It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Ronald (Rannie) Clement Kennedy, age 85 in Inverary Manor, Inverness,` September 16th, 2021 surrounded by family. Rannie was born in South West Margaree on October 3rd, 1935 to the late Katie Florence (MacIsaac) and Archie Kennedy of Dunvegan.
Rannie is survived by his wife of 63 years, Ann Penelope (Penny) MacDonnell Kennedy, Broad Cove; children, Sister Florence Kennedy, Donna (Colin) MacDonald, Bruce (Laura), Brian, Patrick (Susan), Brendon (Cynthia), Kyle (Lori), Jenny (Michael) Murdock; sisters, Hughena MacNeil (David, deceased) Fredericton, Christine Kendziora (Lloyd, deceased) Azilda, ON. He is also survived by eleven grandchildren, Colin, Kyle, Keith, Matt, Brooklyn, Grace, Skylar, Rowan, Jacklyn, Caragh and Danaan; three great-grandchildren, Lily, Rory and Kate and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents and brother, best friend, John Archie Kennedy.
Rannie’s early education took place in a one room school in Brook Section, Broad Cove and Holy Family Convent, Inverness.
Sandy Boyd, piper, taught Rannie piping when he was a teenager. Rannie was known for` his impeccable timing, winning competitions at the Gaelic Mod, St. Ann's College, CB and the Highland Games, Antigonish, NS. He was a member of the Inverness Pipe Band and was among the 100 pipers at the Causeway opening, the 25th and 50th anniversaries of the Causeway. For seven years he was piper at the Tourist Bureau, Port Hastings and had the privilege of playing for the Queen Mother who was on a Royal Visit. He also mentored his daughter, Jenny, grandson, Keith MacDonald and grandnephew, Kevin Dugas.
In his early life, Rannie took heavy duty mechanic courses in Toronto and later at UCCB. He always had a desire to keep learning in his trade as well as music, reading and yoga. He was a member of the Operating Engineers. He worked in local garages, the Department of Highways, Wreck Cove Generating Station, Heavy Water Plant and Stora Enso Woodlands Division, Point Tupper.
Rannie enjoyed regaling people with stories of life growing up in Dunvegan , exploits with his brother John Archie and his cousins, the Ellisons. He also told stories of visiting his grandparents, the MacIsaacs in Southwest Margaree and the Kennedys in Broad Cove. Rannie had a real interest in people, including hitch-hikers, asking who they were and where they came from etc. He enjoyed talking about machines and jobs he was on with John Archie and interested listeners, he had a keen interest in the Gaelic language and culture, he liked gardening, playing cards with relatives, being outdoors, making trails on his property for himself and his dogs.
In keeping with the Kennedy tradition, Rannie was a humble man, quiet, caring, a loyal husband and father.
Due to Covid 19 restrictions Funeral Liturgy will be for family members and invited guests only and will take place on Tuesday September 21, at 2:00 p.m. in St. Margaret of Scotland Church, Broad Cove. Father Dan MacDonald officiating. Burial in the parish cemetery.
Donations may be made to St. Margaret of Scotland Church or to Inverary Manor, Inverness.
Online condolences may be made to: www.invernessfuneralhome.com.
Fois shiorraidh dha anam. (May he rest in eternal peace)
