Last December we received correspondence from Mr. Jonathan “Jono” Kenyon in the U.S., advising that his father, John Kenyon, who had served here in the Bermuda Police from 1974 until 1979, had sadly passed away peacefully on December 8th 2024.
John initially came out to Bermuda in 1971 as a mason at Port Royal Golf Course, but his career took a turn when he applied for and was accepted as a police officer in the Bermuda Police. After attending Basic Training Course #18 John was first posted to Central Division (Hamilton) were he worked for just two months prior to being transferred to Operations Division (Traffic) where he worked for several years before joining Malcy Smith in the Carpentry Shop where he was able to put his “Jack-of-all-Trades” skills to good use tackling all manner of repairs and upgrading of our police facilities.
John met his American born wife, Linda, here while he was working at Port Royal. They were married in September 1972 and in 1978 they were blessed with the birth of their son, Jonathan “Jono”. John and Linda decided that their future lay in the U.S. where they relocated, and John went on to create and operate a very successful construction business (KYD).
Jono has returned here to the land of his birth on numerous occasions and well remembers the first time he came back here with his dad, who aways had the fondest of memories of Bermuda and would reminisce about the time he spent as a police officer, including the difficult times when he was working during the riots of 1977.
Jono has kindly provide us with his father’s obituary in which John is fondly remembered for his unwavering work ethic, adventurous spirit, and the love he shared with those around him.
During our various communications Jono was informed about our October annual Memorial Service at the Police Cemetery during which we remember our departed colleagues, and at which the Commissioner of Police reads out the names of all of our colleagues who have passed in the preceding two years. Jono indicated that he and his family may attend the Service this coming October.
Editors note - We are most appreciative that Jono took the time and trouble to make contact with us and inform us about his father’s passing. We are also aware that there will be other families who have also lost loved ones who served here in the Bermuda Police. We maintain a List of our Deceased Colleagues here on our website (CLICK HERE to review it) and we urge anyone who knows of former deceased colleagues who are not on our list to please contact us at info@expobermuda.
John with his ‘Elton John’ look
John Kenyon, a devoted father, adventurer, and skilled craftsman, passed away peacefully on December 8, 2024, at the age of 76. Born in England in 1948, John’s life was a testament to hard work, courage, and a deep love for his family.
In 1971, at the age of 23, John’s journey took an unexpected turn when he traveled to Bermuda on a contract to do masonry work at The Port Royal Golf Course. Fate intervened, and John’s path shifted as he became a “Bobby”—a police officer in Bermuda. Armed only with a baton and handcuffs, John upheld the law with a steady hand and a kind heart, embodying the community’s trust.
It was during this chapter of his life that he met Linda Willard while scuba diving in Bermuda’s crystal-clear waters. Together, they embraced the beauty of the island, and their union was blessed with the birth of their son, Jonathan. In the 1980s, the family relocated to the United States, where John built a new life rooted in dedication and ambition.
John’s entrepreneurial spirit shone brightly as he founded K.Y.D., a successful construction business that he ran with pride and skill until his retirement. His work left a lasting legacy in the structures he built and in the relationships he formed with clients and colleagues alike.
John was preceded in death by his ex-wife, Linda Willard, his loving companion of many years, Trish Houck, and his parents.
Left to cherish his memory is his son, Jonathan Dey Kenyon (Dana Lee), who carries forward his father’s values of resilience and kindness. He would also like to thank the entire community at Lake Taylor Transitional Care Hospital for their care, grace and compassion.
John’s life was a remarkable journey that spanned continents, professions, and passions. He will be remembered for his unwavering work ethic, adventurous spirit, and the love he shared with those around him. Though he has left this world, his legacy will continue to inspire all who knew him.