Roll Call Tribute

Dean Sanders Kennedy

May 26, 1931 - January 3, 2023

After living life to the fullest, Dean Kennedy, 91, Sequim, Washington, passed away peacefully in the comfort of his Sinclair Place home, on the evening of Tuesday, January 3, 2023.

Dean was born in South Bend, Indiana to parents Ken and Martha Kennedy on May 26, 1931, and grew up with one sibling, Bob (Robert) Kennedy. Dean loved to paint, collect coins and stamps, play golf, go camping and boating, watch his favorite sports teams, and always up for a good adventure. He and his wife, Noreen, loved to travel, and did as much of that as they could through their years together.

After completing high school, Dean attended and graduated from Texas A&M University. He was a devoted Aggie (as he told family and friends numerous times)! Dean proudly served in the US Army from September 11, 1953 to June 30, 1955. He married Noreen Nancy Kevan in August 1952, and had two children—Kirk Kevan Kennedy and Karen Colleen Kennedy (Takagi). Dean’s job kept the family moving over the years from Texas to Ohio to Oklahoma to Washington. After a change in jobs, Dean and Noreen moved to California. They eventually purchased a walnut orchard, and worked hard to produce a successful business venture. After several years, they moved to sunny and beautiful Sequim to be closer to family.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his wife Noreen and son Kirk. Dean is survived by his daughter Karen Takagi (and husband Robert Takagi); daughter-in-law Becki Kennedy; and his brother Bob Kennedy. He was a loving grandfather (Papa) to Kristin, Cynthia, Amanda and Jeffrey; and a blessed great-grandfather to Sarina, Kiajah, Austin and Noah.

A Celebration of Life is forthcoming. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Assured Hospice of Clallam County, who provided comfort care to Dean in his final days. Our many thanks to Sinclair Place Assisted Living for the years they provided care for him in a place that he loved and lived out his life; and to all his friends through the years. “Thanks for the memories”.

“Those we love don’t go away,

They walk beside us every day.

Unseen, unheard, but always near,

Still loved, still missed, and always dear.”