Willard "Bill" Dean Kennedy

Willard (Bill) Dean Kennedy

September 12, 1945 to August 8, 2026

Bill Kennedy, beloved husband, father and grandfather, brother and brother-in-law to Judy’s 7 brothers and sisters and their spouses, passed away peacefully at the family home with his wife, Judy, at his side on August 8, 2026, at the age of 80 after an 8-year battle with Lewey Body Dementia.

Bill was born September 12, 1945, in Tacoma, WA to Merle and Ella Marie Kennedy.   He grew up in Olympia, WA, attending Garfield Elementary and Jefferson Jr. High.  He graduated from Olympia High School in 1964 and Centralia Jr. College in 1966.

Bill proudly served his country in the United States Army form 1966-1969.   After basic training, he was stationed in Bamberg, Germany.  Following his military service, he worked for Weyerhaeuser for a short time.   He was employed in the TV Cable industry for 47 years.   He retired at the age of 73 from the Comcast Corporation in 2018.

Bill dearly loved his family.   He adored his children and absolutely loved being a grandfather.  Bill is survived by his wife, Judy, of 58 years.   His daughter, Katrina Walker, of East Olympia, WA and his son, J. Christopher Kennedy, and daughter-in-law Amy Kennedy of Yelm, WA.   5 grandchildren, Hannah and Jacob Walker, and Carys, Styx and Alice Kennedy.  He has 26 nieces and nephews.  He is also survived by his sister, Judy Pope of Monmouth, OR, sister Cheryl Jenkins of Lynden, WA and his brother, Jack Kennedy and his wife, Linda, of Grass Valley, CA.  He was predeceased in death by his youngest sister Bettejeanne Clair, of Klamath Falls, OR, in 2011; his father, Merle, in 1990, and mother, Ella Marie, in 2003; and son in law, Chad Walker, in 2024.

Bill was a master craftsman.   He could build and do just about anything.   He helped his children, family and friends with his skills.   He loved working on the family home with his wife and children.

He will be greatly missed.  

“This is not the end, this is not goodbye.

We will see you soon just on the other side.

We will meet again.”

Bill’s Celebration of Life will be on October 10th, 2026 at 2 p.m. at the East Olympia Fire Hall.  8047 Normandy St SE, Olympia WA  98501