: January 20, 2023 | Place: Victoria Hospital, London
Obituary
KENNEDY, Robert Edward “Bobby”…
In his 103rd year, Robert “Bobby” Kennedy passed away on Friday, January 20, 2023 at Victoria Hospital, London with family at his side.
Born in Glasgow, Scotland on September 2, 1920. Predeceased by his wife Jessie (nee Bruce) (2005), son Jim (2017), his parents, two brothers, three sisters, and loving companion Betty Weetman (2021). He will be greatly missed by his son Bruce, grandsons Joe and Derek (partner AJ), members of the Weetman family and friends.
At the age of 17, he joined the Royal Marines and trained as Gun Layer. He served on a number of ships in the WWII. His ship “The H.M.Z.S. Gambia” was recognized as firing the last rounds of WWII. He was in Toyo Bay when Japan surrendered on his 25th birthday, September 2, 1945. He came to Canada in 1946, where he met his future wife, Jessie Bruce, his Nurse. They moved to London in 1949, and worked at the Highbury Ave. Army Depo, then retired from the LCBO. He had a fond love of soccer (football). He was 1 of 6 founding members of London Minor Soccer in 1964, and served as the first President for four years. He was an active Mason throughout his life, earning his 50-year pin, and was a member of the Royal Marins Association London.
His love of entertaining, singing and telling jokes and stories brought a smile to many people. He spent the last six years at Parkwood Hospital in the Veteran’s Care Program where he did bird carving, water colour painting, and was a fixture in the halls moving about where many people knew and loved him. We wish to give a thank you to the staff and nurses of Parkwood Veteran’s Care Program for the outstanding attention given to all of our Veteran’s and families.
Cremation has taken place. Future interment in Pond Mills Cemetery, London. In memory of Bobby, donations may be made to Parkwood Institute – Veteran’s Care Program, c/o St. Joseph’s Healthcare Foundation, 268 Grosvenor Street, London, ON N6A 4V2 or Wounded Warriors Canada, 1900-1500 West Georgia Street, Vancouver, BC V6G 2Z6. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences shared at www.amgfh.com
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Oh what great times with Kay Bankes at the piano in Mum and Dad’s rec room (Nessie and Ken Thornton). Bob would be centre stage , with Jessie sitting on the sidelines.He would sing a little and tell his tales with his ” props” at the ready and that would have us all laughing and joining in the fun. Wonderful memories from my childhood. Bruce, may you find comfort in telling your own stories about your Dad among your family and friends. Peace be with you all.
No one will ever be able to tell a story like Bob could. What I would give to hear him tell a joke one more time. “Always keep ’em laughing” and “Could have been worse” will always remind me of my beloved Robert. I am so glad my Grandma found you. You brought so much joy into her life, and ours. You will never be forgotten. I will miss our little day trips together. Rest in sweet paradise.
Oh how I loved listening to the stories you and Bruce shared. I can just imagine the joy you brought to many family and friends. You were a man who truly understood how “to live life to the fullest.”
Thanks for sharing a couple of beers with me but I will cheer you to a good shot of scotch whiskey. Slainte Mhath Mr. Kennedy!
Bruce and family please accept our sincere condolences on the passing of Robert. He truly was a man of great character. He served his country well beyond the call of duty and overcame many health issues thru the years and yet always had a song, joke or story to entertain those around him. Yes, a true veteran in every sense of the word. We tip our glass to you. “The song is ended but the melody lingers on”
Richard & Marilyn Allen
What a privilege and pleasure it was to have known Bob in my time at St. Joseph’s. His sense of humour, compassion for others and his ability to tell a story made him a joy to know. Thank you for your service Bob. God Bless.
My condolences on the passing of Bob,a former neighbour on Southwood Cres.He loved his wife and family dearly .Always joking and entertaining.Rest in peace.
Bob was a friend and co-member of the Horton Street Senior Centre for many years. How he loved to tell jokes and stories. He was a kind man and I know he will be missed by his family and many friends. Rest in Peace Bob.
I am saddened to hear about Bob’s passing. He was a kind soul and I truly enjoyed hearing about all of his wartime stories on Betty’s patio.
Deepest sympathy to the family.
Rest In Peace Bob. It’s an honour to have known and cared for you even for a short time. Thank you for your service. You’ll be missed and we will remember.
My sincerest condolences to your family on the passing of a wonderful man, Bobby. I have fond memories of working part time with him at the LCBO during my university years. Always brought laughter and joy to all of us, as was his gift. Rest in peace old friend.
So sorry to hear about Bob’s passing. He was a true friend to our Dad when he was living at Parkwood. His jolly nature, his love for music & carving birds impressed us all & he will be missed dearly.
Sincerely, Chris & Nancy
Bruce, I just found out that your dad has passed. I send my sincere condolences. I retired from Parkwood in August, 2020, but still kept in touch with Bob, mostly by sending notes. Bob always replied. He was a very special person and a great inspiration to many. I feel honored to have had the opportunity to get to know Bob. It was especially quite a thrill for me to help Bob write his memoirs in his book, “From the Arctic to the Pacific and In Between”. I will never forget him! And I have raised a glass of scotch to his memory!