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Kevin Connors Obituary
Kevin was a gentle man with a lot of love to give. He will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him. To know Kevin was to love him, respect him and cherish his friendship. He dedicated his life to three things — the love of his family, the love of his work and the treasures of his friendships.
To say he was a chef does not describe his passion for food; to say he loved nature does not describe the joy he got from a simple walk with his dogs; to say he was unselfish does not describe his ability to make you feel at ease whenever you were around him. If we could all be more like Kevin, the world would have more joy, our friendships would be strengthened, and our families would all love each other a little bit more.
Kevin will be sadly missed, but certainly never forgotten. Our hearts are forever saddened. God's precious gift to us will never be forgotten. "To die is poignantly bitter, but having to die without having lived a complete life is unbearable to those left behind."
Kevin is survived by his fiancee and loving companion of 15 years, Sharon Lynch of Traverse City; children, Harrison Connors, Alex Connors, both of Traverse City, and Chloe Connors of Nashville, Tenn.; father, William H. Connors of Findlay, Ohio; siblings, Patrick (Valerie) Connors of Atlanta, Ga., Michael (Sheila) Connors of Traverse City, Christopher (Gayle) Connors of Findlay, Ohio, Kathy Bloss of Vermillion, Ohio, and Karen (Steve) Chemello of Traverse City; and his beloved dogs, Storm, Fynn and Granny.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Ruthanna Connors Pahl, who died in 2005.
Funeral services will be held at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2009, at 3:30 p.m., with visitation one hour prior to the service. The Rev. Becky Chamberlain will officiate.
In remembrance of Kevin, memorials may be directed to the Cherryland Humane Society or to a College Scholarship Fund, c/o Northwestern Bank (attention Kent Nordin), PO Box 809, Traverse City, MI 49685-0809, which will be established for his children, Harrison, Alex and Chloe.
Arrangements were made with the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home; www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com.
This obituary was originally published in the Record-Eagle.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Karen Denman
January 18, 2009
Sharon ,Pat,Mike,Chris,Kathy and Karen
I have you all in my heart, thinking of Kevin and his wonderful children that he loved so much. You have all given love and encourgement and compassion to all. Kevin loved you so,. you could see it in his gentle eyes. I wish I could take away the pain and your broken hearts. I know how hard it is. God will give you strength and peace to get through each day .I can only imagine the smile on your Moms face to have Kevin with her. I wished I could have been with you to give you a hug, I will always remember how much it meant to us when you all came for us. You are all very special to us. We love you ,God bless each of you. Aunt Karen and Uncle Dick
Dave Koch
January 13, 2009
My heartfelt condolences to all of Kevin’s family and friends. His peaceful soul, calm demeanor, and outstanding sense of humor will be missed by all. I am deeply sorry for your loss.
Jennifer
January 13, 2009
We offer our deepest sympathy. When tragedy strikes and takes the life of our loved ones, many cry out with great sorrow. Your tears are not unnoticed by the Creator of Life. Never was it his purpose for our human lives to be taken away. Although your deep pain will not easily disappear, prayer to God will bring comfort to you as you grieve. The Bible assures us God "is healing the broken hearted ones, and is binding up their painful spot." Psalm 147:3
Vanessa Niekamp
January 12, 2009
Dearest Uncle Bill… I am so very sorry that you lost your son. I can not imagine how painful this has been for you. As we grow older we begin to accept that we may one day be faced with losing our parents, possibly our spouse or siblings, and even some of our friends; but nothing can prepare a parent to lose their child. Even at 46 years old, Kevin was still your baby boy.
I pray you found some solace in the words and presence of so many people who loved Kevin. Many said Kevin would not be forgotten and he would continue on. I believe that is true. As I looked around the four rooms, I thought about how there was once another gentle man named James and his tenacious wife Emma. They had only two children to carry on their lineage, yet their lives have lived on in the faces and stories of so many descendants. They never could have imagined how their existence changed the world, but it did… it has. Four rooms were overflowing with people who loved their grandson Kevin. Through Harrison, Alex and Chloe, Kevin will have his own descendants who will gather as we have and share their memories and photos for many generations to come. Each of them will honor who he was, as he has honored you and your parents.
