Kenney, Paul Ryan

Paul Ryan Kenney, 42, died unexpectedly Friday, Oct. 2, 2009, in Santa Fe, N.M. Funeral mass by All Saints Catholic Church held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at St. Matthew Catholic Church, Cedar Rapids, by the Rev. David O'Connor. Inurnment at 11 a.m. Friday at Mount Calvary Cemetery. Friends may call at Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, with a prayer service beginning at 7 p.m. Friends may also call after 9:30 a.m. Thursday at the church.

Paul was preceded in death by his father, Thomas James Kenney, on Nov. 14, 2008.

Paul will be dearly missed by his mother, Mary Ellen Kenney of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and his seven siblings, Capt. Patricia Kenney, USN (Ret.) and Christina Joy, Bethesda, Md.; Jeanne and Matthew Brandes, Molly and Edward Kempf, Thomas and Robin Kenney, Jack and Margaret Kenney, Eileen and Tony Foxhoven, all of Cedar Rapids, and Anne and Jeff Smart, Oak Park, Ill.

His large and loving family includes nieces and nephews, Kate Beihl (Aden), Martha Farrell (Ronan), Laura Ebinger (Tom), Sarah Colony (Drew), Dan Kempf, Marcus and Joe Kenney, John, Michele and James Kenney, Tom Hayes, Michael, Grace and Liam Smart, Matt, Kristin and Greg Foxhoven, Lincoln and Archer Beihl; special friends, Lisa and Jason Hingst, Stephen Plank, Tim Miller and Jody Kurtt; and his beloved uncles, aunts and cousins.

Paul was born Aug. 28, 1967, in Rockford, Ill., to Thomas and Mary Ellen Kenney. He was a graduate of Regis High School and the University of Iowa. After graduation, Paul moved to Los Angeles and worked as an accountant in the film and television industry. Paul's work took him to China, St. Martin, New York, San Francisco, Minneapolis and his last film site, Santa Fe, N.M. Paul saw a lot of the world and made friends wherever he went. Although he traveled extensively, Paul always considered Cedar Rapids home. He regularly returned and maintained close relationships with his family and friends here. Paul leaves many dear friends who will remember him as a kind man, a true friend and a real gentleman.

Our love for you “Buzz” will never end. We will always be with you, arms around you and forever the eight of us.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Community Health Free Clinic, All Saints Church or the Cedar Rapids Public Library. Please leave a message or tribute to the Kenney family on the Web page, under Obituaries.