Funny man Kevin Kennedy dies at 58

Kevin Kennedy was a man who always tried to put a smile on someone’s face.

Kennedy, 58, better known as Dr. Funnybone, died unexpectedly sometime Tuesday morning while on a boating trip near Silver Island. He was taken to the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre where he was later officially pronounced dead.

Kennedy’s local contributions weren’t exclusive to the stage. He served as the spokesman for the Thunder Bay Professional Fire Fighters Association for a decade, and spent about 15 years on the board of directors for the Northern Cancer Research Foundation.

He held the high rank of yondan at the Thunder Bay Judo dojo, performed at many events and was the master of ceremonies at many Finlandia Club comedy specials and Yuk Yuk’s On Tour at the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium.

Debby Kennedy, sister-in-law to Kevin Kennedy, said without a doubt, he loved the community he served.

"He thoroughly enjoyed his Doc Fun title. That’s who he was," She said on Wednesday. "He loved to entertain and see people happy. He was just a very giving and very selfless individual. He loved to be around people. He had a very positive attitude, he never complained."

Debby said his death has devastated his family and friends who knew him as the person who always wanted to put a smile on everyone’s faces.

The news especially struck Kennedy’s wife, Louise, a hard blow.

"She was his partner," Debby said. "He needed her as much as she needed him. She was very involved in his comedy."

Glenn Craig CEO Northern Cancer Research Foundation said Kennedy brought a workman’s perspective to the board of directors. He raised thousands of dollars for the foundation and helped to bring the grassroots organization into a force for good cancer care.

"He did so much," Craig said. "He was always the go to MC because of his wit and his stage presence. He would MC numerous events, such as the motorcycle event Ride for Dad. He was never shy to get in front of a microphone."

Craig added that Kennedy was proud of his work as a firefighter and helping people in need.

Funeral arrangements haven’t been made yet and will be known sometime Thursday.