48 responses so far ↓

• 1 Thomas Kanwit // Dec 16, 2008 at 2:05 pm

  I have known Kevin since high school in Poughkeepsie, N.Y. It will be no surprise to anyone that even then he was a kind, caring, funny and big-hearted guy. My life is richer for having known him. I regret we lived 800 miles away and that I let that get in the way of seeing more of his wonderful smile and terrific family. I might forget just what we said or did together, but I will never forget the way Kevin made me feel.

• 2 Mike Frederick // Dec 16, 2008 at 2:07 pm

  Kevin was truly a great man who showed compassion and did everything with grace, humility and civility. You will be truly missed.

• 3 Melissa Soule // Dec 16, 2008 at 2:14 pm

  I’m heartbroken over this news. Kevin always had a warm smile, a cheerful glow and an overflowing heart for friends, family and even people he never met. He was a real role model for me and so many others. What a great guy, what a loss.

• 4 Stephen Scofes // Dec 16, 2008 at 2:26 pm

  There aren’t too many people that looked at life like Kevin did. Kevin understood that life was short and that we are dead for an eternity. He knew how important it was to take time to notice the things that really matter in life, family, friends, the blossom of spring and the fresh fall of snow on the slopes. Kevin learned how to slow down and access life, he took his foot off the accelerator and looked about and within.
  I have been blessed to call Kevin a friend.
  Life is a journey. Enjoy the journey.
  Travel safe my friend.

• 5 Dan Stump // Dec 16, 2008 at 2:26 pm

  I fondly recall Kevin’s grace and dignity. His presence improved the day of any and all who crossed paths with him. I will miss him.

• 6 Nick Ciaramitaro // Dec 16, 2008 at 2:27 pm

  Working with Kevin Kelly over these years on so many important public policy issues has been an honor and a privilege. And it was also a pleasure. Kevin dedicated himself to health care and to a compassionate and civilized government. All who knew him quickly learned of his ability to get to the heart of the issue and look for real solutions to the problem facing us. We all will miss his dedication and his wisdom.

• 7 Mark McDaniel // Dec 16, 2008 at 2:37 pm

  Honor and integrity are two of the many words that can be used to describe Kevin and his works professionally and in his personal life. If was lucky to experience him in both. If it was at the hockey rink watching our sons compete against each other, at political events, or trade association events he was true to the words honor and integrity. Prayers and sympathy to your family which are your rock.

• 8 Lorri Rishar Jandron // Dec 16, 2008 at 2:42 pm

  There are few who touch so many lives in such a positive way. Kevin was among those who truly made a difference in the world. His positive outlook and genuine warmth will be greatly missed. The world is a better place because of Kevin. His memory will live on in his good works.

• 9 Kim Sibilsky // Dec 16, 2008 at 2:43 pm

  Kevin brought energy and insight into every conversation in which he was involved. Truly a visionary while grounded in the practical. I have missed him, but see his influence in many of the activities that we have recently undertaken and know his voice will resonate on into future of health care in Michigan.

• 10 Richard Wiener // Dec 16, 2008 at 2:48 pm

  I hardly know where to start. Kevin was the ultimate team builder, in every activity he touched, and made everybody feel like the most valuable member of the team. You do not replace people like Kevin Kelly, you pay tribute to him best by conducting your activities as he conducted his.

• 11 Pierre LaVoie // Dec 16, 2008 at 2:53 pm

  Mr. Kelly,

  A gentleman and a true Spartan…he was always available to advise me on my career path or to provide a letter of recommendation no matter how busy his schedule…I will do the same for others when they need me because of his generosity.

• 12 Sarah Hubbard // Dec 16, 2008 at 2:56 pm

  Kevin’s enthusiasm for health care, MSU, children and many other initiatives was always contagious. His ability to collaborate with partners and identify win – win situations was always welcome. His presence in the greater Lansing community will be missed.

• 13 Angela Witwer // Dec 16, 2008 at 2:56 pm

  Kevin was a great leader and generous with his time and advice – always answering your call and genuinely interested. We have all been blessed to have known him. Prayers to Jamie and his children.

