Memorable Manitobans: Ralph John Kennedy (1924-2013)

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Ralph J. Kennedy
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Educator, community activist.

Born at Antler, Saskatchewan on 2 February 1924, son of Michael J. Kennedy and Hilda Mae Tozer, he attended Elmwood High School in Winnipeg and, during the Second World War, he joined the Royal Canadian Navy at age 17. He participated in the Murmansk Run, the D-Day invasion of Normandy, and the North Atlantic Run.

Following his military discharge, he became a teacher at Tec Voc High School where he worked for 37 years in the electrical shop and as a counselor. He was also a Night School Principal at Kelvin High School. In 1961, he moved to the RM of Springfield where he raised racehorses and operated a thoroughbred training centre. He served as President of the Manitoba Horseman’s Benevolent and Protective Association and Vice President of its Canadian Division. He served on council for the RM of Springfield and was a longtime supporter of Ducks Unlimited. He was a member of the committee that established Kin Place Personal Care Home in Oak Bank and for seven years was on the Board of Directors for the North Eastman Health Association. He served a term on the City of Winnipeg Parks Board. In recognition of his exemplary community service, he was given the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal (2002) and the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal (2012).

He died at Winnipeg on 29 December 2013.

Sources:

Obituary, Winnipeg Free Press, 2 January 2014.

We thank Craig Kennedy for providing information used here.

This page was prepared by Gordon Goldsborough.

Page revised: 26 September 2014

Memorable Manitobans

Memorable Manitobans

This is a collection of noteworthy Manitobans from the past, compiled by the Manitoba Historical Society. We acknowledge that the collection contains both reputable and disreputable people. All are worth remembering as a lesson to future generations.

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