John Kendall

John Wesley Kendall (Corky) was born on March 21, 1931 in St. Paul, Minnesota to Evadne Bradshaw Kendall McConnell and John W. Kendall II. Upon graduating from Wayne State University in 1963, Corky taught science in the Detroit Public Schools for three years. He joined the Chrysler Corporation in 1967. After 26 years with many assignments in labor relations, human resources, corporate staff, and New Detroit, he retired from the Trenton Engine plant in 1991. Corky served on the Board of Control at Saginaw Valley State University for 16 years, including 5 years as Chairman. He continued to serve on their Foundation Board until his death. For 38 years he served on Board of Heartline, Inc., a residential program for women working to re-enter the community, as well as a number of other community organizations. After retiring, he enjoyed family, friends, golf, woodcarving, and continued community service. Corky is survived by Kathy, his wife of 43 years, daughters Karen Hurley (husband Paul), Kristin Kendall-Holliday (husband Todd), and granddaughters Tristin Hurley and Taryn Holliday. Corky and Kathy adopted their grandson, John Wesley Kendall V, the son of their deceased son John IV. The family will receive visitors on Wednesday, May 2, 2007, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., at O’Brien Sullivan Funeral Home, 41555 Grand River Avenue (at Meadowbrook), Novi, MI (248) 348-1800. A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, May 3rd at 11:00 a.m., at Glen Oaks Country Club, 30500 W. 13 Mile Road (between Orchard Lake and Middlebelt), Farmington Hills, MI. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Saginaw Valley State University Foundation, 7400 Bay Road, University Center, MI 48710 or Heartline, Inc, 8201 Sylvester, Detroit, MI 48214. Please designate donations “in memory of John Kendall.” Corky died on April 23, 2007, in an automobile accident in Kentucky while doing one of the things he loved most - driving on the open road returning from an annual golf trip with friends in the South.