Obituary

Roy Thomas Kennedy, of Bellingham, WA, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 11th, at the age 90. He was born on October 21st 1925 to Ray and Margeurite in Medford, OR, and married Eleanor Ederer on Nov. 22 1947. They raised 5 children.

Roy attended Bellingham HS and Joined the Merchant Marines at 15. He worked on Liberty ships during WW2, where was torpedoed by a German U-boat off the coast of Madagascar. He joined the Navy in 1945 and during this time, won the Nevada State Golden Gloves.

After the Navy, he attended Western Washington State College and became a teacher. Although he enjoyed teaching, Roy returned to Sea as an Engineer in the Merchant Marines. His many years at Sea instilled a love of travel, and he visited more than 100 countries on 6 continents. He continued to travel during retirement, and took many trips with his children, well into his 80’s. He enjoyed the outdoors, fishing, boxing, and baseball.

Roy was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Eleanor; his sons Steven, Jim and Paul; his great granddaughter, Evangeline Marie Kennedy; his brothers, Truman and Gene; and sister, Barbara. He is survived by his children, Suzanne Jenkins (Milton) of Sedro-Woolley, WA, and Thomas Kennedy (Renee) of Ferndale, WA. He has 8 Grandchildren, 11 Great-Grandchildren, as well as numerous nieces and nephew.

A Rosary Prayer Service will be held at Moles Funeral Home in downtown Ferndale, Thursday March 17, 2016 beginning at 7pm.

A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Ferndale on Friday, March 18th at 11am, with a burial service to follow at Bayview Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Roy’s name to Whatcom Hospice.

Roy’s family would like to thank Alabama Hill Adult Family Home for their excellent care.