• 14 Craig Ruff // Dec 16, 2008 at 3:01 pm

  This is one of Lansing’s saddest days. You don’t think of describing as legendary the accomplishments of someone so young; but Kevin invented, reinvented and contributed so much to greater Lansing and the state, it’s fair to say that his is a legacy for which there will be no end.

• 15 Mark Bertler // Dec 16, 2008 at 3:06 pm

  I remember Kevin, early in his career, walking the halls of the Capitol with the “Dr of the week, month”, (whatever it was), and watching him grow into the consumate health leader.
  There are very few people I can recall in my 30 or so years around the capitol that I could always trust, respect and rely on.
  I was hoping he would be able to come out here to my new adopted state, California, and provide his calm and steady hand to make things better as he was always able to do in Michigan.
  I can only echo Kim and Rick’s observations and resolve to do more in his memory.

• 16 Kathleen Gross // Dec 16, 2008 at 3:11 pm

  Kevin was a lion; he was a lamb. On health issues, he lead the way, yet he made you feel that you were walking beside him. He was thoughtful and whip-smart and made time to quietly give his wise counsel. My heart goes out to Kevin’s family and friends.

• 17 Paul Welday // Dec 16, 2008 at 3:59 pm

  I worked with Kevin for many years, albeit from the vantage point of Capitol Hill in Washington, DC. Though we did not have the daily interaction that many had in Lansing, I can tell you that my Michigan colleagues at the senior staff level had the highest respect for Kevin. He provided much need insight and an honest perspective on one of the major issues of our day. He made a difference. He will be missed.

• 18 Paul Natinsky // Dec 16, 2008 at 5:09 pm

  I met Kevin in 1990. He was mentor to hundreds and I was one of those many. The most memorable thing Kevin ever said to me was, “do what you are passionate about and the money will follow.” Well, I don’t know about the money, but I know what he meant and it’s helped guide me. I suspect he opened more doors for me than those that I’m aware of. And he did things like that just because it was his nature. He was a unique person and he’ll be missed.

• 19 Sylvia McCollough // Dec 16, 2008 at 6:27 pm

  Kevin was one of the dearest, kindest and most considerate men I’ve ever known, and he will be missed greatly. Over the 35 years I’ve known him, I’ve never heard him say a mean thing about anyone. I’ll miss our political talks, but most of all, I will miss his dear, dear spirit. I know that he’s in a better place, and my thoughts and prayers are with his family, and all those who were lucky enough to call him friend. Enjoy your next journey, my dear, sweet friend.

• 20 Richard Cole // Dec 16, 2008 at 7:28 pm

  Kevin Kelly was the most optimistic and gentle guy I ever met. Over the 30 or so years Kevin and I knew each other we traded stories (he gave me the “marbles” story I wrote about in Dome last Spring — with a new Kevin twist), we conspired to change term limits with our hearings around the state, we laughed as large on the golf course and we did in business meetings. His wonderful wife Jamie and Daniel and Michael know that there is a world of love out their for our pal Kevin. We’ll all miss him to the bottom of our hearts. He enlarged our lives immensely.

• 21 Sharon Ellis // Dec 16, 2008 at 8:00 pm

  Kevin Kelly – two magic words for Michigan & East Lansing/MSU. All the superlatives of kind, generous, smart, sweet, caring, dedicated apply – & still we come up short. How lucky we all are that he touched our lives & those of the many who never actually knew him but whose lives have been enriched by his vast professional & volunteer activities. What a guy!
  Kevin, my friend, may the smile of God light you to glory.

• 22 Lawrence Glazer // Dec 16, 2008 at 9:27 pm

  It is an old-fashioned word, but I always thought it fit Kevin: gentleman. If all those who negotiate public policy would emulate his civility, we could get a lot done, and be a lot happier.

• 23 Michael Green // Dec 17, 2008 at 7:05 am

  Way too soon. A gentleman of the highest order. I was fortunate to serve with Kevin on the board of a local organization. Smart, welcoming, a true servant, friend and mentor to many.

