our warrior

On February 8, 1996, we were blessed to have Kevin join our family. He was a big boy at 9lbs – 3 oz and had a good, strong set of lungs!  He was always such a happy baby; smiling and laughing until you couldn’t help but join in.  At four years old, Kevin was signed up to play soccer at our local park district.  This is when he found his love for sports.  During his “young” years Kevin also played baseball, basketball, and tennis but swimming proved to be his true passion.  He joined the Bloomingdale Barracudas at 9 years old and continued to swim for them until he graduated high school.  During these years, he also swam for two club level swim teams and was also a four-year varsity swimmer at Lake Park High School!  To say he was busy is an understatement!     

Not only did Kevin excel in swimming, but he excelled academically as well.  During his senior year, Kevin was named one of the school’s Spirit of Excellence Award recipients as well as being awarded 4 separate college scholarships and was nominated by his high school counselor for the Herff Jones college scholarship as well!       

Kevin’s love for swimming even carried him to college. He enrolled at the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point where he became an honorary member of the swim team.  Although he was only at school for 1-1/2 years, Kevin met some of his best friends at UWSP and was always so happy when they came to visit.  His nickname was “Boss”!     When Kevin was no longer able to attend UWSP, he started his own streaming channel on Twitch.  Affectionately known as Antoine the Swann, Kevin reached over 100 subscribers in less than six months!       

Although Kevin was with us for a short period of time, he made a long lasting impact on the people he met.  One close family friend has said “Whenever I get frustrated because I’m having a bad day, I think about Kevin.  My troubles are nothing to what he went through.  He continues to give me strength.”     Kevin will be FOREVER missed, but NEVER forgotten and ALWAYS loved.