Obituary of Geoffrey Kennedy

Geoffrey Kennedy, the son of Salvation Army minister parents, grew up in the East End of London, enjoying soccer and playing a euphonium in the Salvation Army band. Geoff left school at 16 and began his 39-year career in insurance broking, completing his Fellowship of the Chartered Insurance Institute at night. In 1966, he married Judy. In 1967, at age 23, Geoff accepted his company chairman's offer to open an office in Grand Cayman, which then required a visit to the library to determine where it was! Geoff wanted to travel the world and meet people. His adventurous spirit and business acumen took him and his growing family to live in the Cayman Islands, Jamaica and the Bahamas for 7 years, Hong Kong for 7 years and Connecticut in the US for 18 years. As a Senior Vice President of Sedgwick Inc., responsible for international marketing, Geoff traveled frequently to Asia, Australia and Europe. He was respected for his business success, but loved for his energy, humor, mentoring and thoughtfulness. Though he kept his British accent and deep ties to England, Geoff and his family became American citizens in 1993. He was a patriotic American with the trademark noisy enthusiasm for which he was loved. Many years of festive Fourth of Julys, as well as lake days, ski weekends, uproarious games, golf, tennis and walks with family and friends were enjoyed at Splinters, the family's Vermont cottage. Geoff retired at age 55 and enjoyed 12 wonderful years of retirement, initially in Vermont where he delivered meals on wheels. Geoff and Judy moved to Rancho Murieta, California in 2001. A talented musician, Geoff played in the Amador County Concert Band as well as with the Pick Up the Baton Youth Band and at church. Geoff enjoyed bridge club and keeping up with the news so he could knowledgeably and passionately contribute to any discussion. Sutter Creek United Methodist Church was central to Geoff's life in California, both as his spiritual home, and for the close-knit friends who shared music, community events and fun. Geoff and Judy enjoyed yearly visits to Canada and England to visit family and many other trips to explore and to stay connected to friends. Geoff will be deeply missed by his wide circle of caring friends, both local and far-flung. After a brief but courageous battle with cancer, Geoff passed away on January 6, 2012. Geoff is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 45 years, Judy. Also by his brother David (Julie), his children Geoffrey (Kristine), Kaye (Kent), David (Vanessa) and his grandchildren Geoffrey and Larson, Madeline, Gunnar, Logan and Lauren and Viviana and Keaton. Geoff was a loving, proud Dad and Grandpa who relished being surrounded by his family, for lively talks, peaceful walks, cheering at a baseball or soccer game and reading to a grandchild on his knee. Geoff will forever be remembered for his infectious enthusiasm for life, exuberant conversations, humorous, animated storytelling and deep love for his family. Known as Big Geoff, G1 and W, Geoff was a one of a kind individual who will be missed as a husband, father, Poppa/Grandpa, brother and friend. Friends and Family are invited to attend a Celebration of Geoff's Life Saturday, January 28, at 11 am at Sutter Creek United Methodist Church, PO Box 983, Sutter Creek California, 95685 (suttercreekumc@sbcglobal.net). In lieu of flowers, Geoff's memory may be honored by donations to Sutter Creek United Church or Amador County Concert Band, c/o Steve Chambers, PO Box 331, Pioneer, CA 95666 (www.accband.org), both of which brought much joy to his life.