• 24 Sharman Ann Moore // Dec 17, 2008 at 7:39 am

  Kevin’s never-ending demonstration of his beliefs that all things are possible, that one person can make a difference and that life is best lived by genuinely caring for others has greatly enriched my life in more ways than I can express. As a board member and past president of the Michigan Political History Society (MPHS), I can tell you that it is because of Kevin that this organization was founded and continues to thrive today. Kevin’s friendship and positive impact will always be felt in the lives of those who met and knew him throughout his journey of life.

• 25 Julie Novak // Dec 17, 2008 at 7:48 am

  Kevin was a mentor to so many people, and you are more than lucky if you know just one like him in your lifetime. I will always remember the sparkle he would get in his eyes when some sort of nonsense was going on in a meeting. I learned not to sit across from him, because his face would be composed but his eyes would be dancing, and I knew I wouldn’t be able to keep a straight face. He received many awards and honors during his life, but it was his love for Jamie, Daniel and Michael that made him most worthy as a role model. I will miss him tremendously.

• 26 Daniel Farhat // Dec 17, 2008 at 7:49 am

  I was very fortunate to begin my lobbying career with Kevin. Kevin and I have worked together for the past 25 years. He mentored me, he supported my decision to start my firm, and most importantly, he was a true friend. I can’t even begin to describe his qualities because it would take a book to do so! Kevin believed in people making a difference. He was blessed with a gift, the ability to get people to work together and like each other at the end. No matter what he was working on and no matter how difficult the task, the one amazing thing about him is he never gave up. He helped me through some really rough times and I love him for it. He is so proud of Jamie and his two sons, Daniel and Michael, for all they gave to him! Their names came up each and every time I was with him. You never really know how much someone means to you until you lose them. But I will always know what he meant to me and his spirit will always be with me. I am so proud to be able to say that without Kevin, I would not have the life I have today! I hope and pray that everyone who knew Kevin will live as he did! There was no one stronger in character and goodwill than my good friend!

• 27 Dorie Vazquez-Nolan // Dec 17, 2008 at 7:55 am

  I can not think of a more decent person in the Lansing political arena than Kevin Kelly. I met many people (wonderful and not-so-much) during 15 years in the Legislature, and you forget names and faces.. but Kevin’s image was forever burned in my mind.

  He was a truly awesome man and I am grieving for his beautiful family. Please accept my deepest sympathy.

• 28 Nancy Moody // Dec 17, 2008 at 9:10 am

  Those of us who were honored to know and admire Kevin understood his greatness. He profoundly loved Jamie, Dan, and Michael; and his love for family overflowed into the lives of friends and every community he touched. What a blessing Kevin has been to all of us, and what a wonderful legacy of love and service he leaves as inspiration for greater good from all who knew him!

• 29 Linda Gobler // Dec 17, 2008 at 9:36 am

  I met Kevin years ago, too many to mention, at Beggar’s Banquet. We had mutual friends that led to our friendship. I always thought of Kevin as the ultimate cheerleader. It didn’t matter if he was cheering for MSU, MSMS, Sparrow, Children’s Trust Fund, his family or his friends; it was always done with heartfelt joy and enthusiasm . He was so positive, so caring and so fun.
  Our community will miss his spirit and his presence. I will miss him as a friend.

• 30 Exec. Chef Brett Telder // Dec 17, 2008 at 9:38 am

  Most of you know me at MSMS I am the former Exec. Chef from the Cadillac Club and your caterer for the past three years! Kevin helped build my reputation here in Lansing by the kind words he said about my food and service to other area companies. Kevin and I also spent time together in some social gatherings at the Cadillac Club. What a wonderful, warm hearted man he was! For someone who has had great losses in my life of loved ones, I know how hard this is. God has preapared a very special place for Kevin. Thank you for all you did for me. Rest in peace Mr. Kelly

• 31 Sharon Peters // Dec 17, 2008 at 11:03 am

  Long before Kevin became a core supporter of my professional passion, Michigan’s Children, he was my friend and colleague in the vast government relations community in Lansing from which so many of us draw our roots. It is so fitting that just a week ago, Michigan’s Children celebrated Kevin’s contributions at the fund raising event he was so central in establishing, “Much Ado About Something Wonderful.” The named award in his honor, launched Dec. 9 2008, will be just one of many sustaining tributes to his legacy. His greatest legacy is carried in our hearts, and mine is breaking. Blessings to Jamie and the boys.

