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Kay Kutchins Obituary
Kay Kutchins' life journey ended on Saturday, December 8, 2018. A native Illinois farm girl, that journey took her from the University of Illinois where she was Executive Editor of The Daily Illini (the University of Illinois' student newspaper) to a post-college career in newspaper and corporate journalism to a lengthy career in the water utility industry in San Antonio and throughout the United States.
"Water IS life - though, for most people, is a convenience and an expectation." As her family relocated from North Carolina to Texas, she was offered an opportunity at the San Antonio City Water Board as Training Director. Her initial introduction to water resources, costs, and technology included a five-year period with Mission Water Utilities and the Texas Water Utility Association, from which she received the W. T. "Doc" Ballard award for volunteer service. That led to an assignment working on emergency planning, numerous presentations throughout Texas on developing viable emergency plans, and appointment to chair the Texas Section, American Water Works Association's (AWWA) education committee. Her work on behalf of the Section's many programs led to her election as an officer, culminating in the Chairmanship of the Section in 1987-1988.
Kay served on the AWWA Public Affairs Committee, Management Division Training and Development Committee, Technical and Education Council's Education and Emergency Planning Committees, and was a guest speaker at many AWWA Section Meetings. For 20 years, she was the lead instructor for the Texas located AWWA Water Utility Management Institute, impacting the management careers of over 500 utility managers from Texas and the Southwest.
She was elected as the Texas Representative on the Association's Board of Directors in 1993 and subsequently was elected by the AWWA Board to represent the organization to other Sections as a National Vice President. Texas Section awarded her the George Warren Fuller citation in 1989, and she was tapped as an AWWA Life Member and Honorary Member. Kay was the first woman member cited by the Association for two of its major awards -- Outstanding Service to the Water Industry in 2004, and the AWWA Hall of Fame in 2014.
In 1992, Kay joined the Management Consulting Division of Black & Veatch Consulting Engineers, a Kansas City, MO environmental engineering organization. Her work included organization analysis, human resource systems, public outreach, and strategic management associated with new functions and service areas. That work took her to Trinidad and Tobago, England, Hawaii, Arizona, California, Colorado, the District of Columbia, Connecticut and, of course, throughout Texas. She assisted the North American Development Bank in the creation of and classroom instruction for its four-part Management Training Symposia for U.S. and Mexico utility managers and was a program instructor from 1998-2009.
Returning to her water involvement in San Antonio, she was named a member of the San Antonio Water System's Citizen Advisory Panel on Water Resources (CAP) from 2009-2014, chairing the Committee from 2012-2014. The SAWS Board reappointed her for an additional two-year term in 2015, the first year as chairman.
A pizza lunch with a former CAP member and Kay's love for service and involvement with her community led her to become involved with Meals on Wheels San Antonio. Delivering meals offered an "unbelievable opportunity to meet wonderful people who live independently and enjoy the company and a great meal associated with daily visits." As a member of the Meals on Wheels Board of Directors, she served on governance, facilities, and development committees.
Music was a significant part of Kay's life journey from playing French horn in middle and high school bands, serving as organist in her church in Illinois and as organist and choir director at First Unitarian-Universalist Church in San Antonio for 18 years. As a member of First Presbyterian Church in San Antonio, she has served as an usher team captain, greeter, and member of Sanctuary Choir. Kay also has served as Board Secretary for the Olmos Ensemble and Cactus Pear Music Festival and has volunteered with the San Antonio Symphony.
Kay is survived by her two sons and their families: Brad and Carole Fong Kutchins and their children Ashlei, Kourtnei, and Michael of Mansfield, Texas and Scott and Nicole Kutchins and their children Spencer and Logan of Coppell, TX. She is also survived by cousins Dale and Jan English of Redmon, Illinois, Don Overton of Urbana, Illinois, and Mary Overton of Casa Grande, Arizona. She was preceded in death by her parents, Freeman and Kathryn Overton, uncles, aunts and cousins, and her former husband, Michael J. Kutchins.
