Les Kennedy (10 Nov 1951 - 17 Dec 2024)

I had the pleasure of meeting Les and learnt so much about Launceston on a Town Tour. Such an inspiration who will be sadly missed.

With all my love xx

I have always kept the picture of Launceston Castle with Les's dedication:"Rappeler le 'cocoa run'- Brittany - Activities week - July 1985!!!"
Farewell, Les !

With love and thanks for a valued colleague and friend.

Dear Rosemarie and Family
We were so sorry not to be with you. Les was so selfless helping other teachers who needed support. He was a good friend and we send love and hugs. Jo & Pete xx

I adored Les. I found him terrifying but wonderful when he was my teacher. I realised that actually, if you behaved he was wonderful. If you had a spark for history he was a complete softy! He and Mr Clarke gave me a love for history that I took right through to university. Les wrote me an flattering and eloquent recommendation letter that helped get me in I'm sure.

I used to love days that Les and Rosemarie would come in to see me at work - I'd always get a big hug from Les and the hear all about the grandchildren and it used to make my day a bit brighter. I will miss him very much and the world is a poorer place without him in it.

Les was my head of year up to the age of 16, and then my history teacher (along with Mr Clark) for A Level. I am a teacher myself now.
He was brilliant and I owe him a lot. He had to tell me off a few times in year 10 and waiting outside his office was a scary experience. You could hear him telling off the kid before you! He was good! He was performing a role, of course, and absolutely told me what I needed to hear at that moment in my life.
Later, I will also never forget the moving speech in the final assembly to the year group. He was tearful. I believe at that time he had been battling cancer, adding to the emotion of his words. There, he modelled how to be a strong man but also a man in touch with his feelings - something that all young men need, especially these days.
The last time I met Les in person was at a strike march in Exeter - by then, I was a teacher myself. There I saw yet another dimension to him - the militant lefty! It was obvious really, when I thought about it afterwards, for that sense of social justice came through in his A level history lessons.
He used to talk a lot about the idea of 'jumping to conclusions', and that Historians must take care not to 'leap over the wall' without having fully explored the sources - jumping blind.
I haven't met Les's family, but I felt it valuable that give a sense of how many lives he touched. Mine is just one more in this long list. I know that my classmates Alec and Giles felt the same.
My very best wishes and condolences. Goodbye, Mr Kennedy.
Paddy

I was lucky enough to have Les as a history teacher he also taught my two daughters, it’s a great loss to loose such a man who has touched so many lives in a positive way, my love and best wishes go out to his family

Dear family and friends,
I have been overwhelmed by the amazing tributes to Les and the wonderful memories you have shared. Many times I have been moved to tears but also smiles.
Your generous donations have raised over £2000 for Cancer Research in Les's memory. That is quite amazing. Thank you all so much. My love to you all. Xxx

Farewell Les

les and I worked together for several years at Launcestion. I was his assitant when he was year head and he was unfailingly helpful and supportive. Loving sympathy to Rosemarie and his family.

Les was a great inspiration to me.

Les imbued a love of history in my son, Ben, when he attended Launceston College, where Les taught for many years. I got to know him well as a colleague on the College's Governing Body. He held strong principles and believed passionately in people being treated with decency and respect, which was always reflected in the way he conducted meetings and dealt with people generally. He gave unstintingly of his time as a trade union officer, supporting teachers across Cornwall and beyond. His contribution was immense and he is sadly missed.

I am sad for the loss of such an enthusiastic and positive person that was Les. The happy memories we shared will always be with me.

Les was an inspiration to Hannah and Jon as a teacher. As a colleague Les supported, imbibed great wisdom, guidance and always shared his experience. His walks and talks around Launceston were memorable experiences.

In loving memory

Les was one of those people with endless energy and limitless generosity. He gave so much of himself to history and the union movement, and infected everyone he met with his enthusiasm and kindness. He will be so dearly missed!

We were so shocked to hear the passing of Les. We became close friends in the short time we got to know him and always valued his vast knowledge on history and our mutual love for wine.
You will be missed Les. RIP

Our FRMA secretary, Ian Jerred sent the following message to 30+ RMAs (Retired Members Associations):
There will, I am sure, be many tributes in days to come but our President, Brian Roe, spoke for many when he noted that “Les made an enormous contribution to the FRMA, to the NASUWT, to the wider Union Movement and to history education - a thoroughly great bloke and character.”
Our thoughts are, of course, very much with Rose Marie, his family and all those close to him at this sad time.