I love you,
Vanessa
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Steve Long
January 12, 2009
As Kevin and I grew up together as kids going to school, he was always a young man who displayed character and high standards. We lost touch when we became adults and moved far apart but I know he grew into higly respected man who was loved by those who knew him. I will hold my memories of our youth and I am sorry that I can only provide my sympathy and prayers for his family. Kevin, rest peacefully for we shall meet again one day.
pam and paul kramer
January 12, 2009
kevin was truly a kind spirit and treated all the same. i know he will be greatly missed by his loving family
Kathy Bosse
January 12, 2009
God bless you all, you are in our prayers. Kevin left us to soon, but God knows we have a blessed angel looking down on us all. Love your Gathering Crew, Kathy Bosse, Debbie Oates, and Kenny Dorman
Ann (Aunt B) Barraclough
January 12, 2009
How do you sum up in a paragraph what Kevin meant to all of us. We were all so blessed to have Kevin in our lives, even if we didn't realize it at the time. As many people have said he was the rock that held us together during the busy times in the restaurant and for some that rock that held them together through life. What a great sense of humor and a gentle man. Kevin touched many lives and if what we take away from knowing him is leading our lives with a little more humor and compassion for others,
than he taught us all well.
Kevin just made life funny and I thank him for that!
Janet Hamilton
January 11, 2009
To the Connors family - I was completely caught off guard when I heard about this sorrowful event.
I worked at The Gathering many years ago and have never forgotten Willie's insistence at knowing what "the main thing" is. I still know it.
I had many great times with Kevin, KC, and Willie and I'm a better person for it. Consider this a hug across the miles, I know God has Kevin in his loving care and I hope that you all are comforted in that.
Abraham Lincoln said, "It's not the years in your life that matter, it's the life in your years." It sounds like Kevin embodied that quote!
My thoughts and prayers are with you. Blessings - Janet Chortie-Hamilton
Patty Grohoske
January 11, 2009
I am so saddened to hear about Kevin, what a remarkable man. You are all in my thoughts.
Ineke Payne-Shaw
January 10, 2009
Dear Willy, K.C and the whole Conners family,
My heart go's out to you in your time of sadness ,all the time I spend with Kevin at the Gathering and Wine & Roses I'll never forget,we all had so much fun there.(The joke about the cut fingers).
I hope the family can take great comfort in the knowlege that Kevin has touched many lives in such a possitive way,he was a dear friend.
He will be in my heart always.
Ineke Payne-Shaw.
Wheelersburg oh.
Nancy Chattos-Himes
January 10, 2009
Karen and the rest of the Connor family, I will always remember Kevin, especially in the younger days when we were all growing up together. He was a very fine and giving man. My deepest sympathy to all of you.
Snuffy Smith
January 10, 2009
My thoughts are with you all. We will always remember Kevin.
Lindy Mosely
January 9, 2009
I have some great memories of Kevin & Sharon,they were a lovely couple.Our thoughts & prayers are with your family,God will give you the strength to get through this difficult time. With Love Netta Hickerson & family
Jack Vandermark
January 9, 2009
Willie, Nancy, Mike, Oh how I respected kevin he was one of the best chefts I ever worked with. I knew once he made the deision to move to Traver City, most likely I would only see him once or twice more in my life. He was so good with working ith people, unselfish, and treated you with the respect you expect. kevin and I worked at the Gathering and Nick and Vinnies. Kevin was one of those chefs that was ahead of his time. At nick and Vinnies we had I think one of the first pizza"s to have garlic chicken on it. I will never forget kevin, because he made such an impression in my life, he always, could do his magic in the kitchen, that was just one of the things I loved about him, and respect was another. I was 20 years older then kevin, but he always treated me with the respect, and helped me alot in the kitchen. I will always be thankful for the times we got to spend together, and work together. For me it was an honor to work with kevin. I truley will miss one of the greated people to have come along in my life. My sincere Sympathy goes out to the entire connor's family. Jack
Tim and Jacquie Weimerskirch
January 9, 2009
To the Connor's Family,
We were sadden to hear of Kevin's passing. We know he will be missed by many. Just know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Cara Connors
January 8, 2009
To all who loved Kevin,
Thank you so much for your outpouring of love towards Kevin and the members of the Connors family. I am overwhelmed by the response. It is profoundly amazing that we are all able to share and offer messages of love and support on the internet.
