MR. G. A. KENNEDY

Evening Post, Volume CXXII, Issue 96, 20 October 1936, Page 51

MR. G. A. KENNEDY

The death of Mr. George Kennedy has removed one who was formerly a prominent figure in musical circles in Wellington. He was born at Maryborough, Ireland, in 1861,' and in 1875 with the rest of his family came to Wellington. He joined the staff of the Stamp Department early in 1876 and about two years later was transferred to the Government Insurance Department, in which he rose to the position of Deputy Commissioner. He retired in 1926 after the long period of service of over 50 years and with his wife paid a visit to England. Since then he greatly, interested himself in church work and for many years was attached to St. Mark's Church in the capacities of vestryman and churchwarden, earning the esteem of the parishioners for his careful management of the church finances. .'■ Though lately living in comparative retirement,- the late Mr. Kennedy was at one time one. of Wellington's most prominent musicians. He was a skilled violinist, both' as a soloist and also as an orchestral performer and took part in many outstanding: performances in the days of long ago. He was of an unassuming and kindly nature and was always glad to give his'services freely for any religious or charitable object: Among his cherished, possessions was a bound file of all the programmes in which he had taken .part—a file extending oyer many years and forming' an interesting book of reference. The late Mr. Kennedy is survived by his widow, formerly Miss Black, and three sons, Mr. Phipps Kennedy, Palmerston North, Mr. John Kennedy, and Mr. James Kennedy; Two brothers, Messrs. W. and G. Kennedy, and two sisters. Misses G. and M. Kennedy, also survive him. !-.'■'

Mr. Kennedy had for many years been a member of. the New Zealand Club, of which recently he received the honour, of life membership.