Kevin McBride Obituary

I have been thinking nothing of our good memories all week long. Kevin and I started out meeting at West Ridge United Methodist Church on Lunt Street. He and I were in youth group together and built an immediate friendship and kept our close knit group together for years. In college one summer, I needed a job. Kevin immediately told me to come and work for him at the High Ridge YMCA. I was like "Do I need to interview?" "Do an app?". Kevin just laughed and said for me to complete an app but that I didn't need to interview because he had known me for years. Such a true blessing he was to me in youth group and then again years later in college. That summer was one of my fondest memories meeting Becky Lord Linka and Bobby Brogi. Then many years later he found me again through a mutual friend and then a couple of years ago yet again on Facebook. He always could make me laugh and never seemed to have a care or stressor in the world. I was always amazed at his calm demeanor and helpful attitude. He never let anything get to him. He made a difference in my life and was there when I had some difficult times. I have always considered him a friend and I will forever be changed for having known Kevin.

I have so many fond memories of Kevin. Not only was he my first counselor, but he was also a mentor and a friend. He was a terrific human being who had a wonderful ability to connect with children. He also dominated table hockey and kick the can!

Kim, I hope you and the children find comfort and joy in knowing that Kevin touched so many lives and is remembered so fondly.

we could go on for hours and days-fond memories about Kevin: I remember Olympic week-we all had different countries competing against each other-Kevin loved that week too!!

dear kim- i am so sorry for your loss. you and kevin at the y are my favorite childhood memories. i am actually the youth and family director at the ymca in south of city because of the wonderful experiences i had with you and your family. i cant say how sorry i am! kevin was a fabulous person and really shaped the lives of the people he taught, mentored and coached.

To Kim, Karissa, Kiel and Kameron. You all are in my thoughts, this news is truly tragic. I am very glad to have know Kevin, whether it was Coaching Roller Hockey and working the After School program with him, and looking after Karissa at Summer Camp or life-guarding while she swam, Kevin was a great guy, great father and will be missed.

it was great to see so many faces from the past the last 2 days, although it would have been better under other circumstances. It was amazing to see, though, how many people one person could inspire, help, encourage and impact. He was a man who loved his family and friends, and loved life. he was as real as they come. Rest in Peace, Kevin McBride. the world will miss you, but is better because of you.

Rest in peace my friend....I will truly remember the good times we had. You were the one person I knew then than did what he said you were going to do and that is helping children and families. I'm sure everyone you came in contact with will always remember you and cherish the time they spent with you. You are at peace now, God has a beloved angel at his side now!!

Kevin, I just had the privilege to meet your beautiful children. They are a wonderful legacy and tribute to both you and Kim. I can see so much of you in them. For so many of us we grieve your leaving us and yet the memory of you and the stories from all the lives you have touched live on.

Hey I saw your posting on the High Ridge...I remember when I first got there and Kevin McBride let me stay with my sister, because she was scared...and then I was around for the next three years. I also got you in my life. I cant believe it. he was so amazing. Summer Camp and Teen Night always has a special place in my heart.

When I was a little girl I asked my Mom for a brother & Sister. Being only 4 years old was shocked when she brought home just that a Brother and a Sister. I was so in luv with both of them. They were just so damn cute. Im still in awe at what my brother accomplished he was a amazing man. I will miss him calling me old lady & saying my awful nickname"Beanie". Not only was Kevin a coach he was a amazing Brother & Uncle & Son. All of us who knew and loved Kevin should live our lives just as he did. For this world would be such a better place.

My condolences to Kim and Kevin's family. Knowing him at High Ridge and seeing him again at North Park I can honestly say he was the nicest person I knew. There are so many great memories from the swim team days with Kevin. At North Park we had great conversations...I will miss seeing him in the hallways at school.

I too will never forget that speech! To this day I think of Kevin speaking to us at Leaders school every time I have to speak in front of groups and It always makes me smile. He was a great leader and wonderful person and an inspiration to me. He will be missed. His family is in our thoughts and prayers.