Today I attended a beautiful memorial service that celebrated Kevin's life. The minister spoke of Kevin's quality of life even though Kevin's quantity was not as long as we would have liked. I know Kevin is with God. I know Kevin is being embraced by his mother, Grandma Chloe, and others in the Connors and Denman lineage that have gone before him. Unfortunately, the sudden loss still hurts deeply and a part of me feels missing. My heart goes out to everyone whose lives were touched by my brother. As my husband said, Kevin was a "cool cat."
I was blown away by the number of people in attendance today. And I know that there are alot of people that could not be here in person today, but their presence was felt.(spouses, significant others, Aunt Bettye, etc.)
I am forever changed by knowing Kevin. He was a wonderful dedicated father to his 3 remarkable children. He loved Sharon immensely. He loved all of us. Like the minister said today..Kevin led a content life. Contentment...what a blessing!
God is truly at work in our lives. Kevin has brought his family together. Through our painful tears and intense joy over shared memories, healing is happening in our family. Kevin's death is mending areas in our relationships with one another. Kevin is changing the way we look at our fragile life. Thank you Kevin for your quiet charm that is still at work on earth even though you are not physically with us.
Thank you for calming me as a baby by pushing me in a stroller. Thank you for making me Pork and Peaches aat The Gathering on my birthday. Thank you for enjoying my Bon Jovi tape so much that you did not return it. I could continue to thank Kevin for so many things. I think we all could.
May God continue to influence our lives, provide healing, and forever change us from having known our lovable, unforgettable Kevin.
With love,
your little sister Cara
Jordan&Damien Schuck
January 8, 2009
To:Harrison,Alex,and Chloe,We are so sorry to hear that your Dad passed away,but we know his spirit will always be with you,he will live on in your hearts.Our deepest sympathy
Gayle Maurer Laube
January 8, 2009
I am so sorry for your loss. To Karen and the entire Connors family, you are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Patrice Huddleston Hassan
January 8, 2009
Sharon, Mike, Karen, children and the rest of the Conners Family,
I will alway remember Kevin as the sweet gentle person that brought joy and laughter to all. (Lots of laughts) If there were more people like Kevin in this world, our world would be a better place. I am a grateful person to have known him. My entire family sends our condolences and may the great memories see all of you through this most difficult time.
Now God has one more Angel!!!
Brian Maurer
January 8, 2009
I know how deep your family bond is, so to all my deepest condolences as you grieve. Life is so short.
Charity Hensley
January 8, 2009
Sharon, Harrison, Alex and Chloe,
I am deeply saddened by your loss. Kevin was a wonderful man and we are all truly blessed by having known him, even if it was for a brief while. He will be missed, but never forgotten, by any of us whose lives he touched.
Tom & Sharon Griffith
January 8, 2009
Mike, So sorry to hear of Kevin's passing. Our prayers are with you.
Lisa Jones
January 8, 2009
The kind words in the pages of Kevin’s guest book do not begin to tell of what a fine man he was. Sharon I am so sorry for your loss.
cory j. connors
January 8, 2009
my sympathy to my dad and the whole family
Stefee Roberts
January 8, 2009
Dear Karen,
I'm so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers will be with you and your family at this sad time.
With Deepest Sympathy,
Stefee Roberts and Family
Ron & Sharon Quirk
January 8, 2009
To Kevins' family
Ron and I wish only blessing & peace
to Kevins' children and to his fiancee,and to his brothers & sisters
Kevin was a dear soul and friend
may god give you wings.our prayers are with you all
Ron & Sharon Quirk
CRAIG AND SUSAN GOTTSCHALK
January 8, 2009
CHRIS AND GAYLE, PLEASE ACCEPT OUR SYMPATHY ON THE LOSS OF YOUR BROTHER. MAY THE MEMORIES HELP TO GET YOU THROUGH THIS TIME.
Sheana Dean
January 8, 2009
I may not have know Kevin as well or as long as a lot of people, but the short time I did know him, he was nothing but kind to me. He was a vibrant person who naturally drew people to him. My heart goes out to his family, who has been such a big part of my family. I love you all, and I'm truly sad for this loss.
