Grant Hugh Kennedy, much loved, died On October 14 at St. Maryʼs Hospital in Sechelt, British Columbia. His memory is cherished by his wife Kathie (Sheard), his sons Randy, Shane and Aaron, his daughters Nicole and Robin and their families, including nine wonderful grandchildren, as well as his sister Jean and brother Don.
Grant was born in Hoey, Saskatchewan, and grew up in Dawson Creek. His first career was in radio and later television in Lethbridge and Regina, where he was News Manager at CKCK, followed by several years in Montreal at the National Film Board. In 1980 he created Lone Pine Publishing in Edmonton, focusing on nature and recreation guides, and became a prominent figure in Canadian publishing. In the late nineties, with his health failing, he and Kathie retired to the Sunshine Coast.
Grant climbed mountains, fly fished and once built a grand log cabin overlooking Chip Lake in northern Alberta. For a long time he enjoyed painting with watercolours. All of these interests and enthusiasms were pursued with total dedication. He also loved to recount tales of growing up while the Alaska Highway was being created outside his door. Grant had a rich gift for personal friendships and will be sorely missed by many companions who enjoyed the originality and reach of his conversation. He was also, when he sat down to it, an extremely good writer.
There will be a gathering in memory of his life held in the Garden Pavilion of the Botanical Gardens on Friday, October 24 from 1pm to 4 pm. Everyone is welcome.