Jeremy Joseph Kennish

Jeremy Joseph Kennish, of Sacramento, CA, passed away at home surrounded by friends and family on January 30, 2022 after a lengthy and courageous fight against cancer. He was two months shy of his 40th birthday. 

Jeremy was born in Olympia, WA to Joseph E. and Cheryl A. Kennish (nee Zeller) on March 29, 1982 and was raised in the Pacific Northwest. The family eventually settled down in Ferndale, WA in 1988 where Jeremy attended Central Elementary, Vista Middle School and Ferndale High School, graduating in 2001. 

While growing up Jeremy was very active in sports, especially soccer, marching band and the St. Joseph’s church youth group. It was during this time in his life that Jeremy met many of his best friends, including his future wife, Elizabeth Bellefuille.

In 2004, after attending Whatcom Community College and Washington State University, the high school sweethearts married and sons Sawyer J. (15) and Oliver M. (13) soon followed. 

In 2007 Jeremy was working in the Telecom Industry and the family relocated to Sacramento, CA where they quickly fell in love with the area and laid down deep roots. Both boys followed in their Papa’s cleats and he enjoyed many sunny days as a fan and soccer coach. Never one to miss an opportunity to share his passions with anyone, he also passed along his love of classic cars to the boys and most recently was able to take them for drives in his newly restored, ’69 Cougar.

Jeremy remained an avid sports fan. Even when he could no longer play, he still found a way to participate via Fantasy Football leagues and Nolan Ryan baseball card collecting. Anyone who played on a fantasy league with him will be able to regale you with the messages Jeremy sent out about his team. Indeed, his random text messages will be missed by many! Most of us will have to turn elsewhere for unsolicited advice on where to buy our dream cars, most colorful shoes or movie/tv recommendations.

Jeremy is survived by his loving family; wife Liz, Sons Sawyer and Oliver, his parents, Joe and Cheryl, sister Melissa A. Knowlton (Solomon), grandparents Aurelia M. Kennish (nee Hoeschen), Roger G. Zeller, his brothers and sisters in law, many nieces and nephews and an extended network of beloved friends. He was preceded in death by grandparents Edward P. Kennish and Lura M. Zeller (nee Brown). Jeremy’s ready smile, unique humor and generous spirit will be missed by all who knew him.

“This is a sad moment right here. For all of us. And there ain’t nothing I can say, standing in front of you right now, that can take that away. But please do me this favor, will you? Lift up your heads and look around this locker room. Look at everybody else in here. And I want you to be grateful that you’re going through this sad moment with all these other folks. Because I promise you, there is something worse out there than being sad and that is being alone and being sad. Ain’t nobody in this room alone. Let’s be sad now. Let’s be sad together. And then we can be a gosh-darn goldfish. Onward. Forward.” – Ted Lasso. Until we meet again Jeremy. Until we meet again.

Please join us for a memorial service to honor the life of Jeremy Joseph Kennish. We will gather together on Sunday, February 27 from 10am-1pm at Iva Gard Shepard Garden and Arts Center. Services will be conducted indoors (Masks REQUIRED), with mingling and light appetizers to follow, outside.

DATE: Sunday, February 27 

TIME: 10am-1pm

LOCATION: Iva Gard Shepard Garden and Arts Center

3330 McKinley Blvd. Sacramento, CA 95816-3824

PARKING: Parking is very limited and carpooling or taking an Uber is highly suggested  

DIRECTIONS: From Capitol City Freeway / Business 80 East take the H Street exit; turn right at H Street, then left at 33rd Street, and right at McKinley Blvd. Parking lot is in the rear and can be accessed from Park Way.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests you please bring a letter for Sawyer & Oliver describing one of your fondest memories with (or of) Jeremy, for the boys to cherish forever.