In lieu of flowers, please support the Music Ministry of First Presbyterian Church, the missions of Meals on Wheels, Cactus Pear Music Festival, Olmos Ensemble, or the San Antonio Symphony.
CELEBRATION OF LIFE
SATURDAY,
DECEMBER 15, 2018
2:00 P.M.
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
404 N. ALAMO
Rev. Dr. Bob Fuller will officiate.
You are invited to sign
the Guestbook at
www.porterloring.com
Arrangements with
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Kay Kutchins
Sponsored by Porter Loring Mortuary McCullough.
January 18, 2020
Thanks to the postmaster for returning the Christmas card I sent to Kay and noting why. Kay and I stayed in touch over the years, so I suspected somthing was up when I didn't get her humorous and adventurous Christmas card in 2018.
I met Kay at Black & Veatch. I was fortunate to work on a project with her in TX, so we traveled together throughout the project. She encouraged me to pursue my professional interests and warmly welcomed me to stay with her during Fiesta week; what a grand time we had. She introduced me to the River Walk and of course cascaróns. Strangely my MD husband and friends did not relate to the joy of "cracking" cascaróns. She played "local tour guide" for a vacation in San Antonio with my husband; driving us to the local Missions and sharing their history with us.
She was such a warm and welcoming person, from her bear hugs for all, memorable facial expressions, to her notable humor and honestly. I am blessed to have known Kay. My heartfelt sympathies go out to family and friends, as the loss of Kay leaves a large hole. Love you Kay!
Jae
March 20, 2019
I miss you and think of you every day.
Rachel Cywinski
December 21, 2018
I met Kay when she presented information about the water industry to the interfaith Super Adults group. She asked the director, Susan Holloway, to recommend someone who would advocate for the needs of senior adults on the San Antonio Water System Citizen Advisory Panel, which Kay chaired at that time. Kay was an advocate for citizen participation. She always encouraged those junior to her in any effort, wherever she volunteered, to keep working toward the common good.
Kay was accustomed to other people relying on her, and she tirelessly used all her energy for whatever needed to be done. She was an innovator, an encouraged, and a person who did not hold her tongue in correcting wrongs. She masked her deep concern for social justice with astute awareness of practical matters; and passed over any problem she had with a moment of grousing beforew moving on to her next effort. Whether creating a sack lunch option for Midday Noels, teaching an AARP Smart Driving course or singing tenor at First Presbyterian, Kay's humility drew the people she served to a safe place.
Thank you for using that particular photo; it is so appropriate for a woman who ordered her pastor to "put the F-U-N back into funeral" .
Well done, Kay.
We celebrate the life you shared so freely with all of us.
Neil Williams
December 17, 2018
What a wonderful friend--and I think that the word "friend" is the highest tribute that I can bestow on "Auntie Kay". Whether it was church activities, choir, symphony or anything else, Kay was always willing to listen and I still find myself thinking that I should pick up the phone and call her. I met her through First Presbyterian Church where she invited me to join her in attending one of the Sunday School classes. It wasn't long before I was invited, along with the late Judge Blair "Bruzzie" Reeves for an extended Sunday lunch--with a glass of wine or two--where we all sat around discussing and solving all of the local, church and national problems. I shall dearly miss her--and I love the photo chosen with that slightly impish "guess what I've been up to" smile. RIP
Roy Ball
December 16, 2018
It is with a heavy heart to hear of Kay's passing. She was a tremendous volunteer AARP Driver Safety Instructor since April 4, 2004 in my District as Coordinator. I could always depend on Kay willing to conduct courses when I needed assistance meeting a request. I will surely miss her humor and smile and will remember the good times. God Bless and Rest In Peace.
Michael McGuire
December 14, 2018
Kay was my friend. We served together on innumerable committees of the American Water Works Association. As has been said, she was truly one of a kind. We will not see her like again. Her passing is a loss for the family and for the drinking water community. I want to do a biography of her on Wikipedia. If the family has any bios or resumes for her, please send them to [email protected]. I will miss her.
