Always ready to pitch in, Brian Kennedy (BA ’82, BA ’83, MA ’85) was a valued member of the York University community, readily contributing his knowledge in statistics, mathematical expertise and problem solving skills to the Office of Institutional Planning and Analysis. Mr. Kennedy died suddenly at the young age of 55 on Tuesday, May 6 at the Toronto General Hospital.
Mr. Kennedy studied mathematics at York University, earning a graduate degree in statistics. Following graduation, he had a successful career as a statistician with Statistics Canada. He returned to York University in 2011 to work in OIPA as a senior institutional analyst. His untimely death has deeply affected the entire OIPA team.
His colleagues describe Mr. Kennedy as a responsible and diligent employee who was always ready and willing to “pitch in” no matter how large or small the task. He provided assistance to his colleagues both inside and outside the office, offering advice or project support. He always knew what questions to ask to figure out what people wanted and needed, and above all, he valued professionalism, took pride in his work and treated everyone with respect.
The work in OIPA is demanding and deadline driven, yet colleagues said Mr. Kennedy never complained about how busy or stressful the day became and he was always upbeat and positive around the office. Always ready with a smile.
In addition to the OIPA team, Mr. Kennedy will be missed by his many friends in the broader York University community and by his family. He leaves his mother Mary, his brothers Michael, Joe (Julie) and Peter.
Family and friends will be received at the Ward Funeral Home Brampton Chapel, 52 Main Street South (Hwy 10), in Brampton, Ont., on Monday, May 12, from 12 to 1pm. A celebration of Mr. Kennedy’s life will be held in the Brampton Chapel at 1pm.
As expressions of sympathy, the family requests that donations be made to the Canadian Liver Foundation. They invite friends and colleagues of Mr. Kennedy to share their favourite memories by signing the online Book of Memories available on the Ward Funeral Home website.