Alan Kennedy
We just received the sad news from Gavin Kennedy that his father, retired Inspector Alan Kennedy passed away in Dartmouth General Hospital while visiting his family in Canada. Alan had been receiving treatment in hospital for the last 10 days.
Alan was born in Edinburgh, Scotland in September 1942, and he arrived in Bermuda as a new police recruit on 24th September 1963, completing Training Course #4.
Basic Training Course #4 - 1963
P.C. Alan Kennedy is top left
He served in Central and Eastern Divisions before being posted as the Smith’s Parish Constable in 1970. Alan was promoted to Sergeant in May 1971 and continued to serve in Uniform until he was transferred to Special Branch in 1976.
Young P.c. Alan Kennedy with two visitors
(Photo taken by Pamela Serle from the Bermuda News Bureau)
He attended a Special Branch course in Barbados in 1978, and remained in SB until he was promoted to Inspector in 1982, at which time he attended the Senior Police Officers Course (SPAC) at the RCMP College in Ottowa.
Alan was a member of the Police Shooting Team and very proud of the fact that he was a good shot. The photo below shows the regular members of our Police Team, along with Nick Hall, for the 3 years that fellow Scotsman, John Napier, was in Bermuda. Alan's son, Grant, says. "Dad often shared the story about the sad day when he had to give his gun up. He sold it to a German officer on a visiting German naval vessel. he was allowed to see his gun for the last time but both he and the new owner were not allowed to touch the weapon and it was immediately taken and placed under protection in the ship's armory."
Members of the Police Shooting Team
(l-r) John Napier, Alan Kennedy, Colin Jowett and Tim Willis
In 1985 Alan took over as Airport Security Officer and as second in command of Eastern Division until retiring from the Bermuda Police Service in 1988, but not before attending Airport Security Courses in London and in Oklahoma.
After leaving the Force he drove taxis for several years until he took the position of Manager of Pomander Gate Tennis Club – a position he held until 2004.
Alan Kennedy taking care of Bill Butterworth at one of our ExPo functions
Alan served on our ExPo Committee for several years
After a couple of years travelling he was driving taxis again and was a keen member of our ExPo Committee. Alan had recently been spending time visiting family and friends in Nova Scotia when not at home in Bermuda. For an article on Alan when he was serving on ExPo Committee see http://expobermuda.com/index.php/13-committee/2-ala-kennedy
We extend our sincere condolences to his sons Gavin and Grant, to his granddaughters Taryn and Rowan, and to Alan's two sisters Ann and Joan.
23rd January
We understand from Grant that there will be a small, private, celebration of Alan's life being held in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia in the next few days. Grant and Gavin are also looking to hold a Celebration of Alan's life here in Bermuda, perhaps in the next few weeks but have stressed that Alan did not want any kind of solemn occasion. He asked that anyone invited wear their kilts (those who have them), or their football shirts - especially if they are Celtic or Machester United fans, or bright colours. As all of those who knew Alan will know, he had a very colourful personaility!
28th January 2017
UPDATE
Farewell Reception in memory of Alan Kennedy
Commissioner Michael DeSilva has kindly given permission for Gavin and Grant Kennedy to hold a reception in the Officer's Mess at Prospect from 5pm - 7pm on Thursday 9th February, for friends and colleagues of their father, retired Inspector Alan Kennedy.
Alan was a popular member of the Bermuda Police and we invite you to attend and have a farewell drink in his memory.
Alan made a request that no-one wear dark clothes when saying their farewells. In fact he liked the thought of his friends wearing kilts (if they have one), and bright colours, preferably football shirts, and especially those who are fans of Celtic, Hibernian, or Manchester United. Once a fan!