Obituary – Joe Kennedy

Mr Kennedy grew up in Dublin and graduated from University College Dublin with a degree in mechanical engineering.

During his early career he worked at the Pfizer Homedica prosthesis manufacturing facility in Limerick. In 1978 he joined international construction company MF Kent where he managed many of its oil-refining and electricity generation projects in the Middle East.

Mr Kennedy joined Medite in 1985 as engineering manager where his ability to see solutions rather than problems, coupled with his creativity and vision, ensured Medite became foremost in the development of the MDF Industry.

Between 1998-2001 under Medite’s ownership by Willamette Industries, Mr Kennedy moved to France as managing director of the Mediland MDF mill at Morcenx. Embracing a new language and culture fell well within his capability, as did accepting change as a way of developing Medite’s position in the panels industry. Under his guidance Willamette purchased the Darbo chipboard mill in 1999.

During his tenure in France he successfully increased capacity at both mills.

Mr Kennedy returned to Ireland in 2001 and became managing director of the Clonmel facility in 2002. In 2006 Medite was acquired by the Coillte Group and became part of its panels products division, along with SmartPly Europe Ltd and Mr Kennedy became an integral part of the leadership team for the new division. In 2009, a year before retiring, he took on the challenging role of director of innovation, focusing on Tricoya, and played a key role as advisor and mentor.

Throughout his working life and into retirement, Mr Kennedy was a prominent member of the Clonmel Lions Club and spent much time leading fund-raising projects to help various sporting and charitable organisations.

A man of few indulgences, his passion for rugby and hill-walking was a means of bringing business people together who would not otherwise meet socially; all in the interest of building long-lasting relationships.

Mr Kennedy will be remembered for his confidence in his own ability, allowing all around him to contribute freely. His unbridled enthusiasm and energy embodied a “can do” attitude and he had unwavering honesty and integrity. He had the ability to make tough decisions but they were governed by professionalism and integrity, while always acknowledging the efforts of all who contributed.

He had an uncanny ability to spot a piece of Medite MDF in hotels, restaurants and airports and was always looking for new opportunities for innovative applications.

He contributed greatly to the panels industry during his 25 years with Medite, and helped in no small way to strengthen Medite’s position as an integral part of Coillte Panel Products.

Mr Kennedy is survived by his wife Carmel, his son Karl, daughter Catriona, and grandchildren, brothers, and sister.