DON Kennedy, a WWII veteran and familiar face at merchant navy memorial gatherings, has died.

Mr Kennedy served as veterans’ advisor to the Merchant Navy War Memorial Fund, which confirmed today he had “sadly but peacefully crossed the bar” on Saturday 23 November 2024 after a short illness.

He was 97 years old.

Mr Kennedy joined the Merchant Navy when he was 16. He spent the first 17 months at sea helping transport oil and fuel to allied tanks, ships and planes fighting in WWII, according to a recent Defence article. He later joined the US Army Transport Corps ship, USAT Point San Pedro, on route to New Guinea, providing ammunition and provisions for Australian forces.

Mr Kennedy then served 37 years with the Sherriff’s Office of NSW as well as 15 years in the Army Reserve.

He received the Medal of the Order of Australia in 2020, recognising his 65 years of volunteer work for veterans and service to his community.

And in February 2024 Mr Kennedy was awarded one of the highest honours given by the United States Congress: The Merchant Mariners of WW2 Congressional Gold Medal. His was one of 14 to be awarded to non-US citizens.

Mr Kennedy has been described as “a remarkable man” who lived a wonderful long life devoted to family and service.

“Don has delivered The Ode at our commemorations in both Rookwood and Canberra for many years and has been a strong advocate of the Merchant Navy War Memorial Fund Board in his capacity as Veterans Advisor,” Merchant Navy War Memorial Fund chair Sean Barrett said.

“It has been an honour and privilege to have worked with Don over the past 10 years, and I shall miss his company and counsel going forward.”

Mr Kennedy survived by his wife of 66 years, Wynne. He was the father of Jennifer, Susan, Elizabeth, Caroline and David and had six grandchildren: Jacob, Maisie, Daniel, Nic, Hayden and Sam.

A funeral for Mr Kennedy will be held on Friday 29 November at 11:15, at the Sydney Northern Suburbs Crematorium, 199 Delhi Road, North Ryde.

Mr Barrett has recommended guests arrive at least 30 minutes before commencement, due to the number of people expected to attend.

Those wishing to pass along condolences can contact Wynne Kennedy – Mr Kennedy’s wife of 66 years – at donandwynne@gmail.com. MNWMF’s postal address is PO Box 3058, Rosemeadow NSW  2560.