​Standing room only at memorial for Kincardine councillor Doug Kennedy

It was standing room only as about 750 people attended the memorial for Kincardine councillor Doug Kennedy, Sunday afternoon, in the gymnasium at the Davidson Centre in Kincardine.

The crowd was a sea of sports jerseys, as Kennedy had requested that people wear their favourite jersey to the event. Among the crowd, was Keith Davidson, former Kincardine recreation director, waving a sign that said, “Thanks, Doug” on one side and “We love you, Doug” on the other.

MC Norm Gauthier shared several stories and jokes as he welcomed various speakers to the podium.

Among those who spoke, were Brian Dundas, a childhood friend from St. Marys; Murray Brown of the Provincial Junior Hockey League; Warren Beisel, general manager of the Kincardine Bulldogs; Kennedy’s son, Jon Alcombrack of Renfrew; and Kennedy’s youngest brother, Bob, of Ocala, Florida.

Brown noted that hockey was a big part of Kennedy’s life, and one of his favourite sayings was, “It’s good, it’s all good.”

“He made Junior C hockey what it is today, and he made Kincardine a great place,” said Brown. “His family, many, many hockey teams in the area, and the Kincardine community, will certainly miss him.”

Beisel called up Kennedy’s brother, Bob, and wife, Kathie, and proceeded to have them put Kincardine Bulldogs jerseys over their Florida Panthers jerseys. He offered memories of working with Kennedy and Bulldogs hockey club before taking over as general manager. Then, he demonstrated a “Doug move” and poured a drink over his head.

Gauthier announced that the Kincardine and Community Health Care Foundation has established the "Doug Kennedy and Cathy Alcombrack Fracture Room" at the Kincardine Hospital. The plaque reads: “This room is named in honour of Doug Kennedy through the support and love of ‘Local Anesthesia,’ the bands, committee and participants of the Rock With Your Docs musical events. Doug was a tireless supporter of sports, health care, and the betterment of his community.”

Alcombrack said Kennedy touched the Kincardine community and was important to this community. “He loved Cathy and his boys, and sports. And he passed on that love of sports. Now, I coach hockey.”

Youngest brother Bob said that the amazing turn-out at the memorial was a testament to Kennedy’s impact on the Kincardine community.

“He was a great athlete and had great strength and character,” he said. “Here’s a little known fact, he also played piano and sang a solo at the Stratford Music Festival.”

Gauthier wrapped up the memorial by saying, “Let’s continue Doug’s work of making this a great, vibrant community.”