Ian Kennedy

Ian, my fellow mackem, I still can not believe you are gone. What a light you were and an incredible support to us all. I am so grateful I had the privilege to get to know and work with you. I can still hear your laugh! Thank you for always having my back and checking in with me when I went on maternity. The cadre will never be the same. My deepest condolences to Anna and Maisie - my thoughts and prayers are with you always.

Ian - words fail me. Its been 7 months, yet even now I still find it hard to believe you are not with us. I hope you knew how loved and respected you were and I hope you were aware of the daily positive impact you had on so many. I am so sorry if I didn't express that better to you when I had the chance - I should have said it more. You loss has left such a void that I don't think can or will ever be filled - I'm not even sure it should. Anna and Maisie - I can't seem to find the words, but please know I am so sorry for your loss and the inevitable pain you will be feeling. Sending you both so much love - you are always in my thoughts.

It was an absolute pleasure to know and work with Ian. He was a genuinely kind-hearted man, a gentleman in every sense and the epitome of a good human being. Ian will be sorely missed by his friends and colleagues. His passing is a real loss to the Royal Navy Medical Services, and he was taken far too soon. My heartfelt condolences to all of Ian’s family.

Ian had such a warmth about him, and being in his company always made the day a little better! I remember always smiling when I used to see him walk into the office because not only was his smile and laugh infectious but a conversation with him would genuinely make you feel a little bit happier, no matter what kind of day you were having. I remember when I was going through a challenging period of wedding planning and he sat down, got his phone out and started looking for wedding venues for me. Such a small gesture, but one that has always stayed with me. I think that was a true testament to who he was - someone who genuinely cared about others and would go out of his way to help, even when he didn't have to or it was something as minor as searching for a venue. I feel very fortunate to have known and worked alongside Ian. He touched so many lives with his kindness, warmth and generosity and he is deeply missed. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family and loved ones.

The first time I met Ian was virtually during a training day mid COVID- he make a joke that my glass of squash looked like a nice glass of rose wine... and that was Ian, with his infectious humour. He worked so hard, and so passionately within his role, and we all still miss his presence in the team. My most heartfelt condolences to his family and friends

Ian was kind, generous, and utterly professional. He has had a huge impact on healthcare in the Royal Navy and the health of our sailors. He was a pleasure to work and will be very fondly remembered. Fair winds and following seas Ian.

I was deeply saddened to learn of Ian’s death. While I only worked closely with him for a short period, he made a lasting impression on me and everyone around him. Ian was consistently kind, completely unflappable, and brought a great sense of humour to the workplace. What stood out most was his humility and his exceptionally strong moral compass. He had a clear sense of right and wrong, and his devotion to his family was always evident. He was taken far too soon. My thoughts are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time. Fair winds and following seas, shipmate.

I have known Ian for the majority of my career. A man with a big heart and an amazing sense of humour, what a laugh he had!. He never failed to light up a room. Ian was such a support to me when I lost my own Dad 6 years ago and I will never forget the kindness and care he showed me. In everything he did people were at the centre of who he was and what he stood for and what was most important to him was his family. A friend a colleague and a really special human, nurse husband and Dad. Ian has left a huge hole and I miss him for who he was and what he stood for and I will continue to think of him often. Anna and Maisie you remain in my thoughts.