Kim and family - I have so many warm, funny and truly wonderful memories of times spent with Kevin. As the Central Leaders School President, he was such a presence and a role model for all the other leaders and staff that year. The speech he gave when he ran for President brought tears to my eyes, it was so heartfelt and genuine, like Kevin himself. Our relationship grew as he participated in the SIT program and then joined the staff at Leaders School and at the High Ridge YMCA. I miss him and always will, but know I will carry him with me. You're in my thoughts and prayers during this time of sorrow.

Kim and family, our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Twila and I had the pleasure and honor of knowing and working with Kevin at YMCA Central Leaders School. He was a wonderful man of deep integrity, a kind soul and a huge heart that he always shared with others. On a personal note, Kevin was one of the first youth leaders we got to really know and grow with at Leaders School and we have very fond memories of him as a Leader and as a young man. He was a joy and enriched our lives with his presence. We will miss you Kevin, may God care for you and your family.
With much love.

I'm so glad to have had the chance to reconnect "post" Leaders School all these years later. No suprise you became an amazing Dad. I'm so grateful to know you and have had you be a part of my life. You will be missed terribly but live forever in many hearts, mine included. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Kevin was a gentle giant who always had a positive attitude and ready laugh...he was a steadying presence on deck...and man, he loved his family and God...I am better for having known him and wish Kim and his kids peace...

Kevin nothing can express the sadness that my heart feels right now. Remembering all the laughs and good times from church to the Y. You will always be remembered and my thoughts and prayers go out to your family.

Kevin I will cherish the great times we had. You there for me when I needed a friend during those young years. And we had a lot of good times at Leaders school. Take care and god bless roomie!!!!

Kevin, your gentle humor and kindness will surely be missed on this earth. You're one of the best and always will be. The memories will live on forever.

Kevin, I can't imagine what High Ridge would've been without you. I can't believe you're gone. You could always make us smile & laugh - and you will be missed dearly!

Kevin, your smile was contagious and your impact will last. You will be missed

Kevin you will be missed imensly. You were a true leader and imspiration to everyone. There are no words that can be said too express how much you have impacted my life and so many others...God Bless

I'd like to tell my favorite Kevin story. He and my cousin were playing a game in which each would slap each other on the neck. Eventually my cousin had to call home on the pay phone, and as the door closed, all you could see was Kevin's hand go up, hear the smack, and see him come back into the building. A few seconds later, my cousin came in rubbing his neck, realizing just how good Kevin got him.

I have thought of that story ever since that happened in 1990, and it has always made me smile. And that's what Kevin did. He made people smile. He was a great guy, and your loss saddens me so. My thoughts to you and your family in this tragic time, but I know Kevin will always make you smile.

I am so sorry for your loss. Kevin and I met at North Park University. He was very bright and determined. We shared a lot of fun stories about our families and sports during our breaks. My thoughts and prayers go out to the McBride family.

Kevin and I worked together at the High Ridge YMCA from November 1989 until August of 1990 and was instrumental in helping me meet my now husband. He was an amazing person. I have many fond memories of him and will miss him. My prayers to you and your family during this difficult time.

My condolences to the McBride family. I met Kevin at North Park University where I had the pleasure of having 3 classes with him. I remember his determination to do well in class. What I remember most is Kevin making it to class when he hurt his ankle. I found it very admirable. I won't forget his smile.


Rico

I knew kevin from school at NPU and always admired his hard work ethic and soft spoken mannersims, I am very very sad to hear this news. Im so sorry for his family's loss

Kevin was such a dear person and we remember him so fondly. Our hearts go out to Kim and the children. We are sending hugs. Please know you are in our prayers.
The Zehfuss family (Kelly, Michael, Anja, Faith and Lily)

Dear McBride Family,

Kevin was such a wonderful mentor, teacher and friend. If it were not for him, I would have never entered into the CIT Program at High Ridge, nor would I have been a Head Counselor. I attribute most of my positive experiences at the Y to Kevin-he set a wonderful example for all of us. He was a true leader, a wonderful person, a great friend and really, my first mentor. He impacted my life and the lives of so many who had the pleasure of knowing him and working with him/for him in such a positive way. My deepest sympathy and my prayers are with you.

I only met Kevin one time, long ago, but could see he had a loving heart. His example was his parents, whom bore the same. Our condolences...

