20-Jun-1930 - 10-Jun-2024
Our dear father, Harry Baldwin Kennedy (“Harry B”), passed away peacefully, with family by his side at Southlake Residential Care Village in Newmarket, on the evening of Monday, June 10, 2024, just shy of his 94th birthday.
Harry was the loving husband of Margaret Ann (née Chisholm) for 70 years; and loving father to Catherine (David), Susan (David), Robert, and John (Jacqueline). He was also the caring grandfather to Michael (Fiammetta), Christine (Cameron), Madison, Lauren, Cameron and Sheridan; and great-grandfather to Enzo, Emilia and Calvin. Harry was also the beloved uncle to the Chisholm and Gwynne-Timothy clans.
Harry graduated from Western University with a business degree, then joined his father, Harry B. Kennedy Sr., to run Harry B. Kennedy Sporting Goods Ltd. on King Street, and later, on Wellington Street in downtown Toronto for many years. His business interests also took him into the manufacturing world, first with sporting goods at Winnwell Corporation, then Ditrani ski clothing, and finally with Barrymore furniture.
Although Harry played and enjoyed many sports, like tennis, squash, and biking, his true passion was golf. Harry first joined Rosedale Golf Club as a junior in 1948 and continued to be an active member until his early 90’s. He was a past Director of the Club and its Centennial Committee Chair in 1993. He was subsequently made an Honorary Life Member of the Club. Harry was also the Past President of Cedarhurst Golf Club; a longtime member of Atlantis Golf Club (now Lost City Golf Club) in Florida; and a Member of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club in St. Andrews, Scotland. Harry loved the history of the game, and he was truly humbled and grateful when he was named Rosedale’s Club Historian, and further honoured when the club named its historical archives room after him.
To ensure that all of his close golfing friends experienced the “old country,” Harry took the lead and meticulously organized several golf trips over two decades to Scotland, Ireland, and England. While back home, he organized the annual “Burgess Old Crocks” golf tournament in Toronto, and the Gucci Cup each fall in Florida. Harry loved the camaraderie and memories created by these wonderful events and trips and he revelled in their orchestration. Outside of golf, Harry most enjoyed the fellowship he experienced as part of the Rosedale Walking Club. He often commented on the fine nature, quality, and integrity of this particular group of people. He will miss their gatherings, but will always be there in spirit.
Harry was a true gentleman. He was kind, generous and caring, and he touched the lives of many. He cherished his friendships across the globe, but most of all, he loved his wife, Margann, his four children, and all of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His favourite times were spent at family gatherings, either at the cottage on Lake Simcoe, the home in Toronto, or the villa in Atlantis, Florida. Never short on words, Harry rarely missed an opportunity to regale guests at social events with thoughtful speeches, peppered with good humour. Harry certainly had a gift for public speaking. When not tipping a glass to toast a friend or family member, Harry and Margann were lucky enough to travel the world, visiting many countries and every continent. Each and every time, their travel experiences were shared with the accompaniment of close friends.
Harry was cremated, and a private family Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Alzheimer Society of Canada. The family would like to thank the staff and many caregivers at Amica in Newmarket and at Southlake Village for the attentive care they provided.
To honour our dear father’s memory, please take a moment to raise a glass and reflect on the good times you shared with Harry B., and on a long life, well lived.
We love you Dad, and you will be greatly missed.
Arrangements entrusted to Taylor Funeral Home