The Reverend Bill Kennedy—remembered by Judy Welles as a “cherished colleague [with] a warm heart [and] acerbic wit” and by Thomas Anastasi as “the best intern minister you could ever have”—died on 28 April 2019, aged 69. Bill’s colleague in chaplaincy, Theresa Hardy, recalled him as “a joy [who] welcomed you, encouraged you, made it feel like somebody was thrilled you were there at the moment for that event, large or small.”
Bill was devoted to promoting health and access to health care, faithfully advocating for patients who experienced language and financial barriers in the medical system. He worked with Peninsula Interfaith Action in support of San Mateo (CA) County’s ACE Health Care Program for the uninsured and with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Team in the areas of training, fundraising, and advocacy.
William Neal Kennedy was born on 11 June 1949 in San Francisco, California, and grew up there. He received a B.S. in broadcasting from San Diego State University in 1972. After working 30 years in TV broadcasting, he answered a call to ministry and in 2005 earned an M.Div. from Starr King School. Mr. Kennedy was ordained by the UU Fellowship of Redwood City CA on 26 September 2009 where he served as an affiliated community minister until retiring in 2017.
Bill found spiritual renewal in hiking and biking, especially in the coastal redwoods. In 2000, he participated in a century ride around Lake Tahoe, and raised money for blood cancer research and support.
Bill is survived by his wife Geri, son Adam, daughter Amanda, and granddaughter Iola. A celebration of Bill’s life, attended by many colleagues, took place at on 25 May 2019 at the UU Fellowship of Redwood City.
Memorial donations were encouraged to the International Myeloma Foundation, the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation, or the Sempervirens Fund.