Region loses beloved restaurateur

Waterloo Region lost one of its beloved restaurateurs this week.

Michael Kennedy, who owned Kennedy’s Restaurant & Catering in St. Agatha with his wife, Linda, passed away on Dec. 27. 

He was 77 years old. 

He leaves his wife Linda, their son Patrick, seven brothers and sisters, 17 nieces and nephews, and 28 great nieces and nephews.

His passing has resulted in an outpouring of love from regional councillors and members alike. 

In a Twitter post, Councillor Michael Harris said his passing was a “big loss.” Harris presented Kennedy with the Queens Diamond Jubilee Medal for outstanding service to the community in 2012. 

Wilmot Ward 2 Councillor Cheryl Gordijk said Kennedy was “incredibly kind and generous and he loved his community with all his heart.”

Kennedy “brought welcoming hospitality to everyone he touched; sharing loving regard for his and everyone’s visiting families. Those who knew him well share images of Mike moving from table to table talking to his customers; stopping briefly for a sit down rest to chat with his guests,” the obituary states. 

The funeral will be held at the Mark Jutzi Funeral Home in New Hamburg on Jan. 3. Those wishing to attend must RSVP. 

You can read the full obituary below. 

In Memory of

Michael Lawrence (Mike) Kennedy

December 3, 1944 – December 27, 2021

In his 77th year, Waterloo Region lost one of its precious leprechauns. Cherished husband of Linda devoted father of Patrick; loving brother of 4 sisters and 4 brothers: Anne (Michel) Berube, Reverend Monsignor Philip Kennedy C.H.H. (Predeceased), Ayngus (Donna), Andy (Nancy), Neil (Martha), Kathleen, Margaret, Clara (Barry) Kennedy-Shirley; 17 nieces and nephews, 28 great nieces and nephews. Mike loved children “adopting” his neighbour grandchildren on the farm in North Bay: Jackson, Emma, Anna, and Alea Culin.

Mike was Wellesley and St. Agatha’s favourite pub/restaurateur. He brought welcoming hospitality to everyone he touched; sharing loving regard for his and everyone’s visiting families. Those who knew him well share images of Mike moving from table to table talking to his customers; stopping briefly for a sit down rest to chat with his guests.

He is remembered as a humble, kind and generous man. Never the star in the center, always the quiet facilitator of great events. From family reunions for the Kennedy generations, community events, parties, and festivals such as the Apple Butter and Cheese Festival, the St. Agatha Strawberry Festival, Wellesley Slow Pitch and Hockey league gatherings, the list is long. He worked tirelessly to ensure all would be right. Never forgetting his Irish heritage, Mike shared his culture annually at their family business’, St. Paddy’s Day three day festival. It was one of the first Irish festivals of its kind in the Region, hosting people from coast to coast; some from the Emerald Isle. Irish music, song, dance; the “wee” Doyle dancers a must and unlimited food the itinerary of the days. He was a strong supporter of local businesses. A lifelong member of the International Lions Club; joining at a very young age in Sudbury, Ontario. Mike played on and sponsored numerous hockey teams, making many lasting friends. He was Past President of the Wellesley Apple Butter and Cheese Festival Committee. Mike was awarded the Queens Diamond Jubilee Medal for outstanding service to his community. Mike, we will love you forever.

“May the road rise up to meet you;
May the wind always be at you back;
May the sun shine warm upon your face;
And rains fall soft upon your fields;
And until we meet again;
May God hold you in the palm of his hand.”

Relatives and friends are invited to the Mark Jutzi Funeral Home, 291 Huron Street, New Hamburg, on Monday, January 3, 2022, from 2 – 4 & 6 – 8 p.m. A catholic mass will take place at St. Agatha Roman Catholic Parish, on Tuesday, January 4, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. with Father Tim to officiate. Interment in Parkview Cemetery, Waterloo.

Those wishing to attend the funeral mass MUST RSVP on the funeral home website as there is limited numbers allowed with restrictions. Masks and social distancing must be in place for both the visitation and funeral.

As expressions of sympathy, donations would be accepted to the KW Humane Society or KidsAbility and can be done on the funeral home website or by contacting the funeral home at 519-662-1661.

Personal condolences and donation information available at www.markjutzifuneralhomes.ca