Brian Matthew Kennedy, 25, born in Evanston, Illinois, was killed in action on March 21, 2003, during the first ground troop insertion mission in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Brian was a Corporal in the United States Marine Corps.

Growing up, Brian attended Lyon Elementary School, Pleasant Ridge Middle School, Springman Junior High School and Glenbrook South High School, in Glenview, Illinois. While attending Glenbrook South High, Brian was on the All State Lacrosse Team, Varsity Football Team, and a member of The National Honor Society. Brian went on to attend Purdue University and Texas Tech University where he majored in mechanical and petroleum engineering, respectively. While attending college, he was a member of the Fraternity of Phi Gamma Delta and continued to play lacrosse.

In 1998, Brian joined the United States Marine Corps. He was stationed at Camp Pendleton in Oceanside and resided in Encinitas, CA. He was trained as a CH-46 Sea Knight Helicopter Mechanic and Crew Chief. Because of his superior abilities, Brian was selected for the first troop insertion mission in Operation Iraqi Freedom. He died in valor and was proud to serve his country.

Brian was adored by all and could light up a room with his smile. He was selfless and very caring. He was a good son and a loyal brother, brother in-law and friend. Brian enjoyed golfing, rock climbing and cooking/grilling with friends and family. He was humble despite his talent as a gifted athlete and scholar. He was a proud Marine and will be missed by all.

Brian is survived by his mother, Melissa Derbyshire of Port Clyde, ME; father, Mark Kennedy of Houston, TX; sister and brother in-law, Gretchen and Brett Helgeson of Scottsdale, AZ; stepmother, Valerie Kennedy of Houston, TX; stepfather, John Derbyshire of Port Clyde, ME; grandmother, Mary Jane Kokos of Indianapolis, IN; grandparents, Wilma and John Kennedy of Naples, FL.

Services will be held at First United Methodist Church, 2111 Camino Del Rio S., San Diego, CA 92108, at 10am April 7th, 2003. Immediately following will be the graveside service and burial at Ft. Rosecrans National Cemetery, Cabrillo Memorial Drive, San Diego, CA 92106. A reception will be held after burial at United Methodist Church.

There will also be a memorial service held at a later date in Maine, TBA. A memorial service will be held in Houston, Texas, at the First Congregational Church, 10840 Beinhorn Rd., Houston, TX 77024, Tuesday April 15th, at 5pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to:
Toys for Tots (Checks made payable to Toys for Tots)
MAG 46, Detachment A
Building 23144
PO Box 555901
Camp Pendleton, CA 92055-5901
In memory of Brian Kennedy
Arrangements by Featheringill Mortuary.