Obituary for Kevin John Kish
Kevin slipped away peacefully at home in the early hours of October 17th after living with the devastating disease ALS. His wife Melissa (Mel) and daughter Lauren were able to spend everyday with him surrounded by loving family and friends since his diagnosis a short year and a half ago.
Kevin would tell you that he had no regrets or things left on his bucket list - he lived life on his own terms. He travelled extensively to rivers and beaches far and wide and enjoyed the water under his rod and the sand between his toes. What he loved most was laughing and being with his family and friends in these locations and at home in the beautiful Pemberton Valley, BC.
He would also say that fishing was not only his job it was his hobby and passion and gave him peace - it was his meditation. When throwing out a line he often didn’t care too much about the catch but basked in the calm and awe of nature and wildlife.
He refused any treatments that would take away time with his family and friends and doing the things he loved. He was able to continue guiding one more season at the Bulkley River Lodge with his second family, friends and clients who shared his passion for the last 15 years. Journeys to Australia visiting his favorite places, Mexico to wear no shoes and as little clothes as possible and to Key West to travel the shallow waters and mangroves looking for tarpon and spotting manatees. And finally to enjoy a gorgeous summer at home with friends and family visiting from far and wide revelling in each others company and reminiscing about old times. He couldn’t have asked for anything better.
Thank you to the ALS Society of BC, Vancouver Coastal Health and the Whistler and Pemberton health professionals who made it possible for Kevin to live at home comfortably and with dignity while supporting us body and mind as we dealt with the ever changing symptoms of ALS.
Kevin is survived by his wife Melissa (nee Papworth), daughter Lauren and sister Leslie Anne Groves. Predeceased by his mother Loretta (nee Beaton) and father Ernest.
There is no funeral or service planned. A Celebration of Life was already held in his home shortly after his passing.
In lieu of flowers please consider donating to the ALS society of BC https://www.alsbc.ca/.
To write a condolence to the family, please visit www.squamishfuneralchapel.com
Kevin would tell you that he had no regrets or things left on his bucket list - he lived life on his own terms. He travelled extensively to rivers and beaches far and wide and enjoyed the water under his rod and the sand between his toes. What he loved most was laughing and being with his family and friends in these locations and at home in the beautiful Pemberton Valley, BC.
He would also say that fishing was not only his job it was his hobby and passion and gave him peace - it was his meditation. When throwing out a line he often didn’t care too much about the catch but basked in the calm and awe of nature and wildlife.
He refused any treatments that would take away time with his family and friends and doing the things he loved. He was able to continue guiding one more season at the Bulkley River Lodge with his second family, friends and clients who shared his passion for the last 15 years. Journeys to Australia visiting his favorite places, Mexico to wear no shoes and as little clothes as possible and to Key West to travel the shallow waters and mangroves looking for tarpon and spotting manatees. And finally to enjoy a gorgeous summer at home with friends and family visiting from far and wide revelling in each others company and reminiscing about old times. He couldn’t have asked for anything better.
Thank you to the ALS Society of BC, Vancouver Coastal Health and the Whistler and Pemberton health professionals who made it possible for Kevin to live at home comfortably and with dignity while supporting us body and mind as we dealt with the ever changing symptoms of ALS.
Kevin is survived by his wife Melissa (nee Papworth), daughter Lauren and sister Leslie Anne Groves. Predeceased by his mother Loretta (nee Beaton) and father Ernest.
There is no funeral or service planned. A Celebration of Life was already held in his home shortly after his passing.
In lieu of flowers please consider donating to the ALS society of BC https://www.alsbc.ca/.
To write a condolence to the family, please visit www.squamishfuneralchapel.com