On Thursday, November 15 (what is that, two weeks ago?), a group of us went to the hospital to visit Kevin Way, who was one of our Scout leaders back when I was about 16 years old. He has consistently set records for being the nicest person I know, as well as being the sickest person I know. At some point in his life, he has probably been stricken with every malady you can think of, usually several of them at once. Some more prominent conditions are leukemia, diabetes and multiple sclerosis. The most recent addition was pneumonia. In fact, he has considered himself to be living on borrowed time for the last 20 years.Through it all, he has remained upbeat, cheerful and thoughtful.
He was great at finding common interests with us, and since we were a bunch of self-absorbed teenagers, he took interest in the things we liked. He came out to countless sporting events, concerts, presentations and awards ceremonies. So, it was the least we could do to come and visit him in the hospital.
The leukemia had diminished his red blood cell count to the point where he had no energy left and could hardly get out of bed. After doctors tried giving him a blood transfusion, he was suddenly invigorated. By the time we came to visit, he was feeling much better. He's lost a lot of weight, but he's still got that same big heart.
11 comments:
Kevin is truly one of God's greatest creations and we love him a ton. Thanks for the post.
He really is. His goodness is boundless. I'm glad you posted this.
You are so right about Kevin. We have called him the modern-day Job. We got to have dinner with him and May several times last month in Calgary and so enjoyed our visits with them. They both have such wonderful attitudes--you never hear a complaint from either one of them.
When we told Kevin that we were planning a family trip to Calgary next summer, he was so excited at the thought of seeing all of our family again. He even wondered if we would let him help out if we needed to ferry people around for canoe trips or hikes. WHAT A GUY !
Good to see that he is doing a little better once again.
I wonder if he wouldn't look so thin in this picture if we all hadn't gained 50lbs since we were young men. Any updates on how he's doing?
How special to remember outstanding leaders! And I am sure it made him feel younger and better seeing Scott!
By way of update, the last time I heard, Kevin was back at home and feeling much better. The swelling in his legs had also gone away.
I am deeply saddened to report that Kevin has passed away. This was announced at Church today, but I have not been able to confirm it yet. If you have any info to collaborate or refute this, please respond.
Kevin was my first seminary teacher, back about 1985 or so. I can't agree more with those that have said such good about him. He dramatically influenced my life for good, and I know he has done the same for many of you.
Kevin passed away on January 7th, 2007. His funeral was held on January 11, 2007, in Calgary.
Here is his obituary as it appeared in the Calgary Herald:
"Kevin Way WAY - Kevin Kirkpatrick July 6, 1956 - January 7, 2008 Kevin passed away peacefully on January 7 after a full and loving sojourn on earth. He will be deeply missed by May, his beloved wife of twenty-six years, as well as five loving children - Jennifer (Jared) Zemp, Angela (Spencer) Hansen, David, Natalie and Katherine, and granddaughter Eva Joy Zemp, as well as his father, Larry Way, his sisters, Joanne (Brian) Barnett and Karen (Darrell) Davis, and a brother Ian (Marleen) Way. He will be fondly remembered by his extended Way and Eng families and many friends. He was predeceased by his mother, Martha, in August of 2007. Kevin grew up in Calgary. He was a gifted athlete in basketball, baseball and volleyball and was an avid golfer. He was an outstanding student, earning a BA in Economics/Mathematics from the University of Calgary, and was a highly respected corporate economist at Petro-Canada for over twenty-five years. Kevin loved his family and friends without bounds, and continues to be an inspiration to all of them. Kevin was a role model to his wife and children, and showed a positive example of righteousness and love for life despite life's adversities. Kevin served valiantly in this life as a devoted missionary in France, an inspired church and youth leader who influenced many early in their lives for good. The family would like to express deepest thanks to the many physicians and tremendous home and health care workers who attended Kevin all his life. Funeral Services will take place at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Bow Valley Chapel, 2526 - 24 Avenue N.W., Calgary on Friday, January 11, 2008 at 1:00 p.m., with public viewing commencing at 11:30 a.m. Interment will follow at Queen's Park Cemetery. If friends so desire, in lieu of flowers, memorial tributes may be made to the Myasthenia Gravis Chapter of the Muscular Dystrophy Association of Canada or any Leukemia related organization. Messages of condolence may be forwarded to the family at www.piersons.ca . Arrangements in care of PIERSON'S FUNERAL SERVICE LTD. Telephone: 235-3602."
The service was attended by more than 500 people and the Calgary Police stopped traffic at every intersection along the route to the cemetery, demonstrating clearly the scale of the city's loss.
I went to high school with Kevin and than had the great pleasure of reconnecting with him and also to get to know May when I taught their daughter Jennifer in Kindergarten. When I left that school I lost touch with Kevin and May and their lovely brood of children. I just found out that he had passed away and am saddened to know that he is gone. Thank you for having this post in your blog.
Ann Berezowski
I taught Jennifer in Grade one not kindergarten. My apologies.
Ann Berezowski
I was sorry to learn today, many years past, of the death of Kevin Way. At University of Calgary Kevin tutored me in math (calculus) and his help was invaluable. When I gained an important position at Petro-Canada in Calgary in 1979, I later organized for Kevin to be hired, working for me for a short time in the Economics department of Corporate Planning. Due to his talent, he was moved up into more important roles in exploration & development. His talent was underexploited in the economics department working with me. I enjoyed working with him the same. He was a solid person of considerable skills and personality. I often think of what might have happened to me if I had not learned calculus as it needed to be learned. Thank you Kevin. My condolences to his family. Don MacLean, Beloeil, Quebec www.mamusico.com
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