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Kevin Sullivan Obituary
APR 18 1952 - JUL 20 2012
Kevin was born April 18, 1952, and grew up in Seattle, the majority of his young summers spent at Montlake Playfield. He went to St. Joseph's for elementary school, Meany Junior High, and Nathan Hale High School.
After high school, Kevin went to work for Beebe and Runyon as a warehouseman, but his life was soon interrupted by disease of the kidney. The day after Henry Aaron set the career home-run mark, he received a kidney from his older brother Sean that lasted 36 years. As part of his recovery, Kevin went back to school, first to Shoreline Community College, and then Seattle University, where he took his degree.
After a spell at Kimball Elementary, he settled into his teaching career, first at Madrona Elementary, and then at Madison Middle School. He was an accomplished P.E. teacher, and after school a calm driving instructor.
Kevin was a good friend to many people, and leaves behind many and various good friends. He was hard-working his whole life, enjoyed playing cards, billiards, softball, golf and other sports. He traveled frequently during his years with Charlene Low, collecting sand wherever there was a beach. He might have lived in Hawaii if his good health had continued.
Kevin's luck held until three and a half years ago, and he has had nothing but struggle since. He was resolute in the face of a relentless siege of ill health and crisis. He finally died on Friday, July 20, 2012.
He was preceded in death first by his younger brother, Brian, and later his father, Ray, and mother, Kathleen.
Living on are his brother, Kieran (wife Dinah), and Kieran's children Sam, Kiara, and Braxton, as well as his other brother , Sean (wife Jeannie), and his son Will. Kevin is already greatly missed by both friends and family.
A memorial gathering in Kevin's honor will be held at Cooper's Ale House on Lake City Way in Seattle on Saturday, Aug. 11, between 1 and 4 p.m. All friends, acquaintances and colleagues are invited to gather at that time to celebrate Kevin's unique life.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Kevin Sullivan
Kathleen Myers
August 11, 2012
Kevin embraced the fun in life. I remember his advice and experience in running ASB and he made our contributions to UNICEF quadruple with just a simple suggestion. He was present in every conversation and had a smile and chuckle that reflected his Irish roots. Even in sickness, he was still himself. My last visit at his home, I was remarking about the bannister on the stair and he smiled and said, I took it from Madison before the remodel. As he had a piece of Madison in his home, I take a piece of Kevin's spirit and kindness with me and will remember to laugh more with my colleagues this coming year.
August 10, 2012
Kieran, Sean, and families. We're sorry to hear about Kevin. We'll see you Saturday.
Long lost cousin.....
Jim (and Diana)
Larry Temple
August 9, 2012
The Seattle School District Traffic Ed. program has missed Kevin's presence the past 3 years while he suffered kidney failure. He was great with the students and a pleasure to work with in our program. Our sympathy to his family.
Larry Temple, Traffice Ed. Dept.
Starr McKittrick
August 8, 2012
Sorry to hear about the loss of Kevin. He was a sure source of calm and stability in the chaos of middle school. His wonderful sense of humor will be missed.
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August 5, 2012
Kieran, Sean, and your families. Sorry to hear about Kevin. Sad days ahead for all of you. Hope to see you Saturday.
Mary Ann~ One of your long lost cousins.
Lauren Divina
August 3, 2012
We will all miss you, Kevin. We still remember the yearlong PE teacher attire, come rain, come snow, come sunshine! It was a joy working with you at Madison! I still have the T-shirt with your unique design!
So your hood is so close--Montlake, St. Joe's, Meany...familiar places indeed! We will miss your laughter the most! God bless you and all of the loved ones you left behind. May you rest in peace in the bosom of our Creator.
Johann Chin
August 1, 2012
I have met very few people who were as quick to laugh as "Skully" - our name for him. We felt like the funniest guys in the room around him. He was sincere, thoughtful, sarcastic, and a genuinely nice person to call a friend. He called me every September to wish me a happy first day of school - and at the same time jokingly gloat about what he was doing, or not doing on that day. He'd lose graciously at cards, win humbly, and always with a smile on his face and no complaining. My close friends, mostly 20 years his junior, grew to know him and to love him - and to think of him and pray for him as his condition worsened. I am saddened by his passing, but fortunate to have called him a friend.
You will be missed Skully...
Lee Shephard
July 31, 2012
I had not seen Kevin in a long time until the St. Joes lunches the last few years at House of Hong. It was great to catch up with Kevin and to hear what he had been up to all those years. The thing that struck me the first time I saw Kevin at one of those lunches was that I remembered Kevin was always a "really good guy" and he still was. While he will be missed I'm happy his suffering is over.
brian sweeney
July 30, 2012
Kieran, Sean and all the Sullivan family,
I am so sorry to hear of Kevin's passing but we should all take comfort in the fact that his pain is gone. "Soul" was a great friend and an absolute delight to be around. I remember a lot of fun times at St Joes, Montlake Laker rec league basketball, keggers in the Arboretum, and Shamrock soccer. In the last few years several of his St Joes classmates were lucky enough to have lunch with him a few times and enjoy his company. We will really miss him. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Sullivans.
Paul Minier
July 30, 2012
Sorry to hear of Kevin's passing. As a colleague at Madison our nick name for him was "Silk." Kevin was so nice, smooth, and easy it seemed like an appropriate name for him. He was great with the kids and supportive of the staff. I am fortunate to have known, worked and played with him.
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