A Legacy of Caring
Keith Kennedy was a generous, caring man, who spent his life in service of others. His friends remember him as an intelligent, well-read individual who loved nature and animals. Throughout his 93 years, Keith and his wife Jean sponsored 17 children through World Vision, as well as donated to the charity.During World War II, Keith joined the Canadian Armed Forces, serving in the Air Force. He was a member of the Vernon Seniors’ Association, the Vernon All Saints Anglican Church, and a 35-year member of the Vernon Chapter of the Knights of Pythias, which funds many charities and provides graduation bursaries throughout the North Okanagan.Although Keith passed away in March 2014, his generosity lives on through a $10,000 bequest to the Knights of Pythias and Pythian Sisters. They have chosen to honour his memory by donating the funds to Vernon Jubilee Hospital Foundation. This generous gift will be allocated to the Building a Tower of Care Campaign, Phase II, to name a Quiet Room in Polson Tower.
“We wanted to do something that would have a big impact,” explains Pythias Knight, Tony Kuhn. “The Quiet Room will be a benefit to those in the hospital who need to talk with a doctor, their family, or a caregiver, or for someone who needs to get away for a few quiet minutes.”
The local chapter of the Knights of Pythias was established in 1894. Their mission is based on Damon and Pythias, two characters in Greek mythology, where each was willing to sacrifice his life for the other, acknowledging the importance of loyalty, honour and friendship. The Lodge had been very active in the community, annually participating in the Kalamalka Lake Canoe and Kayak Races in the 1970s.The Pythian Sisters was established in Vernon in 1944, raising funds through hosting bazaars and catering events. They are pleased to be able to contribute to the community through the Quiet Room at VJH.
“I remember when my parents passed away,” says member Patricia Kropp. “A quiet room is like an oasis where you can get away. Sometimes you need more space and a nice quiet place to go to.”
