We Remember

KENNELLY, Paul Joseph

—

With great sadness and heavy hearts we announce Paul’s sudden passing from a pulmonary embolism on Friday, November 24, 2017 at the age of 57.  Survived by his loving wife Grace; daughters: Shannon Kennelly (Matt Parent), Lauren (Nathan) Vanderlinde; grandchildren: Alden, Gabby and Silas; his parents: Betty and Brendan Kennelly; sister Colleen Kennelly; brother Sean (Laurie) Kennelly; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.  Paul was born on June 18, 1960 in Scarborough, Ontario. He met Grace (born Dreher) after he moved to Kelowna and they married in 1984.

We love him and already miss his joyful spirit, sense of humour, sparkling blue eyes, big smile, generosity, giving heart and love for his family, friends and his Lord. We could always count on him to do whatever needed to be done and to do it well. He was a man of integrity in both his personal and professional life. He loved Grace and his family dearly and his grandchildren were the apple of his eye. He took every opportunity to talk about them and spent as much time as possible playing with them, looking after them, building wonderful toys for them and cheering them on at their soccer games. He was their beloved Papa.

Paul was the Director of Maintenance for Conair Aerial Firefighting since January 2011. He was a licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineer with extensive experience including 29 years associated with the Convair 580. He was the Production Manager during the airtanker conversion program for Convair 580 and was responsible for all maintenance on Conair’s aerial firefighting fleet.

Paul liked fast cars and fast aircraft. His favourite hobbies were building and flying model airplanes and restoring his Fiat Spider. As well, he thoroughly enjoyed a good game of golf.

We extend deep gratitude to Paul’s friends and colleagues at Conair Aerial Firefighting.  They are beyond amazing in their assistance, support and sensitive care during this traumatic time.  We give a special thank-you to Matt Bradley, Tanya Morgan, Joanne and Mark and Dennis, the pilots who flew us to Abbotsford and back to Kelowna the next day.  We deeply appreciate every one of you.

We also extend a heartfelt thank-you to Dr. Don Burke and the critical care team at Abbotsford Regional Hospital for their heroic and competent efforts to save Paul’s life.  A special thank-you to Dr. Burke personally and to Sue and Sandra, the trauma social workers, who gave us sensitive support and care.  We appreciate you very much.

In memory of Paul, contributions can be made to Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child, www.samaritanspurse.ca.

Paul, God has you in His arms. We have you in our hearts.

A visitation will be held on Friday, December 1st from 1:00 pm at Springfield Funeral Home, 2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC, with Interment to follow in Kelowna Memorial Park Cemetery at 3:30 pm and a Memorial Celebration at 4:30 pm at Springfield Funeral Home.  If you wish to send a condolence, post photos or to share a memory, please scroll down this page to the area called “share your condolences.”

Visitation
Friday, December 1st at 1:00 pm
Springfield Funeral Home
(2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC)

Service
Graveside Friday, December 1st at 3:30 pm Kelowna Memorial Park Cemetery with a Memorial Service to follow at 4:30 pm

Location
Springfield Funeral Home

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Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child Link: www.samaritanspurse.ca

 


Service Information

Service Details


The service for KENNELLY, Paul Joseph is scheduled for Graveside Friday, December 1st at 3:30 pm Kelowna Memorial Park Cemetery with a Memorial Service to follow at 4:30 pm . Below you will find the map for the service location and the contact information should you have any questions.

Address & Contact for Service Location:

Springfield Funeral Home

2020 Springfield Road Kelowna, BC

Phone:

Special Requests:

None.

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Condolences

  • Bernie & Colleen Boehnke says:
    November 27, 2017 at 5:02 pm

    Our sincere condolences to Grace and family. Both Bernie and I worked with Paul for several years. He will be remembered.

    Reply
  • ERIc and Toni jabs says:
    November 28, 2017 at 11:51 am

    We are so saddened to hear of Paul’s sudden passing. Our prayers are with you. May the Lord wrap you in his arms and bring much comfort.

    Reply
    • Diane Bertram says:
      November 29, 2017 at 7:34 am

      So sorry to hear of Paul’s passing. I am sending heartfelt condolences and prayers for all his family and friends at this difficult time. May you all find peace and tranquility in knowing that he was loved and will be missed. Hold on to all the wonderful memories you have made as they will help get you through the tough times. God Bless

      Reply
  • Chris Rimland says:
    November 28, 2017 at 5:23 pm

    My deepest condolences to the Kennelly family. Paul gave me my first job in aviation, and 20 years later I am still employed for the same company. Through all the hard times, he kept me on, and was always fair to me. Paul had a tremendous passion for aviation, and a deep respect for hard workers. May he Rest In Peace.

