Angus L. Kennedy, 88, GrangevilleSunday, May 11, 2003 Angus Leonard Kennedy died of lung disease the morning of Wednesday, May 7, 2003, at Syringa General Hospital in Grangeville. He was 88 and a Grangeville resident. He was born Nov. 11, 1914, near Stites, Idaho, the son of Minnie Emmaline (Emma) Leonard and Allen J. Kennedy. He served in World War II in Reconnaissance in the Aleutian Islands. Later, he served with the rank of corporal in the Headquarters Battery 467th Parachute Field Artillery Battalion. Angus was able to attend school only through the eighth grade but was a lifelong learner, an avid reader and a self-educated man. His special interest in Idaho history and unique personal experiences brought him recognition as an expert local historian, storyteller and a master of woods lore. He worked as a cowboy as a young man, and in the industries of farming, ranching, logging, sawmills and forestry. He retired from the U.S. Forest Service, Nez Perce National Forest, in 1977 after 23 years of service. Angus' generosity to his family, friends, neighbors and community was expressed through his gifts of woodwork, handmade furniture, whittled figurines, crocheted afghans, produce from his gardens and fruit trees, and the gifts of time, stories and volunteer work. He delighted in cooking sourdough pancakes, biscuits, maple bars and donuts for family, neighbors and friends from all over the world. His sourdough recipe was started by his father in 1930, and has now been handed down to his children. Angus also loved bestowing Irish blessings. He was a Red Cross first aid instructor, and served on the Camp Fire Council and the Recreation Association. He worked for the United Fund Drive and was a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Angus enjoyed his work with Boy Scouts as a scout leader, assistant scoutmaster, merit badge counselor and a member of the board of review. He was a true native son of Idaho and often expressed his love of the state's mountains, rivers and streams. "Why go anywhere else?" he would ask. "There's no place on earth as beautiful as right where we are!" His favorite hours were spent with family -- fishing, camping, taking scenic drives, and observing birthdays, holidays and special occasions. Angus married Dorothy Mae Whiteman July 18, 1948, in Grangeville. She preceded him in death in May of 2001. He was also preceded in death by one son, Brad Kennedy, and his siblings, Mildred Emery, Aline Wiseman, and Allen, John and Frank Kennedy. His survivors include three children and their families, Dawn Kennedy-Haeder and Dewey Haeder of Grangeville, Carlyn and Jim VanDenburg of Big Fork, Mont., and Clinton and Marlene Kennedy of Cascade, Idaho; grandchildren, Bart and Amy VanDenburg, Daren and Kim Fales, Melanie Fales, Cinda and Jeff Bodell, Jeb and Jacque VanDenburg, Colby VanDenburg, Jason Fales, Erin Kennedy, Tara Kennedy and Conor Kennedy; great-grandchildren, Ashley and Spencer VanDenburg, Cooper Fales, Beckett Bodell, and Josie and Logan VanDenburg; and siblings, Hugh Kennedy of Grangeville, Hazel Gilmore of Stites, Ida Ryan of Lewiston and Ray Kennedy of Eugene, Ore. His remains have been cremated, according to his wishes. The family invites all of his family and friends to one last sourdough breakfast as a celebration of his life (and to honor his wishes not to have any of "that funeral B.S."). Please come with your favorite memories of Angus and join the family for breakfast at 10 a.m. Friday at the IOOF Rebekah Lodge, 825 W. Cunningham. Arrangements are under the direction of Blackmer Funeral Home in Grangeville. |
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