Kevin Alan BLACKWELL

Kevin Alan Blackwell passed away peacefully after a full and vibrant life on August 23, 2022, at the age of 67. He was born in Spokane, Washington and resided in Scottsdale, Arizona until spending his final years at the family cabin on Priest Lake in Idaho.

Kevin grew up in Spokane, Washington and graduated from North Central High School in 1973. He worked at Kaiser Aluminum Mead after graduation before moving to Phoenix, Arizona in the early 1980's. He was passionate about athletics – hockey and cross-country in particular. His love of running drove his competitive personality to compete in dozens of marathons and tri-athlons over the years.

Kevin had an amazing sense of adventure and a unique way of capturing people. He was tough, but loving and sensitive at the same time. He was strong and compassionate, determined and easy going, a risk taker but grounded. He was truly one of a kind.

Kevin was an entrepreneur from his early twenties and launched a smoothie and juice bar which would eventually be the catalyst for this career in quick service restaurant franchising. His ambitious entrepreneurial spirit and perseverance, drove him as the Co-Founder of Kahala Brands, the international franchisor of brands such as Cold Stone Creamery, Blimpie Subs and Salads, TacoTime, and Samurai Sam's. He was passionate about all those team members that made his goals and dreams come true. He was the epitome of the "Work-Hard, Play-Hard" mentality.

Although the desert of Scottsdale, Arizona was home, Priest Lake Idaho was where he always wanted to be.

He will be deeply missed and always hold a place in our hearts.

Kevin was preceded in death by his mother, Sandra Jean Blackwell (Botman).

Kevin is survived by his father, Eugene "Bud" Blackwell, his wife, Kathryn Blackwell, Berekk Blackwell (Son), Brianna Fitzpatrick (Daughter), Jack Blackwell (Son), Travis Blackwell (son) and his grandchildren Asher and Beau Blackwell, and Baby Fitzpatrick (due in March 2023), Jeff Blackwell (brother), Tami Henry (sister), and multiple nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Service was held on Wednesday September 21, 2022 at Highlands Church in Scottsdale, Arizona.