Dr. B.J. Kennedy

Kennedy Dr. B.J. Kennedy, age 81, internationally known medical oncologist, retired regents' professor emeritus, and Masonic oncology professor emeritus at the University of Minnesota Medical School. Loving husband, father and grandfather, passed away peacefully April 6, at home. Dr. Kennedy was known as "the father of medical oncology" for establishing it as a subspecialty of internal medicine. He made significant contributions to the medical management of cancers and trained a generation of leaders in the field of medical oncology. He received many awards for his efforts including, the 1996 Medal of Honor in Clinical Research from the American Cancer Society, the highest honor that organization awards. In his honor the University of Minnesota Medical Foundation established the B.J. Kennedy Lectureship in Oncology, the B.J. Kennedy Oncology Scholarships, and the B.J. Kennedy Chair in Medical Oncology. He held an honorary Professorship at the Beijing Cancer Institute and at the Suzhou Regional Hospital in China. He was president of the American Society of Clinical Oncology and the American Association of Cancer Education. His interests in the older population were reflected by his 29 year membership on the Board of Directors of the Presbyterian Homes of MN. He also pioneered the field of geriatric oncology. Born in Plainview, MN, he grew up in Rochester, and graduated from the University of MN Medical School in 1945. His postgraduate training was at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston where he met his wife, Margaret. He joined the U of M faculty in 1952. In 1968, Dr. Kennedy founded the Division of Medical Oncology at the U of M, which he led until his retirement in 1991. But, he continued his clinical research and education efforts until the time of his death. His survivors include his wife of 52 years, Margaret; daughter, Sharon; sons, Bradford and Grant, all of Mpls.; and son, Scott of Rochester, NY; and four grandchildren. A memorial service will be held on Sat., April 26 at 2 PM at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1200 Marquette Ave., Mpls., MN 55403. In lieu of flowers, send memorials to: The B.J. Kennedy Oncology Scholarship Fund, Minnesota Medical Foundation, Suite 300, 200 Oak St. SE, Mpls., MN 55455. Washburn-McReavy Davies Chapel 612-377-2203

Published on April 8, 2003