Natalie Beversluis
It’s hard to believe Kevin’s gone. Surely I’ll see him before long, somewhere or another. I definitely still see him in my mind.
I can see his little boy grin, that spark that said he’d be up for mischief, if it didn’t hurt anyone. That way he had of seeing you, and everything else going on around him, of being ready to move and act. And yet he was a calm center of competence, someone who said what he meant, letting you know things would get done, correctly, and in a manner good for all.
I’ve known Kevin for years, but we were never close. It’s hard to develop a friendship when encounters happen at work, and that was when I saw him - at MIMF related music gigs, when both of us had responsibilities to attend to.
But still, he felt like a friend. He would greet me with a smile, hugely welcoming, and do all he could to make my job of providing music as enjoyable as possible. And it was enjoyable. I truly looked forward to seeing him, his cheerful self lighting up any space he was in, those sly bits of humor dropped in, so innocently, butter wouldn’t melt in his mouth. I also respected his talent with performing music. He had a knack for connecting with his audience, whether on stage or back stage. I think, like me, Kevin rarely met any strangers, just folks he didn’t know yet.
We’ve lost the gift of his physical presence, but Kevin’s joy of life, his drive, his kindness, these remain as shining beacons for all who knew him.
May we keep Kevin’s light represented in this world, continuing to share with everyone the goodwill, humor, and care we received from him, refusing to see strangers, just folks we don’t know yet.
Thank you for everything, Kevin, rest well, knowing you’ve made life better. Cliff and I lift a wee dram of the good stuff to you.
Natalie Beversluis
Fiddler / musician
