KEVIN R. GROVES

I recently came across this letter I sent to Kevin when he left the FOW. I thought I would share it.

Towit:
1/29/12

Dear Kevin,

I don't know whether you are still in Philadelphia, or off to Costa Rica as I send this-- about a week and a half late. I would have attended your going away party and said a few words, but I was on vacation 5000 miles away. So I intended to write this to possibly be read aloud at the party. Oh well. I blame stupefaction wrought by time zones...

I haven't seen Kevin since my freshman year in high school. He was a great guy and a great shooter. I know i guarded him alot in practice. It's sad to see a good man gone. But he's in a great place. My condolence to his family.

Sorry to hear the bad news. Kevin and I played together on Springfield boys basketball team '93-94. Although I havent seen Kevin since high school he was a good person with great character. My condolences goes out to the Groves family.

Dear Groves Family,

I am so shocked by the loss of Kevin which I just learned about. I have great memories of playing basketball with him in Washington and of him playing the didgeridoo for my dogs when he visited me in Indiana on his way west. Truly one of the nicest people I have ever known. So very, very sorry for your loss.

Not really good with these things. I remember in sixth grade Kevin and I in a foul shooting comtest during gym. I hit 19 out of 20, and thought no one could come close. Kevin being a million times better than me hit 20 for 20. He actually said sorry. I asked why, and he said because I knew how excited you were before I went and I knew you would be even more upset if I let you win. He taught me a lot that day. He won and still had remorse. Bc he cared so much about the other person who lost....

I more or less recruited Kevin to apply for the Volunteer Coordinator position with the Friends of the Wissahickon. One sunny afternoon as I was clearing a fallen oak from across the White trail just south of Livesy Rock, Kevin came jogging by. He stopped, and in a quiet moment (when the saw was turned off), not only struck up a conversation but lent a hand.

Many people encountered while working in the Wissahickon pause to express their appreciation for the work being done, but few...

Kevin worked with many Springside 6th grade girls when he was Volunteer Coordinator at FOW. Kevin made it fun, clearing invasive vegetation near Kitchen's Lane or removing graffiti down by Devil's Pool. Kevin was a gentle soul who had the knack of being a quiet leader. His actions helped inspire many to be stewards of the environment. He will be truly missed.

I missed the guest book at yesterday's memorial service. What a very moving celebration of Kevin's life amidst such a sad occasion.....Kevin was my bridge to FOW. He recruited me into the second class of Trail Ambassadors. Since then I've gotten more and more tied into FOW causes. As a fellow tree hugger and explorer, I fully share Kevin's love of the natural world. Observing the tremendous bonds Kevin so obviously shared with family members and close friends, I feel so sad for Kevin and all...