E.J. ARTHUR KENNEDY (1880-?) was introduced to astronomy by J. R. Collins and joined the Society in 1910. He spoke occasionally at meetings and served in various offices beginning in 1928, when he became Secretary of the Toronto Board (as it was called before becoming a Centre). Kennedy also served on the 1932 Eclipse Committee, was elected the Toronto Section's Vice-Chairman for 1935-36 and Chairman for 1937-38. When he retired as National Secretary in 1958, a position he had held continuously for 23 years, he was ready to step down. He had not been in the best of health and was unable to keep up with all the day-to-day work required of his office. E.J.A. Kennedy was regarded with affection by the Council, who named him Honorary Secretary and presented him with the first Service Award. A corsage was sent for Mrs. Kennedy as they embarked on a European holiday in 1959, and a tea was arranged for his 80th birthday the following year.

Not a lot is known of his personal life. He first appeared in Toronto directories in 1898 as a clerk. By 1909 he was a book-keeper for a confectioner and eventually he had his own candy business. He was still living in suburban Toronto in 1966, but by 1968 his name no longer was included in the RASC membership roll.

—Peter Broughton (from Looking Up)

E.J.A. had an unusual ability in stylistic penmanship. ... To me, he was an individual who was best described as a typical Victorian gentleman. He owned a small business in Toronto; each November, his operation turned out hundreds of "candy-canes" for the Christmas trade. I do not know how his interest in astronomy developed. He did serve the Society as National Secretary for nearly twenty-five years, and was among the early recipients of the Service Award. It was not my privilege to meet with him often on Society matters, as he appeared anxious to turn over to me as quickly as possible the growing daily operation of the National Office under Helen's presidency.
 
—J.E. Kennedy, 1989 (E.J.A.'s successor as National Secretary)