Kevin Sheets

"Thank you, whatever comes......" Ezra Pound

"I'm doing well. Much better than one might expect. Watching Amarcord."
That was my last note from Kevin (a phone text), and briefly catches his voice and his longtime interest in film. It was Saturday, June 13, and I foolishly accepted its upbeat tone at face value and didn't think to stay steadily in touch over the summer. When he didn't respond to an email and text in September, I was concerned -- looked him up online and found this obituary. It was heartbreaking for me and for my wife, Mimi.
We were close friends with Kevin many years ago in Bloomington at IU, when we all worked on The Spectator (he was our brilliant film writer). We had lost touch over the years, but renewed our friendship in recent years after a chance connection on Facebook. We corresponded and called, and even enjoyed a couple of memorable visits in Naples when we were in Florida visiting family. Kevin was a gracious and generous host, a revelatory coastal tour guide, and always a memorable raconteur.
I was naive enough to believe my friend and I would spend another decade catching up and visiting (after this mad pandemic and worse regime), and I greatly regret not staying in touch in the last couple of months. I will miss him and his lively mind, and his loving kindness, for a long, long time. Farewell, old and good friend.
Earlier this year, I send him an Edward Hirsch poem (“The Secret”) because (as I told him) it reminded me of him. It recalls two friends watching flamenco dancers, one with “a mixture of curiosity and contentment, a happiness free of desire.” Hirsch wrote, “I’ve carried that secret with me ever since.”
Remember to keep your friends close, and stay in touch -- there's a big hole in my heart and soul, where Kevin had returned to live. Rest in Peace, old friend.

Although none of us on the Board of the Friends of Fakahatchee were close to Kevin in his lifetime, he clearly touched a lot of people over the years. We are honored to be the designated recipient of gifts in his memory. At the Friends, we all feel a deep attachment to the Park, which is full of natural wonders. We are delighted that Kevin had as much as much joy from the Park during his life as we continue to experience today. Thank you Mr. Sheets, our prayers are with your family, and God bless.

Andrew Tyler, Vice-President, The Friends of Fakahatchee.

So many of us here in Naples will miss Kevin and his humorous stories, amazing photography, keen wit and innate wisdom. He was one of a kind, and one of the true good guys. RIP, dear Kevin ❤

My heart is broken. Kevin was very special to me, and we spent a lot of time together in the early ’60’s at the lake in Syracuse Indiana. After losing contact for 50+ years, we reconnected about three years ago. I visited Kevin several times in Naples and am so grateful to have had the chance to get to know the man that young boy became. The memories, old and new, of time spent with Kevin will remain dear to my heart. I will miss you, old friend.

I loved you dearly. Summer of '66.
Sleep sweet prince in the tower of music.
Ivy

My first love he was 17 I was 18 and our moments together dancing listening to music I'm traveling are etched in my mind.
The beautiful young boy with a thick head of hair, big brown eyes that would be envied by anyone. He introduced me to music that I never knew existed, blues, jazz, bluegrass. My first love that I will never forget. A quiet shy man an intellectual with eclectic tastes. I will miss you dearly and have shed tears for you with regrets of not seeing you and talking to you more.

Kevin was one of 6 who successfully did a 2 ski jump out and footed with rainbows in our spray at sunset on Lake Awewaski behind a Cris Craft Cavalier.

I knew Kevin and his young family well when he and I worked together at Discount Records. Later on I did some handy work for the Bookshop. I have wonderful memories of fishing Michigan lakes together. I was also working as a musician, and Kevin always adjusted the work schedule so I could leave early to make a gig or come in late after one - encouragement that I deeply appreciated. Kevin had a fine mind and an astute and slightly eccentric sense of humor. We fell out of touch for a few years but reconnected a couple of years ago. I learned a great deal from him about books, maps, fishing, and the ups and downs of life. I treasure the memories of special meals, songs, and the companionship shared with Kevin and his family during those years. Rest in blissful peace, my friend, and wishing great comfort to the friends and family who are part of those cherished times.

I thought Kevin was a personal person with a high intelligent set of goals. I wasn’t a close friend but always thought he was a great guy and appreciated him in many classes. I believe that he had spiritual beliefs and respected him. May God bless his family and always remember the good.

Kevin was one of those people who came into my life for a reason. He became one of my best friends. I am glad he is no longer suffering. I imagine he is taking photos and smiling down on us. That gives me a smile. My sincere sympathy to you all. He was a good man.

He’ll always be in my heart.
Debra