Kevin Mitchell Waskelis

Kevin Mitchell Waskelis, born October 15, 1980, to William and Maryann Waskelis in Phoenix, Arizona, passed away suddenly on August 12, 2024. A devoted son, cherished partner, and beloved friend, Kevin’s spirit and kindness touched many lives around the world.

Kevin had boundless curiosity and an adventurous spirit, fueling a quest for knowledge that led to many impressive academic accomplishments. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Philosophy from Miami University in Ohio and a Master of Regional Planning from Cornell University, where he received a Fulbright Award to study economic policy and regional disparities in Lithuania. He later earned an MBA from HHL Leipzig Graduate School of Management. He lived all over the world, including in Brazil, Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Washington, D.C.

Kevin was dedicated to making the world a better place from an early age. He served in student government and was an active leader in his community wherever he went, always finding causes and people to support. Kevin furthered this aim with a career in community development. He worked as a Senior Planner for Prince George’s County in Maryland and a Neighborhood Revitalization senior strategist at DTE Energy, where he drove beautification projects in partnership with local artists and worked with organizations across Detroit on the proposed Second Avenue Greenway.

Kevin lived a life rich in passionate interests, including a lifelong love for travel inspired by his parents. He was a self-proclaimed Europhile, having visited all but three EU member states. An accomplished athlete at West Bloomfield High School, he excelled in varsity basketball and football. In recent years, he coached youth soccer and played third base in the Detroit Neighborhood Softball League. He was a proud DCFC season ticket holder and ardent supporter of Liverpool FC. Like his father, Kevin was a lifelong Chicago Cubs fan and Detroit Lions optimist.

An early adopter of personal computers, Kevin loved complex political simulations like Civilization as a child. Video games later became a way to stay connected to his long-distance friends, with games ranging from Grand Theft Auto to Dungeons and Dragons, where his character was a level 8 birdman wizard beer brewer. These experiences led him to co-found Detroit Pixel Mover, a company that creates engaging and educational games and aims to use gaming as a tool to illuminate pressing social issues and foster a deeper understanding of the world. Kevin dove head-first into the opportunity to combine his passions for education, history, and civics.

Kevin’s selfless generosity and kindness extended to animals as well. Affectionately known as the 'Zooplex,' his home was a sanctuary where he and his long-time partner devotedly cared for his rescue greyhounds, Hope, Annie, and Lino, along with their other rescue and foster dogs and cats. They loved hosting guests and showcasing Detroit.

Kevin was a man of many talents. His academic pursuits and cultural acumen made him a natural trivia champion. He had an uncanny ability to tailor a jukebox playlist to any crowd and build campfires that lit on the first match. He was an excellent parallel parker and master of karaoke, especially his signature songs: Right Said Fred’s “I’m Too Sexy” and Gorillaz’s “Feel Good Inc.” Kevin taught himself Polish and how to play the ukulele. He was a formidable ping pong opponent, a pool shark, and winner of the 2005 International Rutabaga Curling Championship.

Kevin was preceded in death by his dear brother, Christopher Waskelis, and his father, William Waskelis. He is survived by his loving mother, Maryann Waskelis, his devoted partner, Laura Nall, and a global network of cherished friends and family. Kevin’s compassion extended beyond his inner circle; he was known for his generosity and willingness to help those in need. His memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew him and in the many lives he touched.

A visitation will be held on Monday, August 19, 2024, from 4-8 pm at Harry J. Will Livonia. The funeral service will take place on Tuesday, August 20, 2024, at 11 am, also at Harry J. Will Livonia and will be live-streamed for those who wish to attend virtually (please view the livestream link below). A celebration of life will follow at Mama Mia’s Restaurant in Redford.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Greyhound Retirement Adoption Care and Education (G.R.A.C.E.) or Starfish Family Services.

Kevin’s legacy of generosity and brilliance will be dearly missed and fondly remembered by all who knew him.