Kevin Border

1957 - 2021

KEVIN STANLEY BORDER
June 5, 1957 - March 1, 2021

Kevin was born on June 5, 1957, in Bakersfield, CA. He passed away on March 1, 2021, with his loving family at his bedside.

He was a Bakersfield boy through and through. From the batting cage on North Chester, to the Blackboard, to the Sam Lynn ballpark, Kevin knew the history of the landmarks. For everything else, his priority and first love was his daughter, Jennifer (Bean), and her family, husband Eric Lantz, and granddaughters Avery (Bob) and Julie (Bug). They were a close-knit family of five and they showered him with love and cared for him in their home during his illness.

As a young man, Kevin worked for Western Geophysical, which enabled him to travel extensively. He was especially proud of working with his mother to start up the Tyme Out, where he got his training as a bartender. Later, he worked at the Belvedere Cocktail Lounge for 23 years enjoying his "home away from home."

Kevin was a walking encyclopedia of sports statistics, especially the CA Angels and Condors hockey. He followed all sports and the "ponies (5-6-7 let'em ride)." He shared his love of sports with anyone and everyone, especially his friends at the Belvedere.

Kevin's adult years were plagued with health issues and he was blessed with a kidney transplant in 2010, allowing him eleven more years with his family and friends.

Kevin's family will miss his phone calls, twice-weekly dinners and his $2 personalized bills. He enjoyed the family game night and he reigned as king of Scrabble and master of corn hole. He loved animals, even the gold fish, Molly and Bozo that he received at Christmas. But no animal could match Hey You, his dog and constant companion for many years. Kevin looked forward to the family trips to Cayucos, the fishing excursions, visits with his Oregon family, Aunt Judy and the cousins, and the trips to Montana to see his sons, Mike and Chris.

Jenny's favorite memories of her best friend/Dad: his heartfelt letters, scrabble and dominoes contests with his Mom, the golf lessons for Mike, Chris and herself, his International Scout, his time in the wilderness in Montana, babysitting his granddaughters, his love of the Angels, Condors hockey, deep-sea fishing, and real country music.

Kevin was preceded in death by his mother, Jean Janowski, his brother, Jeffrey, and his niece, Chloe. He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Jenny and Eric Lantz,; his sons Michael, (Jessica) and Christopher (Liz); his parents, Don and Joanne Border; his brothers Brandan (April), Scott, John (Gigi); his grandchildren Avery, Julie, Bella, Hadley, Jayden and Lizzy; his aunt Judy Clifford and special cousins Megan and Skye, , nephews Shane, Josh, Caleb, and nieces Hailey and Amelia, and by his children's mother, Roben Northern.

The family is especially grateful to Kevin's friends Mickey Marler and Cheryl Mestmaker. Mickey was Kevin's go-to-person, his uber driver before there was uber and his first responder. Cheryl was the family angel, assisting with Kevin's care and watching over the family as well.

A Memorial Mass will be held at Christ the King Church on April 8 at 10:00 am. Kevin was a very welcoming, nonjudgmental person. He accepted and loved people as they were. He will be greatly missed.

In lieu of flowers, the family request that donations be made in Kevin's name to the St. Vincent de Paul Homeless Center, 300 Baker Street, Bakersfield, CA 93305.