Melvin Kennedy
The world lost a beautiful soul in Mel Kennedy. A loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, he was also an integral part of his wife’s family, the Matsumotos, and good friend and colleague to so many throughout his life.
Mel was a born engineer, at an early age breaking apart the head of his three sisters’ only doll to discover how its blinking eyes worked. After attending Chaffee Junior College, he transferred to UC Berkeley where he graduated with a degree in mechanical engineering. Mel was quickly recruited by Mattel Toys where he spent fourteen years designing various projects including many for the Hot Wheels brand.
Along with a fellow Mattelite, Mel eventually struck out on his own. They moved to New York City, where he met Susan Matsumoto, future wife, business partner and love of his life. Initial successful inventions were the Baseball Kid for Ohio Art and the Happy Days Game for Parker Bros., followed by a run of Spider-Man toys for Toy Biz, and Skip-It! an international best seller to this day.
Over a career that granted him many patents, Mel alongside various partners, also invented Conair’s Quick Braid, Quick Wrap and Color Pro Accent; international hit toys Doodle Doug and Doodle Daisy; Hasbro’s Easy Bake Oven Frosting Pen; Baby Brezza Baby Food Maker by Betesh Group; and many others. Over the years, Mel and Susan called the Hamptons and Florida their home before finally settling in Santa Barbara, their favorite place of all. They loved to travel, chalking up ninety-one countries on their list of destinations with the target of reaching one hundred.
In his lifetime Mel collected classic fifties convertibles, sailed Hobie cats, owned racehorses, flew an Ultralight right to the bottom of Shinnecock Bay, fished in the High Sierra with Kennedys and Matsumotos, enjoyed plays, lectures, dance performances, and concerts, especially through UCSB’s Arts & Lecture Series. He loved good food and wine and was addicted to sudoku, impossible and hard levels only, please. Even in these last months, Mel’s mind was always active, engaged by talks on YouTube and TED, and articles read to him from the New York Times.
Mel is survived by his wife Susan; son David and daughter Diana (Karen) from his first marriage to Carmen Guevara; grandchildren Jason (Marissa), Alec (Kaitlin), and Nicole; and great-grandchildren Ava, Lexie, Sadie Mae, and Asher.
His greatest regret at his passing was not being able to watch his great-grandchildren grow up. Also surviving him are sisters Janice (Dean) and Margaret (Lance); as well as Matsumoto siblings Stephen, Ken (Joy), Mark (Janice) and Robert; plus numerous nephews, nieces, great-nephews and great-nieces. He was pre-deceased by his parents Stan and Dorothy (Gerdes) Kennedy and his sister Patricia Bray.
If you are so moved, donations may be made in Mel’s name to World Central Kitchen. The world and the suffering of its citizens were always a concern for him. Or UCSB Arts & Lectures, a highlight of living in Santa Barbara, exposing us to world-class minds, dance, and music.