• 32 Bill Kandler // Dec 17, 2008 at 11:11 am

  Can you think of anyone whose presence would be missed more than Kevin’s? I can’t. He was connected to so many people in so many places in a wide range of endeavors. Looking back, the true measure of a life of value is that it made a difference that you were here. Kevin’s presence made a difference for an enormous number of people. He leaves a void that will not be easily filled.

• 33 YMCA Michigan Youth in Government // Dec 17, 2008 at 12:22 pm

  For fifteen years Kevin has been a valuable friend and board member of Michigan Youth in Government. His dedication to educating children, and loyalty to our organization has had a huge impact on our success, and the success of young people across the state. We are feeling the sadness of his passing, and we will miss him.

• 34 Marianne Udow-Phillips // Dec 17, 2008 at 12:30 pm

  I remember seeing Kevin just before he went in for surgery last year. Even facing major surgery, he was thinking about all the things he would do afterward – how he would make our state better in so many different ways. Kevin had a passion for life that was contagious. I never left a conversation with him without some creative new idea on how to approach a major issue we were working on. We will all miss him very much. Jamie, Dan and Michael: thank you for sharing him with us. Our hearts are with you now.

• 35 Reg Carter // Dec 17, 2008 at 1:42 pm

  Kevin loved to watch his son play high school hockey with such passion and enthusiasm and without regard for the potential danger from other larger opponent players. He was so proud of his son.

• 36 Joe Weiss // Dec 17, 2008 at 3:00 pm

  Kevin possessed a charm, like no one else I have known. He could draw you in and then bring you out.
  He could bring you to see how his interests in medical politics were your interests, and then make you want to act on behalf of what you just realized you believed in.
  My 30 years with MSMS began with my happening to sit next to Kevin Kelly.

• 37 Ira Strumwasser // Dec 17, 2008 at 5:12 pm

  When you talked with Kevin, you had his complete attention. Kevin had that unique ability to make you feel like you were the most important person in the room, even when the room was filled with the powerful and important. Kevin always introduced you to his network of friends. It seemed like he knew everyone.

  Kevin was dedicated to improving the health care delivery system and in improving health care in Michigan. However, the thing I will always remember Kevin for was his love for his family. For Kevin, nothing was more important than his beautiful wife, Jamie and his children. Kevin’s family always came first. He took great pride in their accomplishments. Kevin was a wonderful father and partner to Jamie.

  While I am deeply saddened by his passing, I am heartened to know that his spirit will continue to live through Jamie and through his beautiful sons. We are poorer in losing him but richer for knowing him. I will miss our annual wager on the Michigan vs. Michigan State football game.

  Ira Strumwasser

• 38 Peter Eckstein // Dec 17, 2008 at 7:10 pm

  I have long regretted that I did not have more contact with Kevin. I knew him mostly as a fellow member and chair of the board of Michigan’s Children, where his intelligence, creativity, social conscience–and cheerfulness–were always a wonder to behold and a pleasure to experience.

• 39 The Center for Michigan » Transformations for Two MDM Champions // Dec 19, 2008 at 6:52 am

  [...] after a lengthy illness. It is a deep loss for Michigan, but don’t take my word for it. Instead, read the many tributes posted here on Dome Magazine. As Dome [...]

• 40 Sheila Wright // Dec 19, 2008 at 8:41 am

  All the comments written here echo my feelings about Kevin Kelly. He was truly a one of a kind person. I am so honored to have known him, and terribly saddened at his passing. Kevin made those around him better people.

