Hundreds attend funeral of radio presenter Johnny Kennedy

Johnny, from Liverpool, was known by many for presenting Wirral Radio and appearing at the Floral Pavilion. He died on January 24 at the age of 88.

He was laid to rest today at Francis Xavier's Roman Catholic Church on Salisbury Street in Everton. Hundreds attended the service, conducted by Bishop Tom Williams, RC Auxiliary Bishop of Liverpool.

Entertainer and radio presenter Johnny Kennedy passed away on January 24 (Image: Wirral Globe)

Funeral service for Johnny Kennedy (Image: Ian Fairbrother)Among those attending to pay tribute to their friend was Wirral Globe's theatre critic Peter Grant.

Paying tribute and recalling the service, Peter wrote: "When he sang as an accomplished tenor he played to packed houses just as he did when he appeared as an actor and comedian. When he was a DJ on Radio City and every other station he worked for he had fans of all ages.

"So it was no surprise that Johnny Kennedy's funeral service should be packed with people from all walks of life - those he worked with in show biz and in the charity fields and those people who never met him yet they felt as though he was a friend.

"I, for one, valued that friendship.

"Johnny was a remarkable man who had a ready smile and always an l outstretched hand.

Order of service at funeral for Johnny Kennedy (Image: Ian Fairbrother)"Those who spoke at the service in the beautiful St Francis of Xavier Catholic Church in Liverpool echoed the fact that Johnny was a kind, loyal and loving individual.

"That is the legacy of Johnny who died at the age of 88 in January.

"Stars of stage, screen, media and radio paid tribute to the fanatical Liverpool FC supporter, marathon runner, author and charity fundraiser.

"JK, as he was affectionately known, had so many strings to his bow - and he was always on target.

"A 90 minute service led by Bishop Tom Williams Roman Catholic Auxiliary Bishop of Liverpool was in two parts: the first half a fond memorial and the second a short requeim of hymns and prayers.

Floral tribute at funeral for Johnny Kennedy (Image: Ian Fairbrother)"The wicker coffin stood before the altar next to a flower decoration saying simply 'JK.'

"His wife of 35 years BBC journalist and broadcaster Linda McDermott is herself a much-loved Merseyside personality.

"Through tears she talked movingly in a beautiful 'Love Letter' to her husband.

"She spoke how she experienced a 'thunderbolt' when she first interviewed him for a feature when she was a writer on the Liverpool Echo newspaper.

"She said : 'It felt like I was coming home - when I wasn't even looking.

'I was living the dream in my job interviewing the likes of Sir Robin Day, Harold Wilson and Oprah Winfrey and then I was sent to interview a DJ.

'I didn't want to go.

'Then I met Johnny and there was a thunderbolt - out of the blue. I knew it was the same for him.'

"They were inseparable over the next 35 years.

"Linda says Johnny was nearing the completion of his autobiography when he passed.

"Now she is committed to carrying on his inspirational work.

"Linda added that Bishop Tom Williams was a great comfort to her as were the many people who have contacted her from both sides of the River - in person and in letters since her devastating news.

"She spoke of how the couple would spend time in New Brighton just staring peacefully and happily out to sea."

"Linda said Johnny made her a better person in every single way.

"Eulogies came from broadcaster and musician Frankie Connor, radio station colleague Neil Newton and comedian John Martin.

"Stan Boardman also provided plenty of laughs saying Johnny deserved letters after his name.

"He said it was a chance to 'celebrate a great life - a talented, lovely man. A Liverpool legend.'

"A short video highlighted Johnny's career and The Singing Our Socks Off Choir sang a version of Let it Be.

"There were many local celebrities who had come to pay their respects including: Pete Price, Sean Styles, Roger Phillips, Billy Butler and Lady Anne Dodd .

"Linda said she chose Valetine's Day to bring her wonderful husband back to the place where he was baptised.

"Johnny was later interred at Anfield Cemetery.

"Johnny Kennedy's inspiration will live on as shown by one member of the congregation who left the church in tears.

"She said I never met him but he struck a chord with me and my family and friends.

"He was one of us ... and he never ever forgot his own back yard and his proud Merseyside roots."