First published in the Aug. 11 print issue of the Pasadena Outlook.
We at ChapCare are heartbroken over the tragic passing of beloved Pasadena Councilman John J. Kennedy. He was a strong advocate for progressive social justice issues, including equal access to health care for all.
Recommended by the city of Pasadena to be a member of the ChapCare board of directors, he served from 2004 to 2010, including election to chair of the board at the end of his time with us. He was an ardent supporter of health-care access for the underserved and, as such, was delighted to see health-care evolution (or revolution) brought into being by the Affordable Care Act signed into law during the Obama administration.
As ChapCare’s chief executive officer, I worked closely with Mr. Kennedy — John as he preferred. John was passionate for the people, places and causes that he held near to his heart. Northwest Pasadena and health care access for underserved and at-risk populations were just a few of the many topics that we discussed at length.
He supported ChapCare’s medical, dental, behavioral health and other clinical services as a fundamental resource for all residents of Pasadena and the surrounding areas. John saw physical and mental well-being as a way that underserved people and neighborhoods could achieve their best quality of life and build stronger communities.
Everyone at ChapCare sends our condolences to the Kennedy family, neighborhoods of Northwest and greater Pasadena, the staff of the city of Pasadena, and all who were touched by his shining light, extinguished much too soon.
We will miss you, John.
Margaret (Margie) B. Martinez
CEO, ChapCare