Chuck Ahrens
December 14, 2018
Kay was one of a kind. I learned so much from her about the water business and life. I always enjoyed our time together and always learned something from it. Even recently going to lunch and discussing all the latest issues with her and of course her always asking about my family to whom she was so caring and loving to. I will miss her so much but feel so blessed to be one of her friends.
Dana Nichols
December 14, 2018
What a full of life lady, and a woman pioneer in a very male-dominated industry. She held her own and then some. She will be dearly missed.
Suzanne Gallagher O'Neal
December 14, 2018
My condolences to Kay's family. She was a good woman.
Darlene Metter
December 13, 2018
Kay was a truly special and unique friend with a huge heart. She was always there for you, even if you called on her "out of the blue"...and especially if you needed to talk, she would be there...and one was always welcomed into her home. "Thank you, Kay" for all the Gardenview memories! Brad, Carole, Scott,and Nicole, my deepest condolences for the loss of your Mom. Kay was indeed a special person who touched many hearts. She will be remembered. The day before her surgery, Kay talked about her passion for Meals on Wheels, and hence, we would like to honor her by supporting this program.
-- Darlene and John Metter, Dec 13, 2018
Larry McCoy
December 13, 2018
Kay came into my life when her first grade teacher realized that she was too smart for the first grade and promoted her to my second grade class. She provided the piano accompaniment for many of my trumpet solos at music contests and at church, school and community functions. Due to her perfect pitch, she could chime in on any tune I chose to play in whatever key. Both Kay and I played by ear and/or memorized music, therefore, we seldom carried sheet music with us. Kay and I attended music camp together at Du Quoin, Illinois every summer throughout high school.
She was always persuasive and convinced her parents, on several occasions, to host a "sock hop" for our high school class in the basement of their home in Newman, Illinois.
In 1959, at the University of Illinois, she introduced me to my first wife who passed away, due to cancer, just 44 days shy of our 50th wedding anniversary. Always the optimist, Kay emailed me on May 25th, 2018 that "I hope to see you and meet Donna (my new wife) sometime later this year."
I'll miss her acerbic humor and her seemingly endless zest for life. R.I.P. my good friend and get those greeters at the Pearly Gates organized!
Rev. George T. & Sandra H. Sturch
December 13, 2018
Remembering with fondness our faithful friend and church member, and the many gifts of canned cherries from Illinois, where Sandy was born and raised.
Laura Stout
December 13, 2018
A very special lady that will be sorely missed; I was blessed to have had her as a friend.
Anthony Marino
December 13, 2018
Brad and Carole I am so sorry over your loss. If I can ever do anything please let me know. I will remember her in my prayers.
Mary Grace Ketner
December 13, 2018
Oh, my! After many years' friendship at First UU, how good it was to run into fearless, funny Kay again at First Presbyterian's stunning Christmas concerts for an annual check-in. I once told Kay I'd been meaning to write her a thank-you note. She said, "That's okay. I'll just read one of your old ones. I keep them all." I love that attitude! She will be missed. Much love to all the family.
David Fong
December 12, 2018
We are all so sad and sorry for your sudden loss. Our prayers and love go out to you and your family. We will honor Kay's memory with support to her Meals on Wheels Organization.
Frances Garner
December 12, 2018
I am so sorry to hear of Kay's passing. She always made a Symphony concert that much better when she gave me a big hug if we ran into her! She will be greatly missed, not only by me, but by the many people whose hearts she touched.
Renia Shterenberg
December 12, 2018
"Auntie Kay", as my family fondly knew her, was a driving force and inspirational woman, with strong convictions and a heart as big as Texas. When she was a board member of Olmos Ensemble, she helped me to embrace the leadership I undertook with that group, patiently explaining to me the things I would have to take care of, that had been entrusted to me, and encouraging me to follow my heart and never be afraid to ask for help along the way. I saw her at a recent Olmos concert, where we talked about her work at Meals on Wheels and her love of the concerts she had recently attended. She always had an opinion to share, and I always listened, finding her advices helpful and relevant, I will miss her dearly.
Joseph Aillet
December 12, 2018
What a colorful individual she was!
