Obituary of Dean Mason Kennedy

It is with broken hearts that we announce the passing of our dear father, Dean Mason Kennedy, age 81 of The Ponds, on Tuesday, August 15, 2023.

Born and raised in The Ponds, Dean had an interesting and fulfilling life.  He was very ambitious and curious and wanted to see the world, so he spent the better part of his 20’s travelling around the world working as a Structural Steel Draftsman. In his travels he ventured to the United States, South America, Panama Canal, Tahiti, Australia, Africa, Scotland, New Zealand, Ireland, and England, eventually coming back home to settle in Lower Barney’s River where he married and had three children.  Although dad had many fond memories of his travels around the world, his favourite place was at home in The Ponds with his family. Dean operated Northshore Cranberry Bog which was started by his grandfather in the 1940’s until its closing in the mid 1980’s. He worked as a carpenter and become well known in the community for his exceptional work and the pride he took in it.  He was a draftsman, welder, and carpenter by trade but there was nothing that he could not put his hand to and do it well.   In the mid 90’s he started work on what is now Ocean Front Campground. Retirement was not an option for dad. He was very active and working in the park up until his passing and would not have had it any other way.  He put his whole heart into the park and was very proud of his accomplishments and his clients. Over the years he came to know many of them personally and loved their visits and the friendships he made along the way.

Dad was an exceptionally hard worker, but he did not care about material things.  He was a simple man and a “jack of all trades”.  His greatest goal in life was to make sure his kids were well taken care of and okay.  He loved reading the Bible and when he finished, he would start all over again. Dad’s passion was playing the guitar. Always wanting to learn more. He was an exceptional self-taught guitar player and loved to get together with friends and family to play.  Those who had the pleasure of knowing him will miss him dearly.  Dad was a loyal, honest, kind, and good man, the strongest man we have ever known and loved. He was our best friend until the end.  He will be dearly missed by his loyal canine companion, Rusty (aka dad’s favourite kid and best buddy).

Dean is survived by his son, Adam Kennedy (Lynn), The Ponds; daughters, Julie Kennedy, Lower Barneys River; Jody Kennedy, The Ponds; grandchildren, Alesha (Sheldon), Liam and Matthew.

 He was predeceased by his mother, Dorothy Evelyn (Mason) Kennedy; maternal grandparents, George W. and Susie (Dempsy) Mason.

The family will receive visitors 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Friday, August 18 in P. & K. MacDonald Funeral Home, New Glasgow from where funeral service will be held in the chapel 3 p.m. Saturday with Rev. Dr. Glen Matheson officiating.  Interment will be in Murray’s Point Cemetery, Lower Barney’s River.

Donations may be in memory of Dean to the Canadian Cancer Society or IWK Foundation.

“We love you dad” – Adam, Jody and Julie