Fall 2005

A Memorial to Dr. Franklin Kenward
Kappa, 1952

Dr. Franklin Monroe Kenward, 85, who practiced dentistry in Miami for 38 years and became prominent in local, state, national and international dental organizations, passed away peacefully after a long and valiant battle with pulmonary fibrosis.

A native of Gary, Indiana, he moved to Miami in 1952 and began practicing dentistry in Coconut Grove. In 1963 he was elected president of the Miami Dental Society. He was a past national president of Psi Omega Dental Fraternity and served as editor of The Frater, the national fraternity magazine, for 15 years. During that time he was also editor of the Florida Dental Journal president of the American Association of Dental Editors and a member of the Council on Journalism of the American Dental Society.

In 1974 he was appointed registrar (or executive director) of the International College of Dentists, an honorary organization composed of outstanding dental professionals from all over the world. During the 15 years he headed the lCD, he traveled extensively throughout the world. helping to induct new members and to facilitate the presentation of clinics and courses on dental education. He was responsible for the establishment of ICD member groups in both China and South America.

Dr. Franklin M. Kenward

During this period he also was appointed by Governor Bob Graham to the State Board of Dentistry and served as its chairman. He was a member of the East Coast District Dental Society, Federation Dentaire Internationale, the Pierre Fauchard Academy and an associate member of the Chicago Dental Society. He frequently presented clinics on dental techniques at state and regional dental meetings throughout the country.

Following his discharge from the naval air corps in which he served during World War II, Dr. Kenward entered Indiana University for his pre-dental studies. He received his DDS from Loyola University in Chicago, graduating cum laude and class salutatorian. He was elected to Blue Key and Omicron Kappa Upsilon honorary fraternities and became a member of Psi Omega dental fraternity. He graduated in 1952 exactly 50 years after his father, Dr. Charles F. Kenward, had received his dental degree from Loyola. Other Loyola dental school graduates included two uncles, a cousin and a younger brother, Charles, now deceased.

He was also active in community affairs, serving as president of the Coconut Grove Exchange Club and the Coconut Grove Chamber of Commerce and was one of the guiding forces in the installation of antique streetlights and brick paving in the Grove commercial area.

The official dentist for the Coconut Grove Playhouse, many of the visiting luminaries became his patients. Dr. Kenward also served as an usher at Epiphany Catholic Church and coached Khoury League baseball. He was a longtime member of Riviera Country Club and had held memberships in Beach Colony Club and The Century Club. In Indiana he belonged to the American Legion and Forty and Eight. After practicing on Commodore Plaza in the Grove for 34 years, he sold his property there and moved his office to the Southpark Center in what is now Pinecrest. He was joined by his son, Dr. Scott F. Kenward, who assumed the practice when his father retired in 1990. In addition to Dr. Scott Kenward, he is survived by a younger son, Christopher E. Kenward, of Redwood City, CA. Other survivors are Dr. Scott Kenward's wife, Dr. Debra Kenward, and their two children, Andrew and Catherine Ann; a brother James Kenward of Surprise, AZ; and many nephews and nieces.

Frank was a devoted husband to his wife, Marcia Hoover Kenward for 52 years until her passing in July, 2003. He was a loving father and grandfather who took great pleasure in his family. He also formed close ties with his office staff, some of whom were with him for more than 30 years, and with many of his patients who encompassed three generations.

A memorial service was held at Pinecrest Presbyterian Church, 10400 S. W. 57 Avenue. Pinecrest, FL, at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 4, 2005.

Dr. Kenward suggested that contributions be made to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, 1332 North Halsted Street, Suite 201, Chicago, Illinois 60622. Contributions may also be made online at www.pulmonaryfibrosis.org.

Psi Omega Fraternity
1040 Savannah Highway
Charleston, SC 29407

Telephone: (843) 556-0573
Fax: (843) 556-6311
E-mail: psiomega@bellsouth.net