More detail on this person: William 'Mike' Kennett Mike Kennett passed away on Saturday, Aug. 24, 2002, after a two-year, courageous battle with colon cancer. He was 58 years old. Born in Pittsburgh, Kan. in 1943, Mike and his family came to San Leandro, Calif. In the early 1950s. Growing up in the East Bay, Mike had one thing on his mind - to fly airplanes. Those who knew him were more than aware of his love for flying. For Mike, it was not only a lifetime career, but an endless passion. His flying days began in the Marine Corps during Vietnam, where he spent 14 months flying search-and-rescue helicopters. While in the Marine Corps in Pensacola, Fla., he became a flight instructor. In April, 1969 Mike began his career as a pilot for United Airlines. Throughout his 33 years with United, he instructed, became a standards captain and was a safety chairman and he wrote many of the cockpit safety guidelines that are still in effect today. Mike was able to travel the world and undoubtedly spread his infectious smile and sense of humor throughout the cities he visited. Mike is preceded in death by his beloved daughter Keri and father, Walter. He is survived by his loving wife, Kathy, daughter Whitney and mother, Alice; father-in-law Bernie Doyle from Tampa, Fl.; sisters and brothers-in-law, Joanne and Fred Guibitosi and Barbara and Joe D'Aquila; and nieces and nephew Taylor, Brooke, Nicole and Cameron, all from New York. Captain Mike Kennett has been a resident of Sonoma Valley for the past 22 years, where he has been a volunteer and helped to finance building projects throughout the area. Mike has touched the lives of many people and encouraged many more. Private services will be held. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made in his memory to the Presentation School Building Fund, P.O. Box 1220, Sonoma, CA 95476 and the Sonoma Valley Hospital Foundation. Arrangements under the direction of Duggan's Mission Chapel.
This information was last updated 01/23/2019
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Date posted on this site: 03/10/2024
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