Hawthorn Football Club’s Board of Directors, Past Players and Officials association, management, staff, players and life members are deeply saddened by the passing of John Kennedy Senior.

John was the most wonderful, humble giant, with the best of personal values.

He was an exceptional player, coach, educator and leader, who cultivated the culture of our football club.

Through his values, his mantras, and the imparting of his wisdom, ‘Kanga’ laid the foundations for the Hawthorn we all know and love.

John instilled in our club the importance of humility and showed us that the impact of true camaraderie knows no bounds.

John’s booming voice will forever echo throughout the corridors of Hawthorn and his legacy will be passed down from generation to generation.

The Hawthorn Football Club extend its sincerest condolences to John’s children Maureen, John Jnr, Bernard, Patrick, and their extended family and friends at this sad time.

Vale, John Kennedy Snr, the man in the brown overcoat with a heart of gold.