I have so many memories of Kevin that come to mind. Kevin was the type of person who could initiate a conversation with anyone and make them feel noticed, encouraged, and cared for. I remember meeting him for the first time in our small group one evening and he instantly made me laugh with a light-hearted joke after he walked in the door. I remember giggling as he made our then 3-year old son laugh, and feeling grateful when later he offered to keep our youngest one entertained so that I wouldn't be so distracted during group discussion. Our conversations from there were never without a laugh or a thoughtfully phrased question - whether we talked about our homes, jobs, daily routines, favorite food recipes, or deeper theological issues and how to process what we read in scripture that week. Kevin was curious, observant, and engaging, and it was evident in the way he related to and spoke to me.
It was always clear that Kevin took an interest in others and wanted everyone to feel included. In particular, he noticed the children in a room and had a rare ability to make them all belly laugh (my kids included)-either by teaching them a new card game while all the adults were gathered in the kitchen or getting all of the kids to confidently play in their neighborhood pool. I specifically remember a time last summer, when my two kids were nervous about getting in the pool and nothing I said could convince them to jump in. Kevin wasn't phased by their dramatic protests. After a few minutes of showing them what to do and cheering them on enthusiastically, he persuaded them into the water and even clapped whenever my eldest son jumped in from the ledge. He now loves being in the water! I still smile thinking about the joy Kevin imparted on me and my family that day, and in the memories we shared at church, birthday parties, small group nights, and at the park. I will deeply miss his contagious joy, laughter, and energy, his encouragement, and friendship.