Whitney Pier

It is with very heavy hearts that we, the family of Kenneth Wayne Dunn, born August 12, 1959, announce his untimely passing with his family by his side and in the hearts of those that couldn’t be here with him in the end, after a brief but courageous battle with cancer. Kenny was the son of the late Phillip and Blanch (Rowe) Dunn of Whitney Pier.

Growing up in Whitney Pier in the 60’s and 70’s Kenny would have been known to many for his rough and tough exterior but to those who knew him best knew him for his kindness and willingness to help in any way he could, that’s not to say he wouldn’t kick someone in the arse if they needed it or told them how it was, even if they weren’t asking for his opinion. Kenny met his ‘sweetheart’ Gail at a very young age and together they spent the last 50 years creating their beautiful family.

Kenny spent many years volunteering at events and coaching many of his children’s sports whether it be hockey or soccer creating memories to last a lifetime, not only for his children but to their teammates as well. To this day, coach Kenny is talked about at any get togethers or gatherings with great memories from the kids spanning across many generations- through fond memories and stories it was clear the impact he had on so many and the respect he gained from those he coached and guided along the way. Kenny’s coaching style, lets face it would not be acceptable today but the reminiscing from the young kids he coached to the now adults proved he was an incredible and unforgettable role mode. Kenny had a laugh like no other and quite a unique sense of fashion- not caring if he ever matched or followed any trends. Most recently Kenny has been creating these same types of memories with his grandchildren, specifically at their sporting events- Papa didn’t miss a hockey, basketball or soccer game or tryout and didn’t mind telling a coach or ref when they weren’t doing things right, sometimes landing him a spot outside.

Kenny spent many years working at the Steel Plant in the carpentry shop as one of the youngest Steel workers until its closure. Kenny would then spend the remainder of his working days building, fixing or replacing just about anything or everything he could to provide for his family and a proud member of LUINA local 1115.

Kenny is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Gail (MacNeil) who over the past seven weeks has shown us all what true love really is; their three amazing children, Chris (Karrie MacLeod) and their boys, Jacob and Joshua, Sydney, Robert (Krista MacIntyre) and their two daughters, Hannah and Clara, Pembrook Ont., and Tasha (Curt MacKenzie) and their children, Malcom, his newest sweetheart Stevie Lynn and baby Dunn-MacKenzie on the way, Beaver Cove; two bonus granddaughters, Kori Lund and Breanna French; brother, Philly (Susan) and their children, Nicole and Steven; brother-in-law, Brian ( Sharon) MacNeil; sister-in-law, Carol (Wayne) and Karen (Brian) Besso; as well as many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and close friends.

Besides his parents, Kenny was predeceased by his sister Charmaine; sisters-in-law, Valerie and Darlene; mother and father in-law, John, Viola MacNeil and nephew, Terry.

Cremation has taken place under the direction of Pier Community Funeral Home. In Respect to his wishes as an organ donor he is now giving the gift of sight to others.

Visitation and memorial service to celebrate the life of Kenny Dunn will be held at Pier Community Funeral Home, 1092 Victoria Rd. (entrance on Church St.), Whitney Pier on Tuesday, August 5, 2025. A gathering of family and friends will take place from 6-8 p.m. with the memorial service to follow at 8 p.m. in the All Faith Chapel with Rev. Sheldon Chant officiating.

For those unable to attend, Live Streaming will be available on our website.

Click Here: https://www.facebook.com/35925689617/live/

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Kenny may be made to, SPCA Cape Breton, KidSport Nova Scotia, Hospice Palliative Care Society of Cape Breton, or Cancer Patient Care Fund.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care and direction of Pier Community Funeral Home.

Online Condolences

I