Friends, family pay tribute to Ken Kennedy

Janet Silvera, Hospitality Jamaica Coordinator

IN AN intimate and humble setting the family, several close friends and former colleagues paid tribute in a spine tingling and extremely humorous manner to the island's former unofficial tourism ambassador, the late Ken Kennedy.

Last Wednesday, July 5, the man who openly discarded the word 'Mister' from any title pertaining to his name and opting for simply Ken, was remembered by way of anecdote, great food, the free flow of top brass liquor and fabulous conversation.

Held at the St. Ann Polo Club, Ken's family said they took his memorial to the garden parish because that was his favourite place in Jamaica.

Born in England, Ken Kennedy fell in love with Jamaica when he came here to work in the hospitality industry as an hotelier in the late 1960s. It is fitting to note that a foundation geared specifically at training tourism workers is to be established in his name.

The people whose lives he touched throughout the years had these things to say about him at the memorial.

CONSUMMATE PROFESSIONAL

"He was a tremendous resource person, with worldwide experience which was of invaluable assistance to youngsters willing to listen," said David Roper, director, industry relations, Sandals Resorts International. "He gave advice freely, believed in hard work, but working sensibly, work smart was his thing."

Chief executive officer of the Caribbean Hotel Association, Alec Sanguinetti, described Ken, as a consummate professional in all aspects. "And he conducted himself accordingly and that is underscored by the fact he was one of the early winners of the Caribbean Hotelier of the Year."

"Ken had a great stability and balance about him; he had the compassion which is very necessary in this industry. A great commitment to this country, he never sold Jamaica short," said Sue McManus, vice president of public relations SuprClubs.

While Maurice Facey, who employed Ken as general manager of the former Sans Souci Hotel called him a fabulous person, who understood how to deal with his staff. "He kept them motivated."

Ian Kerr of Sunset Resorts spoke of the wealth of knowledge and the great sense of humour that Ken Kennedy had.

Ken is survived by wife Sheila, daughter Fennella Kennedy Holland and two step-children Nigel and Linda Ford.