Kevin John Kerwin

Kevin (aka K2, Kevlar) was born in Regina, Saskatchewan on November 9, 1955. Left to celebrate his life are his loving wife Pamela, daughter Amy Thibodeau (Dan Zambonini), brother Larry Kerwin (Betty), sister Debbie Cameron, and nephews Rob and Scott Kerwin, and Mike, Pete, and Scottie Cameron. He also had many great nieces and nephews: Cameron and Julie Kerwin; Luke and Leo Kerwin; Connor and Myla Cameron; Fletcher, Wyatt, and Marshall Cameron; and Keiffer Owen-Cameron. Kevin had a unique and special relationship with all his nephews and their children — he loved them very much. Other special people in his life are Jake and Sophie Richards who considered Kevin to be family and uncle. He is predeceased by his mother Eileen “Penny” Kerwin (2012), his father William “Bill” Kerwin (1991), and his brother-in-law Archie Cameron (2016).

Kevin had natural athleticism and a very, very competitive nature. His hand eye skills were honed hockey stick in hand on his walks to Davin Elementary School. He spent many hours playing shinny with friends, and Rink 3 was like a second home. He eventually competed at a higher level where he was considered an exceptional player.

His other sporting passion was golf, which he learned the love of and reverence for from his father. He was also a junior member of the Regina Golf Club. Golf became a lifelong pursuit, at times an obsession, driving the decisions of vacations, memberships, second homes, and lifestyle choices. This led to amazing experiences of travel and lifelong friendships. He loved the history, code, etiquette, and especially the rules of golf. Kevin was a very good player with natural talent and he liked to test his abilities playing in club championships, different match play competitions, and stroke play competitions. Kevin was also an amazing skier who enjoyed the Alberta Rockies but traveled to many magical ski hills in North America for fun and snow.

Kevin eventually made his way to become an Engineer. During the 4 years leading to graduation in 1981, between the University of Regina and University of Saskatchewan, he lived with his sister Debbie and her young family, his nephews. The boys were almost more like young siblings to Kevin and they loved to play rough and tumble in the yard. The boys idolized their uncle Kevin and it was bittersweet for all when he moved to Alberta to take a job in the oil and gas industry as he was homesick for Regina. The draw of Saskatchewan and his family brought him back most weekends and every Christmas for many years to come much to the delight of his Mother, Penny ”who kept Christmas well“.

An engineer’s engineer, Kevin did work he loved and especially enjoyed the social nature of the industry: networking through golf, bonspiels, hockey games, and the industry Stampede parties. He was successful, eventually having his own thriving business in part because he understood that the business was powered by relationships. Many of these friendships were essential and uplifted and supported him as his cheerleaders after his brain cancer diagnosis through until his death.

Travel and adventure was a hallmark of Kevin’s life. He had a keen interest in history, a strong sense of patriotism passed on to him from his father who served in World War 2, and was in awe of the sacrifice and bravery of young Canadian soldiers. He visited many of the battlefields of Europe on his travels. Through his perseverance and determination, he was able to visit Europe four times even after his diagnosis.

Kevin also loved the Calgary Stampede and he considered himself an unofficial ambassador. For many years, 10 days a year morning till night, he would drive around in a tricked out stagecoach with his friend Art offering lifts, libations, and squirt guns to partiers, tourists, and cowboys alike. The goodwill of the stagecoach has continued with his nephew Pete taking the reins. The stagecoach also made appearances at Grey Cups across the country and the odd small town parade. Kevin was fun and if you were in his orbit, he wanted to make sure you were having fun. He was always generous with an invitation, and was warm and curious with strangers.

Kevin loved to tell a great story and used his stories and his humor to connect with people. He was a trivia buff and as his wife used to say he knew “more about nothing than anyone I know.” His signature bar move was upside down beer drinking and he was hitting golf balls and playing pickleball even in the last months of his life. Another nickname for him was Game Boy.

Post-cancer diagnosis, Kevin’s good friend Mike Sherwin, vice chair of the Livestrong Foundation and fellow golfer, offered any support at his disposal and encouraged Kevin along his journey. Eventually, Kevin took over Mike’s signature expression, “Attitude is everything”.

Kevin believed deeply in this message, used it in his email signature, and demonstrated that he could do anything he set his mind to time and again. Throughout his life and since his diagnosis over 12 years ago, Kevin defied all the odds and exceeded every expectation and limitation. He was stubborn, focused, competitive, and resilient until the end.

A life-long animal lover, Kevin was predeceased by two very special puppy boys: Bart and Ace who were more like sons than pets. He felt enormous empathy for furry creatures great and small and was especially passionate about Donkeys. In lieu of flowers, we ask for donations to be made in Kevin’s name to Turtle Valley Donkey Rescue Society (website: https://turtlevalleydonkeyrefuge.com and phone: (250) 679-2778).

If Kevin was writing this, he’d end it by reminding you that attitude is everything. He would probably quote one of his favorite philosophers, you know, Kenny Chesney or Jimmy Buffet and remind you to pay attention to the good stuff. Then he’d say, “Did I ever tell you about the time…”

Special thank you to the doctors at the Tom Baker Cancer Centre, Dr Gordon at Pinnacle Oncology in Scottsdale, and Dr Armstrong of Kelowna, BC. Thank you also to the many friends Kevin collected over 60 plus years. Your continued support, connection, and acceptance during this hard time meant the world to Kevin and to his family.

A special note of immense gratitude to his support person Tamsen whose presence in the last 18 months of his life gave him comfort, much laughter, the freedom to travel, and especially, love.

Kevin wanted his remains to be reunited with those of his beloved Ace and Bart, and to float down the Bow River and back into Saskatchewan. We’ll be honoring that request.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Bearspaw Golf Club (61 Hamilton Drive, Calgary, Alberta) on May 28th, 2023 @ 2:00pm.

Limited parking, please consider carpooling and alternate transportation. No need to RSVP.