Lana Naeyaert
January 8, 2009
Dearest K.C. Mike and all Kevin's family: I am so sorry to hear of the sudden passing of Kevin. Please know that I am praying for your families. God can and will comfort you during this time of sadness & great loss. I wish I could be there to hug you & let you know how much I care. Kevin was an awesome individual who showed no partiality to anyone. He was kind and sweet to all he knew. That is what I remember of Kevin. Not to mention his gift of Chef. I so enjoyed working with him at Waldo Pepper's Take care, Love & prayers. Lana Naeyaert
larry Thayer
January 8, 2009
Bill,Mike and karen My heart felt feelings go out to you. I am so sorry for your loss of Kevin.
Kathie Bartosky
January 8, 2009
To my good friend Pat, Mike, Mr. Connors, and family:
I am so sorry to hear about Kevin’s passing. Although I didn’t know him as an adult, I will always remember him as the cutest little four year old. I recently put his picture in our family slide show remembering the good times when you would bring Kevin to our home, Pat.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Kathie Fuhrer Bartosky
Ken & Theresa Pahl
January 7, 2009
I just want you to know the grief and sadness we feel for all of you over this sudden lose of Kevin. I pray your Mother and my Dad was there to carry him away.
Michael "Fuzzy" Hoye and Janis and family
January 7, 2009
Mike, Karen, Willie and the rest of the connors family:
As I read about kevins passing, a flood of memories went through my thoughts; oh the good times we had here. I pray that God will comfort all of you during this difficult time. Kevin was definitely an awesome person with many great qualities. You are all in my prayers and thoughts.
Linda Kanthak
January 7, 2009
Cousins,
I can't tell you how sad we are. We have wonderful memories of being together with all of you...hopefully some of your memories will help get you through. You are in our thoughts.
Aunt Red, Dick, Linda, Tom, Cindy, and Butch
Linda and Gerry Yandel
January 7, 2009
To Patrick, Valerie, Danyelle, and all members of the extended Connors family, we extend our deepest and heartfelt sympathy over your profound loss. We were so shocked and saddened to learn of Kevin's sudden passing. Although we did not personally know Kevin, Patrick has talked a lot about him, and we know that all of you are still stunned and grieving over the events of the past few days. Please remember that the thoughts and prayers of others are with you. Place your trust and faith in God, and He will not let you down or leave you comfortless. May God bless you and keep you uplifted during this extremely difficult time.
With Love, Prayers, and Best Wishes,
Linda and Gerry Yandel
Stockbridge, Georgia
Brian Majerczyk
January 7, 2009
Sharon, Kids, The entire Connor Family & Friends and the Apache Crew, I am really saddened to hear about Kevin's passing and my heart goes out to you guys. Kevin was a really geniune, nice guy. You couldn't have asked for a more sincere & mellow guy. Opening the Apache with him and the rest of the Findlay/TC Crew are memories I'll seriously never forget. You guys know what I'm talking about. We still sit around today and get great laughs from those days. He was way too Young!
The Majerczyk Family
Tom & Dorothy Perin
January 7, 2009
Mike, Bill, Karen, and Sharon, We can not begin to express how much Kevin meant to us and how sorry we are for your loss. It is tragic that we lose such a good person as Kevin. Take comfort in all the friends he had and that he will be missed by many.
Lynne Clevenger Lyon
January 7, 2009
Sharon and family - I am so sorry to hear of Kevin's untimely passing. Like so many others, I have some very fond memories of times with Kevin. May you find comfort and peace knowing that Kevin made such an impact on the many lives that he touched.
Tom Denman
January 7, 2009
Mike, Pat, Chris, Kathy, Karen, You have our deepest symphathy for the loss of Kevin . We all would like you to know we are thinking of you in this saddest of times . Tom Denman and Family
Ruthie Gonzalez
January 7, 2009
My deepest sympathy to Kevins' family and especially you Sharon. You are in my prayers. I will treasure his friendship and fun memories we all shared together. I pray God gives you strength and comfort through this difficult time.
Nate & Angelique Bucher
January 7, 2009
Sharon,
You and your family are in our prayers. We are sorry to hear of your loss. He will truly be missed by all that knew him.
liz orwig
January 7, 2009
So deeply sorry for your loss. Liz Benner Orwig
Ashley (Hassan) McCracken
January 7, 2009
I am so sorry for your loss. May the love of friends and family carry you through this hard time. Your family is in my prayers.
