John Robert Kennedy

John Robert Kennedy, 72, died at his home Dec. 18, 2011.

He was born June 7, 1939, in Seattle, Wash., to Andrew and Edyth Kennedy.

John had an adventurous life from the start. He joined the Air Force and moved his family to Alaska in 1958. Before settling in Alaska permanently in 1971, his line of work moved him to many different states in the Lower 48. He was also an accomplished commercial diver, member of International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 77 in Washington, Alaska Shriners, Veterans of Foreign Wars, National Rifle Association and was a private pilot. John worked as a lineman with Chugach Electric Association and retired from Matanuska Electric Association as a dispatcher.

He had a passion for hunting, fishing and his church. He loved spending his summer days on his boat in Homer and attending Sunday service at Church on the Rock, which was the highlight of his week these last few years. As a member, he found peace within himself, salvation, faith and trust in the Lord again.

If you knew John, he was quite the character and loved teasing. His daily routine always included lunch with his buddies at Chili's.

John enjoyed being around his grandkids and was thrilled to be a great-grandpa.

"He was loved by everyone who knew him," his family said.

Surviving are his daughters, Lisa Hendrick of Anchorage and Kim Ridge of Sammamish, Wash.; son-in-law, David Hendrick; grandkids, Jeremy, Kali and Cory Hulquist, Cam and Cody Hendrick, and Brandon and Randi Ridge; and five great-grandkids.

Preceding him in death was his father, mother and sister.

A celebration of life is from 2 to 6 p.m., Jan. 15 at Mat-Su Resort in Wasilla.

In lieu of flowers, donations in honor of John to the American Heart Association are suggested.

Alaskan Heritage Memorial Chapel and Crematory in Wasilla cared for the family.