Sandi Hamilton

his radar. He would text me scriptures, and words of encouragement. I will save all my text messages from John.

I attended an event for President Biden at his home, I had an assignment and even amid all that was going on, he didn’t take for granted for my participation. As we sat in his beautiful home at the conclusion of the event, he thought of something he wanted to share with me and yelled, “Sandi, come here” and proceeded to ask his question.

I would see John on the street and again, he made his presence known to me. Just a few months ago, my sister-in-law and I were crossing the street, and seemingly, out from nowhere appeared John is his big black truck. I always thought he looked so debonaire in his heavy black coat, scarf around his neck and his black brim.

Recently, he sat down with Christopher, to establish a friendship with him. He talked about a trip he was planning to Africa, which captured my son’s interest. Along with sharing employment tips with the City of Pasadena. When John saw me again, he spoke fondly of Chris and was looking forward to a workout session with him.

Never did I hear of anyone speak negatively of John in his work as a public official. It appeared that if community work was making a difference John was involved. I will always remember the Sunday I walked into service at my church and there sat John. He was delighted to see me as I was to see him. He assured me he would return, at that point, I knew he and Pastor McFarland would probably be collaborating on community projects. I often supported John when he spoke at First AME, Pasadena. I was always inspired by his message. John was just an all-around good person, and most importantly when in his presence I knew his love for God was sincere.

The day came and our Heavenly Father called John J. Kennedy home. I can imagine that John will hear, as he should, “well done my good and faithful servant.” John lived a life to be celebrated and never to be forgotten. He will forever live in my heart. John until we meet again…so long for now.

Sandra Tung and Bob Jacobson

Aloha, I am proud to have known John Kennedy. I got to know John on travel to China. John, Sandra Tung, and I travelled as a small group. Sandra requested that I include her in this expression of our shared thoughts. We both loved John. In both 2016 and 2020, we all traveled to a number of cities in China where we met with government dignitaries, artists, musicians, educational institutions, and business people.

people we met during our travels. We enjoyed his voice when he did renditions of “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” and his great abilities to master new music as well as old favorites such as “Auld Lang Syne.” His voice always broke down any social walls, and people loved him because of who he was and his great joy for life. John loved his family and spoke of them often. His deep, sincere and abiding devotion to his church was an inspiration to both Sandra and me. John was always tolerant and sought to bring everyone together. John did not tolerate disrespectful actions by others and always made his feelings clear on that subject.

We will miss John and we will think of him with love and appreciation for the time we had with him. We send our sympathies and love to John’s family and his friends.

Sincerely,

Sandra Tung, President of the America Chinese Exchange Association

Bob Jacobson, Hawaii County Councilmember 2002-2008

Travel broadens the mind, and travel with friends broadens, enriches, and deepens that friendship. Sandra and I found a good friend in John. He was educated, kind, talented, and a seeker of truth. He always made sure that our tight travel group was respected and recognized for our own identities. I was frequently humbled by his intellect and musical talents. John was always curious and sought to understand and respect all the

In 2012, I met John at a campaign fundraiser in Pasadena, California. Upon meeting him, the first thing he said to me was “you are beautiful.” John and I quickly became friends, and I became one of his many supporters. John and I spent a lot of personal time together; our relationship was never transactional. John always treated me like a lady.