Dear Friends,

It is with the heaviest of hearts that I write to share the news of the passing of my beloved younger brother, Kevin.

While email is an impersonal way of sharing such a tragic life event, it is important to me, on behalf of Kevin, that this news be shared with you directly.

As most of you know, since early March, Kevin had been struggling with an unexplained neurological decline (severe). Losing most of his motor skills over the course of 60 days. Doctors worked hard to find the root cause, ordering various diagnostic tests. To no avail. In late April, all brain scans (CT / MRI) showed nothing of concern. Having run out ideas, doctors elected to re-order another set of scans (CT / MRI).

On the 2nd of July, day of the follow-up scans, our worst fears were confirmed. An aggressive tumor had appeared. The diagnosis, a grade 4 tumor lodged in the center of his brain. Based on location and size, medical intervention was not an option.

It has been a tremendously difficult and sobering life experience to witness. The only splinter of relief from this diagnosis — a good chance of minimal suffering (in terms of pain). Ultimately, and thankfully, he is now in eternal peace.

I have spent many sleepless nights contemplating how best to honor Kevin. Given the current climate of Covid19, it would be socially irresponsible to hold any fashion of a memorial services.

In lieu of your attendance at a traditional service, we respectfully ask that each of you pay tribute to Kevin by embracing a philosophy that he dedicated his life to — being of service to others.

In his honor, the ask is simple. Identify a complete stranger in need, and perform one random act of kindness (preferably non-monetary). This is exactly the type of meaningful impact Kevin always strived to make.

The family is not in need of any support or donations of any kind. Appreciated, but not needed. We all have been deeply moved by the love and support received over the last several months, and for that, we thank you.

In closing, I share one personal observation.

In the summer of 1979, I was less than 6 months old. My mother campaigned to my father the need for me to have a sibling to grow up with. Someone to play alongside with and look out for, and vice versa. At the time of this conversation, my father was 49 years old. The idea of having two children under the age of 2, at his age, must have been daunting. In April (1980), Kevin was born, fourteen months my junior.

The idea of losing my younger brother never dawned on me. Ever. By the time it did, only then had I realized how many opportunities were wasted to spend more time with him. We all come to similar conclusions, at different stages of our lives. Wasted time. Life is fragile. Short. Here one minute. Gone the next.

During his life, he was dependent on others/public transportation to get around because of his vision limitations. Kevin, as most of you know, had an eery sense of time (and direction), as a result. Always punctual, never wanting someone to wait on him or in the alternative, missing a scheduled ride. During his final months, I got the sense he had come to terms with his timing and the simple unavoidable reality, everything great comes to an end (in the natural).

Far too soon, in my mind……………….. but regrettably true.”

My two cents:

Personally, Kevin was probably THE kindest, most selfless, caring and true friend a person could have.

I served along his side at countless American Red Cross shelters, Community events where REACT of Orange County, Santiago Communications Team and Crest Communications was providing eyes and ears for the event coordinators, and I know of his personal involvement in several government based programs for youth.

I had the honor of knowing Kevin from approximately 1998 through the last Crest meeting he attended earlier this year. He will be truly missed and his memory cherished by all who knew him.

Kevin Verdi: CREST 79, REACT LIFE member 364, GMRS callsign WPXH310 and Amateur callsign KG6UMX

Heaven has gained another angel today, and I look forward to the day when I can embrace him again. Till we meet again, brother. Fly high and mighty – and enjoy the sights of Heaven!

All my love,

Tom

WRDC637 / KF6OSO