Kevin Paul Malarkey

Malarkey, Kevin Paul Age 50. Beloved husband, father, brother, and great friend, passed away Friday Feb. 23, 2007 after a courageous battle with cancer. Kevin was born Dec. 11, 1956 and grew up in Mpls, MN. He later moved and resided in Spokane, WA. During much of his life, Kevin worked as a bartender, making sure that "no one was a stranger for long!" In 1992, he married Theresa and together, they traveled the Northwest selling baskets and crafts. Most recently, Kevin worked in real estate, winning the "Attitude is Everything" award. He was well respected and loved by his co-workers and customers. Kevin is survived by his wife, Theresa and 7 year old twins, Ryan and RaeAnna; mother-in-law, Ann Jewell of Spokane; brother, Brian Malarkey (sons Jason and Lucas) of Medford, NJ; Family members in Mpls, including: sister, Shanon (husband Randy, children Megan and Jodi); sister-in-law, Anita Malarkey; niece, Erin Gilbert (husband Brian, children Jada and Josh); and special cousin Kim; family members in Denver, CO including brother-in-laws, Jim Jewell (wife Karen, children Philip and Grace); and Kevin Jewell (wife Susan and daughter Jaimee); as well as many other relatives and special friends. Kevin was preceded in death by his parents, Ray and Edwina Malarkey; brother, Jim Malarkey; sister, Colleen Malarkey; father-in-law, James Jewell; and sister-in-law, Nina Malarkey. He loved the outdoors and was an avid fisherman, golfer and skier. He enjoyed many special times with family and friends at the cabin and loved to garden and cook (sharing his abundant harvest with all). Kevin was a very proud and devoted family man. Kevin was an extraordinary person, who valued love, respect, tradition, generosity and his "wild" Irish heritage. He lived each day of his life with a positive joyous attitude that was contagious to all who knew him. His door was always open and he loved to entertain. We will carry on his favorite traditions of Reuben sandwiches on St. Patrick's Day, baking Christmas cookies for family and friends, and Thanksgiving feasts, where everyone is welcome and everyone is "Family". We will miss the twinkle in your eyes, your warm smile, hearty laugh, positive energy, bear hugs and tall "Malarkey" tales. Never to be forgotten, is the sound of your voice saying "I'm on top of the world" and, now, we know you are. "831, Spice" Services at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Spokane, WA, Sat., March 3, 2007. Contributions can be made to the "R & R Malarkey Family Fund" at Washington Mutual Bank (PO Box 1269 Veradale, WA 99037).
This obituary was originally published in the Star Tribune.