• 41 Richard A. Bandstra // Dec 19, 2008 at 9:39 am

  I was able to know Kevin best when, during my former legislative life, we traveled with a group to Sweden to examine their system of providing financial assistance to people harmed as a result of medical care. That was part of the contentious debate about ‘med mal reform’ in Michigan and, as usual, Kevin handled everything and everyone with dignity and grace while effectively advocating the MSMS view. Always a class act.

• 42 Si Nahra // Dec 19, 2008 at 11:43 am

  Kevin and I had dealings years ago but our paths crossed rarely recently. The fact that time does not diminish the impact of his passing is the best tribute I can offer. His positive approach and ability to disagree without being disageeable were rare then and now.

• 43 Rebecca Bahar-Cook // Dec 20, 2008 at 3:48 pm

  As I read the words of those who had posted before me I couldn’t help but feel slightly envious of those who were able to say that they had known Kevin for decades.

  Although I am not a life long friend of Kevin’s I have had the privelage of working with Kevin for the last few years on various community voluteer fundraising boards. He could really get people motivated to roll up their sleeves and get dirty to get the work done. His dedication and commitment to anything he believed in was awsome to watch.

  I will miss the 7:30 am meetings, the cut out clips from the LSJ with personal notes attached, and most of all the kind and uplifting words Kevin would share.

  Jamie, Daniel and Michael the loss you feel must be so great — I hope it helps to ease the pain to know so many of us share a little bit of it with you.

• 44 Alexander Luvall // Dec 21, 2008 at 2:24 pm

  Kevin was a truly “wholesome” person.

  I am glad I met him and I am very sorry he is gone.

  If you inquired of him on a subject, he thoughtfully and carefully shared with you his impressions and observations.

  No short shrift from this gentleman ever. A great legacy.

• 45 Dennis Schornack // Dec 23, 2008 at 11:51 am

  I first met Kevin in 1979 and had the pleasure to work with him on many health policy issues over the years. He always conducted himself with dignity and grace. The thing I remember and respect most about Kevin’s character was his integrity. One of the good guys is gone.

• 46 Steven Hess // Jan 5, 2009 at 7:30 am

  Kevin was an example to us all. And a true friend, both to those who knew him personally and to those who were anonymously benefitted by his many good works. We will all miss him.

• 47 Jim Haveman // Jan 5, 2009 at 7:59 am

  The last E mail I got from Kevin was an “idea” of his to get several CEOs in Michigan together to plan/design the health care models of the future. Kevin was always thinking ahead…he always had futuristic ideas…he spent little time on coulda, shoulda and woulda!! He always left the door open for dialogue and had that ability to get along with those he worked with in the professional, legislative and executive branch. Kevin was loyal to his friends and in almost ever conversations we had, he worked Jamie, Daniel and Michael into the discussion….Kevin: Rest in Peace.

• 48 Larry Schwartz // Jan 5, 2009 at 9:55 am

  The passing of Kevin Kelly is very difficult to grasp.

  Those of us who knew him were usually in “awe” of his gifts. He has the ability to observe “it all” …. There wasn’t much that got by Kevin, and whatever he observed, he usually had a perspective which would either enhance the “good” by pointing it out and reinforcing it ……or minimize the “bad” by addressing it (or not) and moving on.

  Kevin’s impact on the Medical Advantage Group has been significant. As a thought leader he participated in it’s conceptualization. He was an investor, a board member, a collaborator, a cheerleader, and a friend. Kevin enabled many of the relationships which have lead to MAG program developments and to long standing clients. His example of a friendly and open approach to “any and all” healthcare leaders continues to help MAG build its non-adversarial and respectful relationships with health plans, institutions, and competitors.

  Much of the advice and counsel that Kevin has shared with many of us will serve us well in the future. A great friend, partner, leader, colleague, husband, and dad …… he has been all these things and more ….. and he knew that the last two items on the list were the most important.

  I ….. and I know …. all of us at MAG will miss Kevin …..

  Larry Schwartz

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