David M. Kennedy learned at an early age that the most important thing he could do was serve others. He never forgot that lesson, and because of it he left a lasting legacy for his church and his country.
Kennedy, who died this week at the age of 90, was a great banker, statesman and ambassador for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.Not many years ago his name was regularly in the news and his picture was on the cover of national magazines as he served as secretary of the treasury under President Nixon. Later he served as U.S. ambassador-at-large and as U.S. ambassador to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.
Despite his highly visible and impressive public stature, he never lost sight of his roots or of the things that matter most in life. After a successful career in public service, he returned to his native Utah and served as an ambassador for the First Presidency of the LDS Church. He said this job was the most important of his life. It was the culmination of a life filled with faithful and honorable service to the church.
Before entering public service, Kennedy was a successful banker in Chicago, starting in the bond department at the Continental Illinois Bank and Trust Co., and working his way up to become president and chairman of the board in 1959. Even at such a lofty position, he continued to serve people. In 1965 he was awarded the Citation for Community Service by the Chicago chapter of the Public Relations Society of America.
Richard J . Daley, who then was mayor of Chicago, said at the time that Kennedy was "the greatest example we have in the present era of Chicago of its tall men. Time and time again, he has expressed his interest in Chicago and in the people of Chicago." The mayor praised Kennedy for upholding the highest traditions of his church.
Small wonder, then, that the president of the United States felt confident appointing Kennedy to his cabinet, making him the world's leading financial officer.
Kennedy was born in Randolph, Rich County, in 1905, the grandson of pioneers. He graduated from Weber College in Ogden in 1928, after having served a mission for the LDS Church in Liverpool, England. It was there he learned he had a gift for persuasion, and that led him to pursue a career as a lawyer. Later, while working for the Federal Reserve in Washington, he earned a law degree by taking night classes at George Washington University. He married Lenora Bingham, who preceded him in death. Together they had four children.
His life was a stirring example of energy, optimism and a dedication to help others. Though Kennedy will be missed, he will also be lovingly and admiringly remembered.