William Michael Kennedy

William Michael Kennedy was born September 4,1944 in Toronto, Ontario, son of Robert Michael Kennedy and Beatrice Olivia Cole. Brother of Patricia Joyce, Paul Kennedy (Dianne) Joan Tallett (John), Janet Kennedy. Uncle of Robert Aidan Joyce (Jackie Elchyshyn, Rory and Fionn), Krista Joyce, Sarah Viola (Mark Whitten), Allison Viola, (Harmony Griffin, Althea), Arron Riswick, Jason Kennedy and Heather Kennedy.

Will spent his early years on a farm in King Township, Ontario, helping with chores and attending a one-room school house. The family moved to Etobicoke where he completed his high school education. After graduating from Michael Power, Etobicoke, Will gained an art diploma from Central Technical School, Toronto.

From the 1970’s to 2015, Will Kennedy’s art work was displayed and sold in many venues including the Art Gallery of Ontario, Royal Ontario Museum, Alliance Francais, Toronto, Eastern Edge Gallery, Newfoundland, Enigma Gallery, Frome, England.

He was commissioned to create many types of artwork including: painted birdhouses, mosaic angels, tin angel broaches, various art installations, and designed six individual children’s bedrooms including outlandishly popular bunkbeds.

With this and his many creative talents he was employed for 17 years as an exhibit designer for the Royal Ontario Museum. Then he re-trained at George Brown College, Orillia, and gained a diploma specializing in creative programming, followed by 10 years on staff for People with Alzheimer’s Disease at St. Clair O’Connor Community Centre. After retirement, he continued his interest in art by volunteering and working with other artists.

Will married Marye Barton in 1983 who oversaw his care in the last years. After several years of ill health, he moved to Kensington Health The Gardens where he eventually died peacefully surrounded by his loved ones, July 27, 2024.

The Memorial celebration for William {Will} Kennedy will be held Wednesday, September 4, 2024. 3-6pm

[4pm: sharing of memories, stories, and a ginger ale toast], at Giffen-Mack and Toll Funeral Home, 2570 Danforth Avenue, Toronto [steps from Main subway station].