    Reply
  • Marion Gushue-Geiger says:
    November 28, 2017 at 6:27 pm

    Grace and family, Please accept my most heartfelt sympathies for your loss…My thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time. Blessings to you.

    Reply
  • Norma Anderson says:
    November 28, 2017 at 9:01 pm

    Grace and family,
    So very sad to hear about this. Thinking of you, praying for comfort and strength during this difficult time. May the memories you treasure in your heart bring you solace in the days ahead.

    Reply
  • Lisa Ash says:
    November 30, 2017 at 1:49 pm

    Dear Brendan, Betty, Colleen and family,
    My thoughts are with you all during this most difficult time.
    Lisa Ash

    Reply
  • Steve Schnepf says:
    November 30, 2017 at 10:10 pm

    My deepest condolences to you Grace and your family. Your loss is truly tragic. When I first moved to Kelowna 11 years ago Paul was one of the first people that I met and recognized as genuine and of a character I was happy to work with. His work ethic was inspiring, his smile infectious, and intensity legendary. The most telling for me was that he remembered the wonder that is childhood; to have time and a toy car in his office for a coworker/clients child he might happen upon at work. He was so very proud of his girls, no doubt his grandchildren were every bit as special to him. I am saddened for their loss.
    I was happy to have known the man.

    Reply
  • James and Kristina Krahn says:
    December 1, 2017 at 1:55 pm

    Paul shared our property for the past few years and was a complete joy to be around. We will miss his smile and company around our home. Our heart breaks for Grace and your entire family. Our deepest condolences. We wish you peace. James and Kristina Krahn

    Reply
  • Linda Waltner says:
    December 1, 2017 at 3:50 pm

    Condolences to all of Pauls’ family. This is a shock and sad time to everyone who knew Paul. He was passionate about his job and always strived for perfection. Paul was a very proud husband, father and grandfather. In recent years Paul never missed an opportunity to share pictures and talk about his grandchildren. He will be missed by his family and friends. My thoughts and prayers are with his family for comfort and strength in their time of need. God Bless.

    Reply
  • Tom Kirkpatrick says:
    December 2, 2017 at 1:38 pm

    I would like to pass on the condolences to the Kennelly family and friends from the fire crew at station 98 crew 4 in Markham Ontario. It is with great sadness we learned of Paul’s passing.. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you..

    Reply
  • Lorie Burns says:
    December 4, 2017 at 9:29 am

    Grace, Mr. & Mrs. Kennelly, Colleen, Sean and family. Please accept my deepest condolences on Paul’s passing. During our formative years, Paul was my best friend. As children and young adults, we had wonderful times together. As we got older, Paul was a great source of comfort and support through some very challenging times. The Kennelly family has always had a special place in my heart. I wish all of you peace and love during this difficult time. Please know you’re are all in my thoughts and prayers. God bless.

    LorieMBurns@gmail.com

    Reply
  • Terry and Sandra Burns says:
    December 4, 2017 at 3:14 pm

    Deepest Condolences to the Kennelly family. We were childhood neighbours and friends but I always felt we were more like family. We are very sadden By Paul’s passing. Knowing the Kennelly family was a great honour. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

    Reply
  • Minh says:
    December 17, 2017 at 1:55 am

    My deepest and sincere condolences to family.

    I have had the privilege to work with Paul over the years and he is truly a great soul both inside and out, Thank You Paul for your professional work ethics and friendship. Rest in Paradise.

    Reply
  • Mike Arcand says:
    April 17, 2019 at 8:32 pm

    Since my retirement from the aviation business I had not heard of Paul’s passing until the old guys breakfast meeting of retired KFC personnel this morning . It is with great sadness to have heard of his passing and quite a shock no say the lest Paul ‘s gentle smile and great laugh at my jokes will always be remembered as well as his dedication to his fellow workers . After his teaching career I asked Paul if he wanted to be a mechanic again . He said he loved it . No stress just give me the job and went back to the hotel to talk to his family on end . I will miss him and although late my full condolences

    Reply

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In the past 2 years Springfield has helped us through the death of my Mother and my Father. Their response and help allowed us to focus on the remaining family rather than worrying about details of the funeral and all the notifications that are required upon a death.

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Katherine Lewis

I have always found the team at Springfield Funeral Home to be VERY caring, kind, considerate and helpful.  I have and will continue to recommend them to anyone who asks which funeral home would I suggest they use.  No other funeral home I have dealt with even comes close to Springfield Funeral Home.

Ethna Tutt

Right at the onset, I was made very comfortable, there was no pressure.  I was made to feel as if I was the only one they had to serve.

Frances Baum

Everything that was arranged for us was perfect.  Our loved one, husband, father, brother was treated with respect.  Thank you for making this difficult time a little more acceptable via your staff’s obvious caring and respect.

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