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Donald H. Kenney posted a condolence
Thursday, March 19, 2015
My name is Don Kenney. I am Jack's uncle and live in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the result of a convolution within the Kenney family going back to the turn of the 20th Century when many Canadians immigrated to the States, primarily for better economic conditions at that time...jobs, more specifically. My father, Herbery B. Kenney came from Toronto to Highland Park, Michighan with several of his brothers in the 1915-20s era of economic boom. He stayed as did others, met my Canadian mother here and the rest is family history. Incidentally, both my father and I are American lawyers, which adds a bit more layers of lawyering to the Kenney Clan image, not that we need any more lawyers...anywhere, but certainly not here in the States.
Jack and I go back three quarters of a century. At 82, I am 3 years his senior. He was 12 when we first met at Grand Bend overlook the famous dance band casono there whihc brother Mart never seemed to get away from. It was there we began a family relationship that has continued.
I have four children, all of whom Jack knew and cared for, as he cared for so many in his family and in general. He had a heart as big as a barn, always taking the time and effort to bring solace to those in need, family, friends and many, many others. My children are James Herbert Kenney, Paul McLean Kenney, Laura Henckle Kenney and Matthew Kenney, all of the United States. Jack followed their lives and careers with a watchful eye, altnough none of us has ever asked Jack for any help of any kind. We stand proudly on our own two feet.
Jack will be remembered widely as a giant in his chosen work as a leading business sports world figure of iconic proportions, specifically the specialized world of horse racing, and promoting his beloved country, Canada.
I would also add that the American branch of the family has always savored its fond feelings towards Canada, on both sides of the Canadian family side, Our two countries have happily stood side by side (at least until the current American Administration) as a bulkwark of freedom and Democracy in the world.
So let me add a word of praise for a fine life well led, respectful of his God, his country and his family and friends. His life is a high standard in achievement in the economic world, but some are not aware that he was as in person a gentleman of the old school, in the company of his grandfather, his father,Mart Kenney and his brothe, Martin, all of whom displayed consumate feelings of family affiliation and loyalty.
It will be a hard act for anyone left in the family to even touch him in that important respect.
Even though Jack never married or had children of his own, his loyalty and fealty to his family set a gold standard which his heirs will find difficult to match. Time will tell. And time rolls on.
I leave Jack with one of his favorite Irish Blessings, which hangs on my office wall.
May the Road Rise to Greet you.
And the wind be always at your back.
May the rain fall softly upon your fields, and
May you be in Heaven a half hour before the devil knows your dead.
The Bless ends with the h ope that until we meet again, God hold you in the Palm of His Hand.
The last will be my final tribute to a life well led, a true patriot, businessman and family man
which like so many things in Jack's life, was in a mold of his own making.
May God Bless you and keep you., Jack, and His perpetual light shine all about you
Until we meet again, which most likely will not be too long.
Youir loving Uncle Donnie and family who loved you as well as you would let anyone love you.
Donald H. Kenney
ofcdhkenney@yahoo.com
2204 Applewood Ct
Ann Arbor, MI 48103
(734) 665-4530
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Peggy and Dick Sharpe posted a condolence
Wednesday, March 18, 2015
In memory of Jack Kenney it must be noted of the long friendship and care by his fraternity brother and lawyer Robert (Archie) Church and his wife Ida, both in Canada and in Florida over many years. Peggy, Ida and I were lucky to have had a jolly luncheon in Florida with Jack just a few days before he died.
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Woodbine Entertainment Group posted a condolence
Saturday, March 14, 2015
Woodbine Entertainment Group made a donation to St. Michael's Hospital Foundation -phone 416-864-5000 - www.stmichaelsfoundation.com
Everyone at Woodbine Entertainment Group would like to extend our most heartfelt sympathies. Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
