Edward Kennedy

Rev. E.T. “Ted” Kennedy age 95 years, retired parish priest, and resident of Thunder Bay, passed away peacefully in St. Joseph's Hospital, on Sunday, March 1, 2015.

Father Ted was born in Schreiber to Teresa and Thomas Kennedy. As a young boy he attended St. Stanislaus School and graduated from St. Patrick’s High School in 1936. His education continued at Western University and St. Peter’s Seminary in London, Ontario graduating in 1939.

Father Ted was ordained a priest on August 10 1943 in North Bay by Most Rev. R.H. Dignan. He was appointed an assistant pastor in North Bay, Sault Ste. Marie and Sudbury before being posted at St. Patrick’s in Fort William in 1947. He also served as a pastor in Little Current and oversaw the building of St. Andrew the Apostle Church in Sudbury. Father Ted returned to the city in 1969 and was pastor at St. Margaret’s, before travelling to the Church of the Annunciation in Nipigon. In 1972 he returned to Our Lady of Loretto and then returned to Nipigon until he retired in 1992.

At that time he was instrumental in seeing the new hospital built in Nipigon, as well as the swimming pool.

Following his retirement Father Ted substituted at parishes from Marathon to Kenora and as he so quaintly stated, he was a "Friar for hire.” Father Ted was a member of the Knights of Columbus for 71 years, a true chaplain to all councils, always defending the life of the unborn.

He was a gentle soul, well known for his Irish wit. Father Ted always had a kind word and a smile for everyone. He always shared his wisdom and guidance tactfully. As you left the company of Father Ted, you always heard two simple but heartfelt words, “Bless you.”  He was predeceased by his parents, brother Jim (Dorothy) and sisters Helen, Bernice (Alex) and Madeline (Ralph). He is survived by his brother Jack (Mona) and numerous nieces and nephews here and abroad.     

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, March  5, 2015, when family and friends will gather for Funeral Mass at 12:10pm, at St. Patrick's Cathedral with Most Rev. Frederick Colli Bishop of Thunder Bay presiding. Interment will follow in St. Patrick's Cemetery. Visitation will take place on Wednesday evening from 6:00 until 8:00 pm in St. Patrick’s Cathedral, with prayers to be offered at 7:00 pm. 

If friends desire, in lieu of flowers, memorials to the Catholic Family Development Centre, St. Joseph’s Foundation, Development and Peace or the charity of your choice, would be appreciated.


Edward Kennedy will be remembered in the Blake Funeral Chapel Memorial Grove.  Annual dedication service Sunday, June 12, 2016.