Kevin, always positive, made such an impression on our family of swimmers that we persevered...he was just that kinda coach. You will be greatly missed Kevin.

Dear McBride Family,
I haven't met any of you in person, but Coach Kevin spoke so much about you, and his plans for future, that I feel I almost know you. Kevin has been coaching two of my sons in Coho Swim club. He would watch them closely, stay extra time after class to give them "coach talk", always cheered them up. Coincidentally, he has also been a bus driver in our district 27. Only two weeks ago he drove my younger son to Naperville field trip... kids took his passing away very hard. Me and my husband can't stop thinking about Coach Kevin all this week. Our nanny who drove kids to activities prays and can't sleep thinking of your family. I have hard time believing we won't see Coach Kevin again. What a good and kind man. Wishing all strength possible to you to survive this.

The entire faculty and staff of North Park's School of Adult Learning is heartbroken to learn of Kevin's passing. He was an amazingly gentle and humble man and a dedicated student. He spoke often of his family with great pride, and his recent completion of his Bachelors degree is a testament to their support. We were blessed to have known him. We pray for deep and abiding peace in the midst of grief for Kevin's family.

--Jud Curry and the SAL faculty and staff

"This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darknessat all." 1 John 1:5
May your hearts rest in the understanding that each of us is his (God's) and nothing can separate us from him; not even death. That even this is his grace for us and the peace of understanding will come soon. Trust God, Keep Faith have patiencewhile we grow in him.

My sincere condolences to your family. I was a classmate of Kevin's and am utterly saddened by his passing. Kevin was one of the sweetest people I have ever met. He will be missed but will not be forgotten.

Dear Kim and family,
I had the pleasure of working on deck with Kevin as a fellow Official for several years. I can honestly say it was always an enjoyable and fun experience when working with Kevin on deck, you could easily see he enjoyed helping out and that he knew it was all about the kids. He was a special gentleman. I am so sorry for your lose. The Stockwell family, Dean, Rachel, Sean, & Erin, have you and the kids in our prayer. God Bless you all!!

McBride Family,
I am really sorry for the loss of a great man. He always had a smile on his face when I saw him at school. I will keep your family in my prayers.

I have SO many fond memories of Kevin, dating back to the early 1980's when I started swimming for HRY. Kevin was someone you could always count on as there was nothing he wouldn't do for a friend. When I think of my years swimming and working at HRY, I realize how many of those fabulous memories include Kevin. He was a truly wonderful man who was genuine and hard-working. My heart goes out to Kim (both Kims!) and the kids. You are all in my thoughts and prayers and I wish you peace in dealing with the loss of such a great man. God bless you all.

The Paulnitsky family extends their thoughts and prayers to Kevin's family. We have known Kevin and Kim for close to 30 years through the YMCA and know what a wonderful husband and father he became. We will remember Kevin for his thoughtfulness and love of his family and friends.

Kim, Karissa, Kiel and Kameron,
You have been in our thoughts since we heard the news. Kevin was a wonderful husband, father and man. He will be missed by so many.

Dear Kim, Karissa, Kiel, Kameron,
Our family is so sorry for your loss. It was always a pleasure to talk with Kevin around the Y and to work with him as a swim official. He was always serious about the job to do, but did not take himself too seriously. Kim - you and Kevin have been great role models for your children, as shown by how nice they are around the Y. They have always been helpful with our boys, particularly when I have been helping out during or after meets. With them around I always know that someone is keeping an eye out for John and David. We will miss Kevin, and we will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. The Hitt family

A truly solid and genuine man touched the lives of not only students and the players he cheered also the hearts of the parents his warm personality earned. COACH KEVIN you will be missed!

RIP my dear sweet kind Kevin. You touched my life and my heart and will always remain in my thoughts. You were aways a good role model and mentor to Michael and thousands of others kids. You gave more than just your time to the Y. You gave your spirit and soul. So many of us are better people because of you. You and Kim found each other through the love that the Y family all shared. Your love shows through your beautiful children. We were a very special Y family and I'm so lucky and proud to have shared all those years and memories with you both. Karissa, Kiel and Kameron, your daddy was an amazing man. He and your mom are truely one of a kind. I will miss you Kevin Robert McBride so very much and regret that I didn't get to share how much you meant to me and my family all these years.

