Brian Kennedy

It is with profound sadness that the family of Brian Kennedy announces his passing in Temecula, California on October 9, 2024. Brian was diagnosed with advanced cancer in mid-August, but true to form, remained positive to the end.

Brian was born July 16, 1947 in Vancouver, BC to Joe and Kay Kennedy.  He is survived by his adoring wife, Bev, daughters Kelly Kennedy and Lisa Mitchel (Ken), step-sons Josh Miller (Amanda) and Sam Miller (Kayo).  Grandad to Jessica Eli, Nick Texiera and Momoka Miller, Papa to Emily and Josh Mitchel and Evelyn Miller and Great Grandad to Colton and Destry Eli.

Brian was one of eight who grew up in New Westminster and summered in Crescent Beach. He was predeceased by his parents as well as his brother Jim and sister Kerry Ann, and is survived by siblings Josephine, Michael, Larry, Kathy and Pat.

Brian attended the University of British Columbia and entered the world of journalism in his 20s at CKOV radio station in Kelowna where he was affectionately dubbed the “bionic lip”. He eventually relocated to Victoria where he reported on the BC legislature and enjoyed a wide variety of assignments that took him across Canada and around the world.  Brian interviewed world leaders, dogged Canadian politicians, and covered a wide range of major sporting events, including numerous Olympics.

In 1994, Brian was transferred to Washington, DC, a posting that he had aspired to for some time. When offered a move back to Ottawa in 1996 he chose to remain in Washington as a freelance reporter and ultimately started a consulting business specializing in cross-border issues for A-list clients including leaders of Canadian provincial and territorial governments.

In 2013, Brian and Bev moved to Temecula, California partly for the warm weather and West Coast lifestyle. To their surprise (and delight) they found Temecula to be a growing wine region. Many pleasant hours were spent enjoying the wine, music and beautiful surroundings.

The move precipitated a change of favorite vacation venues from the Caribbean to Mexico along with a continued love of Disney.  Brian enjoyed the perks of a season pass and bringing his grandchildren there numerous times. Goofy’s Sky School and Buzz Lightyear’s Astroblasters were rides that were enjoyed over and over again.

Most often described as “larger than life” Brian had an indomitable spirit and style that propelled both his career and his life in general. Those who knew him will remember his passion for James Bond, New York Yankees and the San Francisco 49ers, though his encyclopedic knowledge of sports made any team fair game for a heated conversation. Brian’s ability to connect with people extended well beyond sports. He had a unique ability to converse on nearly any subject and had a knack of making his conversation partner feel like the most important person in the room. And if you were one of Brian’s “guys”, you were as good as gold.  And he had a guy for everything – meat, flowers, car repair, wine…. and somehow it always worked to his advantage.

Brian will be sorely missed and it will be impossible to replace his animated, engaging, and inspiring presence in our lives. Truly one of a kind, his legacy lives on through his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren and through all of the special memories we all shared with him. He leaves behind an everlasting impression that can never be forgotten.

A private viewing took place in Temecula to be followed by a gathering in his honor at 1:00 pm on February 8, 2025 at The Hills at Portal Golf Course, 16900-4th Avenue, Surrey, BC.