LT Vernon Kennedy

Lt. Vernon Kennedy served on the USS Dennis.

Vernon and his delightful wife Bea.

He wrote the Navy for the USS Dennis plans
and over a year's time, built an exact replica.

1946 .. young marrieds in Alaska

Vernon Kennedy and Don Dennis

Gracious and fun hosts!
Thank you so much!

Lt. Kennedy is an incredible artist. There are over 500 pieces in the inlaid wood picture at the left. He builds tiny sleds (top left picture) and built the perfect replica of the USS Dennis, with working parts!

Pictures by Ann Dennis
Courtesy of Lt. Vernon Kennedy

Vernon Howard Kennedy (1925-2011)

Vernon Howard Kennedy, 85, passed away May 23, 2011. He was born in Marysville, Utah on July 10, 1925, to Howard and Melba Kennedy, six months later they moved to EIy, Nev.

Vern served in the Navy on the U.S.S. Dennis - D.E. 405 from December 1942 through July 1946. He saw extensive action in the South Pacific, and was on his way to Tokyo when the war ended.

Vern met Beatrice Rader in 1946 in Las Vegas. Vern led the way to Fairbanks in May1947, with Bea arriving in June. They were married in Fairbanks, in the Territory of Alaska, on July 30, 1947, at the Federal Building. Their first home was above the Manor Tea Room on 10th and Cushman, and they have since resided in Fairbanks in the home they bought in 1968. Their son Jeffrey was born April 10, 1951.

Vern worked as a gandy dancer laying railroad track from Ladd Field (now Fort Wainwright) to 26 Mile Richardson Highway (now Eielson Air Force Base). In 1949, he was sponsored by Jack Fricke as an apprentice for Plumbers & Steamfitters Local 375. He worked more than 50 years for Western Mechanical, retiring in 1996 as a superintendent. Some of the many projects Vern worked on were the Federal Building, the hospital, and buildings at the University of Alaska Fairbanks.

Vern had no patience for fishing, but loved to hunt moose and caribou. He loved to see the beautiful Alaska outdoors, and enjoyed going for rides to look at all the buildings he worked on during construction. The Kennedy home was always open to visitors, and when friends stopped by, Vern would keep them spellbound by his stories of action in the South Pacific during his time in the Navy. In his spare time, he used the gift he had in his hands for wood working, carvings and ceramics, and created many beautiful items for his wife and son.

Vern and Bea were members of Congregation Or HaTzafon. Vern helped remodel the synagogue and built the ark to house the Torah. He was a retired member of Local 375, and a member of the Fraternal Order of Elks, where Vern and Bea started monthly dances many years ago for people with disabilities. These dances continue to this day. Vern and Bea also started a social club for children with disabilities, which became the Tanana Valley chapter of Special Olympics and were active for many years ensuring there were activities for disabled children and adults in this area.

Vern was preceded in death by his parents Howard and Melba Kennedy, brothers Jim and Mickey and sister Helen.

Vern is survived by his loving wife Bea and his son, Jeffrey Kennedy of Fairbanks, brothers Craig Kennedy and Fred Kennedy, of Las Vegas, and many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service is being planned for July.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Tanana Valley Special Olympics or your favorite charity.

From the Fairbanks Daily News Miner

Photo by Todd Dennis
Bea Kennedy and the replica of the USS Dennis

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