Michael Emmett Kennelly

Michael Emmett Kennelly, died January 1, 2007 at Yavapai Regional Medical Center. He was born August 17, 1933 in St. Louis, Missouri; the son of William and Juanita (Randolph) Kennelly. Mick was 73 years old.   Mike family moved to Phoenix where he graduated from North High School. He received a B.S. in Civil Engineering from the University of Arizona in 1955. He played the bass drum for the Wildcats marching band.   Mike started his career with Monsanto Chemical Company back home in St. Louis but return to to Phoenix when his father became ill. He worked for Tanner Brothers and Benson & Gerdin Engineering. Mike and Susan moved to Prescott in 1985 where he opened up his engineering practice, Kennelly Associates, Consulting Civil/Structural Engineers; which continues today in Chino Valley.           Mike was always very active. in Phoenix he was a  Jaycee, serving as a director, Treasurer, Rodeo Chairman, JCI Senator, and delegate to many National JCI conventions; the Soap Box Derby Chairman, for which he surveyed, designed and constructed the Soap Box Derby Track at South Mountain Park; coached Little League Baseball and served on the City of Phoenix Planning and Zonning Commission 1973 ? 1982, being Chairman 1978 -1980 and was a member of the Phoenix 50.       Mike loved the Tri-Cities area but especially the rural life style and friendliness of the people of Chino Valley; He was a member of the Smoki People and Chief  ?Iron Eagle? in 1990, the last year they gathered on Smoki Mesa for the Smoki Ceremonial and Snake Dance. Mike helped incorporated the Central Yavapai Rodeo Association, in 1997 and was president for the first Territorial Rodeo. He was active with the Chino Valley Recreation Foundation; as the current Chairman; he was very proud of everyone who contributed to bring the Chino Valley Aquatic Center to fruition.   Mike is survived by his beloved Susan, they were married March 24, 1984; sons; Kevin(Sherrill), James (Marge), Brian (Robin); daughters; Mary Dietrich and Bridget Kennelly; stepchildren Steven (Pam) Netherton and Jeanine M. Liss: 18 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Kathleen Ann O?Day in 2000.   A Western Celebration of Mike?s life will be 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, January 9, at the Arizona Ruffner Wakelin Funeral Home, 303 S. Cortez, Prescott, with a reception following in the Carriage House. You are invited to sign Mike?s guest book and view a tribute to him at www:\ruffnerwakelin.com   Mike was continually striving to learn new things and always was reading, usually several books at a time. On knowing that reading is the key to knowledge and self growth, he would like donations made to the Friends of Chino Valley Library, P.O. Box 593, Chino Valley, AZ 86323, in lieu of flowers.