Kevin O'Connell

I just heard about Kevin. He was in my class at Cardinal Newman High School in West Palm Beach, Florida. We are celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the school in October and the Class of 1965 will be thinking about Kevin when the alumni get together. I can picture him in my mind's eye.

We are all missing Kevin dearly. Hold on to the truth....

Blessed are those that mourn, for they shall be comforted. Matthew 5:4

He heals the broken heartened, binding up their wounds. Psalm 147:3


Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. Prov 3:6

I called on Kevin as a golf rep for years. He was my favorite call. what a icon he was in Phoenix golf. God Bless you Kevin. The Cardinals are going to win one Sunday for you!! Heaven is getting a great American in Kevin O'Connell.

Yesterday, I learned about Kevin's passing. I taught Kevin pilates from June 2009 through November 2010, every Monday night from 5:00 to 6:00 P.M. He showed up every Monday except when he went on vacation. He truly worked his heart out trying to master pilates movements, and we both celebrated when he accomplished an exercise that gave him so much trouble before.

I broke my foot in November 2010 and also moved with my husband. I couldn't teach for a while, and thought if I finally got set up again I would call Kevin. Yesterday, I finally had my pilates room set up and told my husband I was going to give Kevin a call on Monday. Oddly enough, last night I received a phone call from my brother saying that Kevin had passed away.

I am still in shock and feel so bad that I didn't know before yesterday. He was a wonderful, wonderful person who brought a smile in the door every Monday for a long time. I truly will miss him. My condolences to his whole family, friends and co-workers.

I'm Bob, Kevin's high school friend from Florida. We made contact a few years ago through the school website, and I had the pleasure to meet him again after 45 years. He had an outstanding recall of people, places and things from that time. Last fall I had the wonderful opportunity to visit Kevin in Phoenix and see his amazing golf center, and meet Cathie. His passing came as a terrible shock and loss. My condolences to Maureen and Cathie. Bob Balfe (Boynton Beach, FL)

Cathie:
Bill and I are with you during this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers will be ever on-going for you.
{{{HUGS}}}
Carol and Bill Hensell

My brother Pete just called me with the news that Kevin has passed. What a loss for all of us who knew him. He was a true gentleman in every way. I vividly recall my father taking me to Kevin's ":Kachina" in 1972 for my 14th birthday and buying me my first set of "Haig Ultra's". Kevin spent an hour or more trying to find the right clubs for a newbie to the sport. Over the following nearly 40 years, no matter where I lived , I always waited for a vacation to came back to buy new clubs from Kevin. He was such a class act, that I simply felt a loyalty to him. I live in Rhode Island now and belong to a club here. I lost my putter recently, one that I bought from Kevin 15+ years ago. I almost bought a new one from my club pro here. But I decided to wait for a trip back to Litchfield to get a new one from Kevin. It was always worth the wait to stop in and say hi to Kevin. I'd always get the same smile and warm greeting from him no matter how long it had been. The world has lost a prince of a guy. Godspeed Kevin on your journey home.
John Mahoney (East Greenwich,RI)

A loved one's light will forever shine through the memories of those who knew them.

It gets said far to often, but we have lost one of the good guys. To all who knew him, they understand how tough this passing is. To his many friends and loved ones, we are hurting. In saying friends, that is everyone who ever met him. He truly was a special person.

Suzi and I have known and been friends of Kevin's for over 40 years. We watched Kevin and his beloved business grow over that time frame, and even when he was ill or not having a good day, he was always the same old Kevin, friendly to all.

Our two kids, who are now adults, grew up with Kevin, learned to love the game of golf with Kevin, and all of their equipment, from the Kachina Fairways days up to two weeks ago came from Kevin's place. He enjoyed the kids so much, and talked about how proud he was that he had been part of that growing up process.

We all loved him so much, and will truly miss him. Our loss is Heavens gain, and it is a better place today.

Jim and Suzi Hartman, (Scottsdale, AZ)

We often enjoyed Kevin's company when he came to dinner with our good friend, Cathie. Rachel, Michael, Elaine, Ed, Cindy, Chip, James & Rose will all miss him!

The world lost a truly wonderful man. Kevin will hold a special place in my heart as I long as I live.