Robert Davidson

THE LIFE & LEGACY OF JOHN J. KENNEDY

Faye and I met John when we moved to Pasadena in the early 1980’s. From the first time we met, we could tell he was going to do remarkable things for the world around him, and indeed he did.

One of my most meaningful, early memories of John is the indelible and special relationship he developed with my mother. Although we were newly acquainted, John would come by our home just to visit with my eighty-year-old mother who was living with us. As the relationship grew, John would come over on Sunday mornings and take my mother to attend the Metropolitan Baptist Church, as that was the name of her church in Memphis Tennessee. It was not long before we considered John a member of the family.

After my mother passed away, her sister, Aunt Sadie, came to live with us. John did not miss a beat. Soon after she arrived, John started coming by the house to visit Aunt Sadie and developing a relationship with her.

All the while, John was also acting as a mentor to our three sons. Always talking to them about their lives and their futures in the way that an older brother or uncle would counsel them. Always with their best interests in mind.

As you might imagine, because of John’s expressions of caring and love we all developed a tremendous amount of love for him.

Needless to say, as John’s role in public service matured, we were all immensely proud of his success and whenever he called, we would always be there to support him. He spent his entire career focused on doing for others and improving their lives. From his time with the NAACP to his most current tenure as a member of the Pasadena City Council, John has been focused on helping his country, his city, his community, and the people within it. John was a selfless, gentle giant with a heart of gold.

There are no words to express how much I loved John and how much I will miss his great smile, baritone voice and big heart.

John – Job well done thou good and faithful servant. Rest in peace.

Bob Davidson

Success comes from knowing that you did your best to become the best that you are capable of becoming.

– John Wooden