Perth-Andover doctor represented former riding of Victoria-Tobique for 23 years in N.B. legislature
Dr. Larry R. Kennedy, a Perth-Andover family physician who was one of New Brunswick’s longest-serving MLAs, died March 25 after a lengthy illness at the Victoria Glen Manor in Perth-Andover. He was 76-years-old.
Kennedy won the riding of Victoria-Tobique for the Liberals during the historic 1987 election that saw the party capture every seat under Premier Frank McKenna, wiping out the long-standing Progressive Conservative government of Richard Hatfield.
“Larry Kennedy was an extraordinary person. He was a master of multitasking, he was able to be a busy doctor, a village councillor, ending up being chairman of the school board. I remember him well when he was chief of staff at Hotel Dieu (of St. Joseph’s Hospital). That hospital was always fighting for survival and he was a great advocate for that hospital,” Frank McKenna said in a phone interview.
When Kennedy was elected in the 1987 landslide, McKenna said he became a “remarkable” legislator who never stopped advocating for his riding.
We were going through a tough time with finances… but he fought hard for the whole area, fought hard for the hospital and services in that community,” McKenna said. “He had a wonderful rapport with his cabinet colleagues; he was highly respected. He used his likability and intelligence to be very persuasive on issues.”
McKenna said Kennedy was one of the few MLAs who declined an offered cabinet position because he was busy serving his community as a doctor.
The former premier said Kennedy was well known and respected by his political allies and foes. A visit to the riding would see Kennedy and McKenna meet both Liberal and PC supporters to hear their concerns.
“He was there 23 years… Victoria-Tobique was not a slam-dunk riding, it was a difficult riding for us. But he was so well-known and respected as a medical doctor in that community. His family still serves that community… It always kept him on the right side of the ledger politically.”
‘Enjoyed living in Perth-Andover’
Burpee Wagner, who was mayor of Perth-Andover from 1977 to 2001, recalled Kennedy as a dedicated Perth-Andover resident eager to volunteer to improve his community.
“There was never any problem reaching Larry to talk about issues. He was always available for anything we wanted to discuss. He was always approachable and interested in the community. He really enjoyed living in the Perth-Andover area.”
The former mayor said Kennedy was pivotal in helping Perth-Andover recover from four major flood events from 1987 to 2008 that caused millions in damage to private homes, businesses and public infrastructure. Wagner said he also served his community by being accessible as a doctor, often meeting patients in early mornings or evenings.
“He was well known in the community and attended a lot of functions. Everyone seemed to know him. He will be missed.”
Kennedy represented the riding in northwest New Brunswick until 2010, when voters chose Progressive Conservative MLA Wes McLean. Most of the riding is now included in the Carleton-Victoria district represented by Margaret Johnson.
Kennedy was predeceased by his parents, Ronald and Mary, and nephew, Jeran. He is survived by his wife, Brenda, his children, grandchildren, brothers, nieces and nephews.
He grew up in Bairdsville on the family farm with his parents and three brothers. The University of New Brunswick graduate earned his medical degree from Dalhousie University Medical School in 1974, moving back to Perth-Andover to practice family medicine and anesthesia for over 50 years. He was a former chief of medical staff at Hotel Dieu of Saint Joseph Hospital and a former director of the New Brunswick Medical Society.
He served as a Perth-Andover councillor from 1983 to 1987 and served on the District 31 school board, eventually becoming its chairman. Kennedy was an active traveller, hunter, fisherman, snowmobiler, skier, avid wood turner and passionate furniture maker. He was a member of the New Brunswick Maple Syrup and Christmas Tree Producers Associations. He was also a member of both the Perth-Andover Rotary and Perth Elks Clubs.
He received many awards, including the King’s Coronation medal in 2024, representing meaningful community service over many decades.
Kennedy is resting at Brunswick Funeral Home, 105 F. Tribe Road Perth-Andover, with visitation on Friday from 4 to 6 p.m. Funeral mass will be held on Saturday, March 28, at 2 p.m. from St. Mary of the Angels Catholic Church, 44 Marian Drive, Perth-Andover.
