Michael Robert Kennedy

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Michael Robert Kennedy, a beloved brother, friend and devoted animal lover, who left us on December 18, 2024. Mike was born in Bloomington, Indiana, on November 22, 1952, to Robert N. Kennedy and Katherine Mentis Kennedy. The family soon moved to Indianapolis where Mike became a lifelong resident. A graduate of Arlington High School, Mike participated in the IU Honors Program in Foreign Language for High School Students during his senior year of high school, spending a summer abroad in Krefeld, Germany--a testament to his love for learning and exploration. 

Mike had a wide range of passions, including a deep love for animals, especially dogs. At the time of his passing, he was serving as the secretary of the Hoosier Kennel Club as well as being a member of the Indianapolis Obedience Training Club. He was a former member of the Anderson Kennel Club and the Anderson Obedience Club where he often taught "Puppy Class". His devotion to his pets was unwavering, and he shared his home with his beloved Chesapeake Bay Retrievers--Woody, Ollie, Spirit, and Tide--as well as his Amazon parrot, Gomez. Michael found great joy in the dog show community and was known for his role as a dog show photographer with Booth Photography, capturing moments that showcased the beauty and spirit of the animals he loved so dearly. He supported the sport of showing dogs by frequently serving as a dog show ring steward. He earned obedience titles with his dogs Brandy, Boris, and Jack as well as achieving confirmation championships on Chessies Becky and Woody among others.

Michael was a lifelong learner, holding bachelor's degrees in economics and finance from IUPUI and later earning his Juris Doctor from IU Law School in Indianapolis. His intellectual curiosity was matched by his wide range of interests, which included an appreciation for pipe organs, classic sports cars, photography, and antique radios. Mike was an avid reader and enjoyed the mental challenges presented by the newspaper puzzles Boggle Bonus, Kuboc, and Sudoku on a daily basis.

A man of many talents, Mike was also gifted with an incredible ability to fix just about anything--cars, lawn mowers, refrigerators, plumbing, electricity, and more. Whether helping a friend or family member, he was happiest when he could lend a hand, always willing to offer his time and skills to improve the lives of others. His generosity and kind spirit were a source of comfort to his mother, his Aunt Helen Mentis, and his sister, Elizabeth. 

Michael was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Katherine. He is survived by his sister, Elizabeth, his beloved dogs, and his parrot. He will be remembered for his love of life, his commitment to helping others, and his devotion to showing and training dogs.

A celebration of Michael's life will be held on January 9, 2025 at First Meridian Heights Presbyterian Church, 4701 N. Central Avenue, Indianapolis. The service will begin at 2:00 pm following visitation at 1:00 pm. The Church will broadcast the service on facebook.com/fmhpc as well as on youtube.com/@firstmeridianheightspresby3735/streams In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to an animal charity of your choice.