Obituary: Kennedy, Dean Joseph
Age 85
As WWII was winding down, Dean enlisted in the Navy, serving his country and seeing the world aboard the USS Kearsarge.
Upon his discharge, he enrolled at Montana State University and played fullback on the Bobcat football team.
Also while at MSU, he joined the Sigma Chi Fraternity where he was volunteered to house the MSU mascot, a bobcat named Winky.
Taking Winky home for Christmas break became a legend in family history.
In August of 1954 he married Leola Albrecht, also of Billings, where he was a founder of Western Office Equipment.
Business opportunities took them to Great Falls and eventually to Spokane where they purchased Murphy Business Equipment.
Dean built the company into a successful office furniture and supply business and mentored dozens of young people throughout his career.
He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Leola; and children Bruce Kennedy (Kitty) of Spokane, Doug Kennedy and Cobe Alcorn (Garrett), both of Seattle; his brother, Victor Kennedy (Katie) of Coeur d’Alene; and sister, Beverly Cogburn of Spokane.
The lights of his life were his granddaughters: Erin and Elizabeth Kennedy and Marissa and Genevieve Alcorn.
His sisters Pat Vasser and Virginia Mueller preceded him in death.
Dean will be remembered as a dedicated father, grandfather and loving husband.
He was an incredibly generous man, remembered for his open wallet policy.
He had a warm and engaging personality and a natural ability for memorable storytelling.
He created many fun memories for us all at Rockford Bay and East Rosebud Lake in Montana.
We will forever miss him.
A memorial will be held August 2nd at 3:00pm at Heritage Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to a charity of your choice.