Michael Jonathan Kennedy

Obituary Michael Jonathan Kennedy My big brother Mike was born in Chicago, Illinois on February 28, 1949 to my parents Dr. James J. and Julie Kennedy. Mike passed from this earthly life, after a lifetime of medical challenges, into the arms of his loving Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on December 20, 2012. While I am filled with sadness, I am rejoicing that Mike's body and mind are finally free in Glory. When Mike was three, my family moved to Washington D.C. where Dad was stationed at NIH during the Korean War. Mike attended the Sidwell Friends School in Washington D.C. where he excelled in many subjects, including the Russian language. He also played football and was captain of the wrestling team. Mike attended Albion College in Michigan and Georgetown University in Washington D.C. where he studied business and accounting. While Mike faced many struggles with his heath most of his life, he was grounded in his faith and was gifted with fierce determination, courage, a brilliant mind and a creative wit. He liked to call himself "Michael Jonathan Kennedy, the first and not the last", but he was truly one of a kind. Our grandmother, Meme, declared that she finally had a concert pianist in the family as Mike displayed an early proficiency in piano. She also thought he would be the family's first Lutheran Pastor. Alas, Mike had other plans. Mike was also the only one of all the cousins who could use the gigantic water shoes at Gran's Holiday House on Lake Huron. He did so with hysterical swiftness. We all joked that he could walk on water! He loved collecting rare coins, investing in the stock market and cheering for the Washington Redskins. Mike moved to Corvallis, Oregon with my mother in 1980 and then to Tacoma where he lived at Franke Tobey Jones. Mike is survived by myself, his baby sister Susie (Rich) of Fox Island, WA, little sister Julie (Doug) of Parker, CO, big brother Jim (Deb) of Corvallis, OR, numerous nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles. He is preceded in death by his parents, Julie and Jim, baby brother Johnny and his grandparents. I am deeply grateful for the loving care he received by the staff and caregivers of Franke Tobey Jones. Mike taught me to find Jesus in every person I meet, "each one of them is Jesus in disguise" (Blessed Mother Theresa), and that every life is precious and has value and worth. Mike's life will be honored and blessed with a Funeral Mass on Friday, December 28, 2012 at 11:00 am at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, inurnment to follow at Haven of Rest Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mike's memory to the Charitable Subsidy at the Franke Tobey Jones Retirement Estates, 5340 N. Bristol, Tacoma, WA 98407. Perform and act of kindness today in honor of my brother who lived a full life in spite of challenges and sufferings. Please leave online condolences at www.gaffneycares.com. Arrangements by Gaffney Funeral Home, 253-572-6003.