Bonnie Miller Yeager
January 7, 2009
Bill,Karen,Mike worked with Kevin at the Gathering in Findlay so sorry for your loss, my thoughts are with you
Mindy Sirrine
January 7, 2009
Mike, Sheila, Karen, and Sharon,
I enjoyed being around Kevin in the short time I have known him. I am so saddend. I pray for all of you during this very difficult time. With all my sympathy, Mindy Sirrine
Tracy (Waaland) Kennedy
January 7, 2009
Willie, Karen, Pat, Mike, Chris and family, it has been many years since the Gathering, Waldo Pepper's and Wine and Roses but still remembered fondly along with my friendship with Kevin. I am keeping all of you in my prayers, may God bless you all.
Bill and Dawn Anderson
January 7, 2009
Very, very sad. Kevin was our son Andy's, mentor and friend, and he is really shaken by Kevin's passing. We trust the whole family will have a peace surrounding them for a long while.
Jim Bourgeois
January 7, 2009
To the Connors Family - Please accept my deepest sympathy for your loss of Kevin.
JANE KINN
January 7, 2009
MY HEART WAS FILLED WITH SADNESS ANS DISBELIEF WHEN I SAW KEVINS NAME IN THE LOCAL PAPER. I WORKED WITH BOTH KEVIN AND SHARON AT WALDO PEPPERS. KEVIN HAD A GREAT SENSE OF HUMOR AND ALWAYS TOOK PRIDE IN HIS WORK. HE WAS A DEDICATED FATHER TO HIS CHILDREN AND LOYAL COMPANION TO SHARON. MAY GOD FILL YOU WITH STRENGTH DURING THIS DIFFICULT TIME.
Rose DuPont
January 7, 2009
Karen, Steve and Family,
We are so very sorry for your loss.
Rose DuPont & Family
Valerie Connors
January 7, 2009
Kevin was my brother in-law for four years and my husband Patrick’s youngest brother. In those four years I grew to love Kevin as my own brother. I found him to be a kind and gentle person who was a loving father to his three wonderful children. It was always a pleasure spending time with Kevin and Sharon together because their love for and devotion to each other was so obvious.
My heart aches for the entire Connors family as we experience the pain of this tremendous and tragic loss. I am grateful to have known Kevin, if only for such a short time. I will surely miss him.
Valerie Connors
Sue Reagan
January 7, 2009
All the Connors Family:
Our thoughts and prayers are with each of you. Cara, we love you and will lift you and your precious family up to the Lord, that he might give each of you strength and peace.
robin arnold
January 7, 2009
Kevin you will be sadly missed as a part of the friends and growing up in findlay everything in the obituary is true. Sharon I only met you once but you seemed the best match for Kevin...I met you at Lou's when you lived in Findlay. Kevin had my boys scare me with a sacada...I am so sorry for your loss...and god bless the whole family through a difficult time, prayers and thoughts are with you.
Lisa Griswold
January 7, 2009
What a gentle soul. I am glad we had the chance to enoy his company on Thanksgiving. May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Amy Mauger-Brooks
January 7, 2009
My heart goes out to Kevin's family and especially Sharon. Kevin was truely a wonderful person and I am sorry that his time here has expired. May the memories we had with him always remain treasured. I feel honored to have worked with Kevin and Sharon both and for the friendship I had with them.
My deepest sympathy,
Amy
Shaun Dean
January 7, 2009
Kevin, you will be missed so deeply.
You hold a special place in my heart as do all of the Connors family and restaurant staff.
You are a dear friend and brought the kindest joy to my life.
Thank you for being YOU!
I am so proud to know you and Sharon (who gave her heart to you).
You will always be among us, smiling and giving us the joyous memories we each keep of our time with you.
With all my love and support.
Your friend forever.
cassie vieira
January 7, 2009
I just wanted to say how sorry I am to hear about Kevin. I know there are no words that can give an explanation. He was a very good and kind man. I know that he will be greatly missed by all that knew him. May God bless all of you and I will keep you in my prayers. Love-cassie
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