Leland Murray Kennedy

Leland Murray Kennedy was born on October 5, 1917 to Leland and Marie Kennedy in Detroit, Michigan. He passed away peacefully in his home under the gentle care of Angela Hospice on November 18, 2012 at the age of 95.

Leland was the beloved husband of the late Bernice “Peggy” for 26 years until her death in 1965. Loving father Leland M. (Arlene) Kennedy, Judith (Raymond) Sturdy, John (Katherine) Kennedy and Betsy L. Kennedy. Dear Papa of David (Michelle) Kennedy, Leanne (Brian) Becker, Jill (John) Halpin, Laura (Dan) McHugh, Patrick R. Sturdy, Michael (Naoko) Sturdy, John L. Sturdy, Nicole Marie Kennedy and Ryan J. Nunley. Great-grandfather of Kathleen Kennedy, Allison Kennedy, Matthew Kennedy, Scott Becker, Rachael Becker, Rylie Becker, Lauren Halpin, John Halpin, Alexandria McHugh, Timothy McHugh, Leland Murray Kennedy McHugh, Sawyer Sturdy, Ethan Sturdy, Reagen Sturdy, and Dylan Thomas Sturdy. Predeceased by his brother John “Jack” Wilmot Kennedy in 1945.

Leland retired from Chrysler as an Electrical Engineer. Mr. Kennedy is responsible for setting up the entire initial computer system at American Motors. He was a “Genius” according to all of his family and friends.

Leland loved animals, especially his dogs and cats. He was a great horseman. As a teenager he spent his summers in Sarnia, Ontario at his parents’ summer home at Blackwell Beach. His favorite horse was Lady Jane who he loved to ride on the beach. He enjoyed trips to his cottage in Caseville, Michigan and cooking. His specialty was his breakfasts, he was so proud of them he would take photos and e-mail to his family. Leland had a love of music and could play almost any instrument. He supported his young family by touring with a Big Band playing Swing Music in local casino’s and dance halls. He played the trumpet and was proudest of playing with the Detroit Aircraft Unit Swing Band during WWII. However, after his wife passed away, the only person he could dance with was his daughter-in-law Katherine.

Leland will be missed by all who knew him.

Leland will be privately laid to rest with his wife in White Chapel Cemetery. There will be a Memorial Service at White Chapel Cemetery, Troy, Michigan at a later date to be announced.

Memorial Donations may be made in Leland’s honor to:

Michigan Humane Society

30300 Telegraph Road

Suite 220

Bingham Farms, MI 48025

http://www.michiganhumane.org

Or

Kali’s Cure Foundation

www.kaliscure.org/