Daniel Kennedy

Daniel Lucas Kennedy unexpectedly passed away on Saturday, April 27th, 2024, at the age of 56. He was well-known for pursuing every endeavor in his life with energy and determination, be that business or pleasure.

Born on June 3rd, 1967, Dan was the son of Frances Isabelle Kennedy (Mackley) and Thomas Elswroth Kennedy, Jr. He is preceded in death by his brother, Mark Kennedy; his parents; and his life-long best friend Rob Ring.

Dan grew up in a large, close-knit family and lived a life that embraced adventure at every turn. His adventurous spirit led him to seek out new horizons, both personally and professionally, and his willingness to embrace the unknown inspired all who knew him. From his earliest days, Dan was surrounded by the warmth and camaraderie of family bonds, which instilled in him a deep appreciation for connection and community. He cherished relationships above everything and had many friends from all walks of life. Not only was he able to easily make friends anywhere and with anyone, but he was intentional about maintaining those friendships.

The day after he graduated from Billings West High School in 1985, he moved to the Florida Keys to work on his brother's fishing boat.

Dan was a true entrepreneur at heart. He started his first business, D's Discount Furniture, in Billings and became ‘Dan the Furniture Man'. He later opened Ashley Furniture Homestore in the heights and eventually moved the business to the west end and opened two more Ashley stores in Bozeman and Great Falls. He retired from the furniture world in 2015 and launched into a variety of business ventures around Montana. He had a deep love for spreading joy and creating memorable experiences for others. He was able to exercise this natural gift with his Airbnb on Flathead Lake, river property in Laurel and ranch in White Sulphur Springs.

Dan served as a Montana House Representative in Helena from 2011-2013. He was passionate about preserving the beautiful state he grew up in.

For Dan, the pinnacle of his life was the moment he became a father. The pride he felt for Bailey and Logan was immeasurable, they filled his days with joy, purpose, and boundless love. His generosity was abundant. Dan was a mentor who offered unwavering support and opportunities that propelled others to success. His belief in their potential left an indelible mark and his legacy lives on in the lives he touched. Dan's generosity knew no bounds, but if you had to sum him up in one word, it would be "ridiculous" - his zest for life, his sense of humor, and his larger-than-life personality made him unforgettable to all who knew him. Everyone that knows him has a “That Dan Kennedy” story. Anything was possible in his mind with hard work, perseverance and the Lord on his side.

As an avid outdoorsman, he had a boundless enthusiasm for hunting, fishing, camping, snowboarding, windsurfing and anything else the great outdoors had to offer him.

In addition to his love for adventure and hospitality, Dan was deeply committed to serving others and nurturing his faith. He dedicated his time and energy to multiple mission trips, traveling far and wide to make a positive impact on communities in need in the name of the Lord. Furthermore, he was actively involved in various local men's Bible groups, where he found fellowship, encouragement, and spiritual growth. Each day, Dan lived in gratitude for the blessed life bestowed on him by God's grace. He openly welcomed the day he would meet his Maker.

He is survived and dearly missed by his sisters, Marie Kennedy and Margaret Lees (Charlie); his brothers, Matt Kennedy (Cindy), John Kennedy and Chris Kennedy (Johanna); his beloved nieces and nephews; his daughter Bailey Kennedy and son Logan Kennedy; his girlfriend Deborah Brewington; and his two dogs, Joy and Diesel.

A celebration of Dan's life will be held on Friday, May 10th at 1:00pm at Swift River Ranch 4313 Duck Creek Rd, Billings, MT 59101