Archpriest Robert Stephen Kennaugh fell asleep in the Lord on Friday, January 12, 2024, at Riverview Health Centre, with family by his side.
Affectionately known as Father Bob, he was born July 11, 1942 in Winnipeg and raised in Norwood. As a young adult in the summers, he worked for the city selling dog and bike licences. Father Bob obtained Bachelor of Arts and Master of Social Work Degrees from the University of Manitoba. He worked in social services positions as well as a computer programmer for the Mincome pilot project. Father Bob also worked in Braille transcription for both the CNIB and the Department of Education and attended numerous conferences.
Father Bob met Dianne Leibel in Winnipeg in 1965 and they were married on June 3, 1967 in Regina, Saskatchewan. They enjoyed a 56 and a half year marriage full of love, service and witness of caring to each other, their family, Church and broader community. Father Bob and Matuhka Dianne raised two daughters and supported the upbringing of five grandchildren at Grandma and Grandpa’s day care. Their home on Dominion Street in Winnipeg was a loving gathering place for friends, neighbours, Metropolitans, Bishops, clergy and faithful alike; and innumerable celebrations, house concerts and parties: Serving and feeding those in need humbly with love and without judgment.
After a lengthy Diaconate in which he served at Western rite Orthodox mission of Saint Mary the Virgin (under the Antiochian Archdiocese) and various Orthodox communities in Winnipeg, he was ordained to the Holy Priesthood in 1991 and given the responsibility of taking care of two parishes: Saint Nicholas Orthodox Churches in both Narol, MB and Sandy Lake, MB which he dutifully fulfilled until his retirement in 2013. He was Dean of Manitoba and Saskatchewan for the Orthodox Church of America’s Archdiocese of Canada for several years. He loved his pastoral work with these congregations.
Father Bob loved family gatherings and visiting with family. Father Bob and Dianne travelled to Europe, many southern tropical places, and across Canada. He had many hobbies and was an ardent supporter of the Winnipeg Music Festival. He enjoyed listening to classical music and watching musicals in his room at the Riverview Health center.
Father Bob was predeceased by his parents Stan and Edith Kennaugh. Father Bob is survived by his loving wife, Dianne Kennaugh; children, Laurel (Vincenzo) Litardi, Suzanne (Richard) Paintin; grandchildren, Adriana Litardi (fiancé Scott Thorne), Nicholas and Jasper Litardi, Christina and Malcolm Paintin; siblings, William Kennaugh, Susan (Bob) Armstrong, his nieces and nephews, numerous cousins, extended family and friends.
The family would like to thank the staff at Riverview Health Centre for their care and kindness to Father Bob. Special thanks also to all who visited, prayed, sent cards, notes and treats and to their cousins Pat and Mait Sundmark and Sheila Burland for their continued love and support.
The Funeral Service will be held on Friday, January 19 at 7:00 PM and presided by His Eminence Archbishop Irénée. Divine Liturgy will be held on Saturday, January 20 at 10:00 AM. Both services will be at Saint Demetrios Orthodox Church, 2255 Grant Avenue. Following the service on Saturday there will be a lunch in the Church Hall. Interment will take place at Saint Nicholas Orthodox Church Cemetery, 5635 Henderson Highway, Narol, MB. Pallbearers are Dale Douma, Jasper Litardi, Nicholas Litardi, Vincenzo Litardi, Christina Paintin, Malcolm Paintin, Richard Paintin, David Pensato and Scott Thorne.
In lieu of flowers, should friends so desire, donations may be made to the Riverview Health Centre Foundation at One Morley Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3L 2P4 or to Saint Nicholas Orthodox Church Narol, MB at 5635 Henderson Highway, Narol, MB R1C 0B6 or to a charity of your choice.
May Father Robert’s memory be eternal!