Irael Guerra
December 12, 2018
My condolences to the families. Kay was an inspiration for me in the short term at BMWD and will be missed I am certain she affected many water personnel in a positive way.
William Christ
December 12, 2018
I remember Kay as a positive, life-filled person. She made the world a better place
Melvin Strey
December 12, 2018
Kay willingly shared her knowledge and enthusiasm with all who would listen.
Stephanie Sant'Ambrogio
December 12, 2018
Oh that impish smile captures Kay's exuberant personality perfectly! Always ready to extend a warm 'bear hug' to a friend, willing to wash a dirty dish (or 100) at Cactus Pear house concerts, generously committing to and sponsoring a young classical music student in each of the ten years that she served on the CPMF Board, Kay was a tremendous presence to every life she touched. We will miss her indomitable energy, her outspoken call-it-as-she-saw-it attitude and her huge heart and acceptance of others. Love you, Kay!
Sandi Hoecker
December 12, 2018
I'm so very sorry to hear that Kay has left us. She was a wonderful friend & a joyful, loving human being. The photo is a perfect reflection of who she was. I shall miss her, & I won't be alone in that.
Diane,Charles Alvarado
December 12, 2018
We were fortunate to meet Kay when our growing up children and hers brought us together. Throughout the decades our families grew and matured together. we enjoyed her character, honesty, self worth and giving spirit. She will always remain in that manner and more in our remembrance of her. We join all of her family members in mourning her. We extend our condolences and offer any assistance we may be able to provide. RIP good friend.
LaFawn Thompson
December 12, 2018
Kay was responsible for hiring me at Black & Veatch in 1991 and she was my boss until she left the company. She was more than my boss she was also my friend and a wonderful mentor and a force of nature; she did not stop serving, volunteering, and training people. She had a big heart and a big personality. Everyone inside and outside the water industry knew her and loved her and you could not get away without getting a nice warm hug from her. I will miss her greatly and I loved her dearly.
John Sullivan
December 12, 2018
What I loved about Kay was her incredible crushing hugs she gave everytime I ran across her path. Always full of enthusiasm, she would share the little things she was working on with pride, and always demanded to know what mischief we were up to in New England. She was my pal.
Terry Platt
December 11, 2018
We have known Kay through the Big Ten Club in San Antonio and her yearly sponsorship of dinner and watch party of the River Christmas Parade at her Condo. She was delightful hostess but she also was so much fun to talk with as she had led such an interesting life. We will greatly miss her. She lived her life to the fullest and impacted so many people in our community. Debi and Terry Platt
Robert Shelby
December 11, 2018
Sorry to hear of Kay's death. She was a wonderful woman and friend. I was looking foreword to seeing her next week. Our deepest sympathy and prayers for all of her family.
Elisa Speranza
December 11, 2018
I was so sad to hear of Kay's passing. She was a trailblazer, a mentor, and a friend to so many of us--especially women--coming up in the water business. She also gave the best hugs. They broke the mold when they made Kay. Kudos to whomever chose that photo--captures her mischievous spirit. R.I.P. my friend.
Ron Tamada
December 11, 2018
Kay's welcoming and positive spirit and the lasting impression she made on so many in the water industry will be her lasting legacy for our profession.
Michael Albach
December 11, 2018
Kay shared with us her love of music and graciously gave us tickets for the San Antonio Symphony on several occasions. She encouraged our disabled son to pursue his musical interests which he does to this day. We will be forever grateful.
Nancy Barnes
December 11, 2018
There will never be another Kay Kutchins. The picture above really captures so much of her personality - funny, observant, a little cynical, "in your face", raring to go. No mountain too high. My deepest sympathies to her family and thanks to Kay for being a friend and colleague.
Sandra Avenell
December 11, 2018
Kay was a friend and neighbor and I will miss her, as do all of us at the Left Bank.
Dawn Brewer
December 11, 2018
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Mrs. Kay. I had the pleasure of meeting Kay this last year and she has always brought a smile and laughter to our office, even when we teased her about her small car. She will truly be missed.
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