Kim and Family, I'm so sorry for your loss. As you know Kim, Kevin and I had most of our classes together at North Park University. He was a good friend and a great guy! When classes got tough he was always there to help me and push me to keep going. He was so looking forward to getting his diploma to go back to school and get his Masters degree. I'm truly going to miss him. May he rest in peace. I will have you and your family in my thoughts and prayers!

Dear Kim and family, I am so sorry for your loss! You and Kevin were very much an influence on our family when our daughter, Alex Backis attended the High Ridge YMCA. Please know that you are in my prayers during this very difficult time. God bless.

Kim and Family, we are so sorry for your loss. I have known Kevin since he was a young boy on the High Ridge swim team with my kids. He was a good kid, a good friend and a wonderful man. He had a big heart and we will miss him.

I knew Kevin in grade school and we met again when my own kids started going to the High Ridge Ymca. He was a great man, always respectful, helpful and kind.I'm so sorry he left this world so early.

We are very sorry for your loss. Kim and Family, you are in our thoughts and prayers.

Kevin's kindness and ready smile will be with us for a long time to come. He will indeed be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Kevin was Schuyler's first soccer coach, and as warm a person as I've ever met. I'm very sorry for your loss.

Kevin was a joy to work with and be around: smart, poised, friendly, and always there to lend a hand. He was for me the soul of the MYST program and I will deeply miss him. Kim and the kids, you are all in my thoughts and prayers

I fondly remember Kevin playing marco-polo with the kids of High Ridge swim team after a Summer Lincolnwood meet over 10 years ago. I will miss him on the pool deck as a fellow official and as a friend. We will pray for your family.

I am so sorry for the loss of Kevin. He was loved by so many people. I am praying for the entire McBride family that God will give you His peace and comfort during this difficult time

Dear Kim, Demarko, Karissa, Kiel and Kameron.. i still dont know what to say..Kevin was an amazing man.. he loved you guys with all he had in him.. Kim you were truly blessed for finding him and keeping him for all these years..i guess heaven needed more angels.. i love you guys...

Kim, while I never knew your husband, I can only imagine what a wonderful man he must have been because of how great your kids are. You all have our sympathies and prayers. May Kevin's memory bring you peace.

The first time I met Kevin he was 10 years old and we had just joined the Swim Team at High Ridge YMCA. He swam with my boys for 3 years before we left for McGaw. I remember how much he loved working at the Y as he got older and how very involved he was with the afterschool programs. Walking the kids from SMM to the Y after school. I remember when he workedl at McGaw as he got older. When my granddaughter joined the McGaw team a few years ago I was re-introduced to Kevin. It was very exciting to me to see him as a father and a volunteer at the Y, watching his kids practice and compete as his mother had done so many years ago. You will be missed Kevin. You leave us way too soon. God bless you and give your family strength during this very difficult time. Janet Fleming

Kevin was the first person I would look for on the pool deck when I had a question. He always took the time to patiently explain to me and help anytime needed. Kevin you will be missed by parents and children and everyone who had the pleasure of meeting you. Kim, you, the kids and your family are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

Kim and family - We are stunned and deeply saddened by this tragic loss. Kevin had a great spirt and we shared many wonderful times with you all at the High Ridge Y. He will not be forgotten. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

I am so sorry. Kevin was a great roll model to Josh when he was a leader for Leaders Club at High Ridge. After leaving High Ridge to go to another Y, Josh was never able to find the kind of Leader experience that he found there with Kevin, Michael, and Jesse.
I remember Kevin being a lot of fun to work with and very down to earth, friendly, and had a smile for almost everyone. I miss the days of the team we had.
Kevin, I wish I had taken the time to thank you just a little more.
May God hold you close and help us dry our tears as we cry.
Charli and Josh

Dear Kim, Karissa, Kiel, Kameron,
we heard the news of Kevin's passing with shock and disbelief when Adrian told us, himself confused and helpless. This is no less than testimony of how much of a part Kevin was of our being at and around the Y with all of you, and his unflinching smile and good spirits. As you know, we came as total strangers here, and into the Y, and the way in which it has become a place to feel at home has everything to do with the warmness and care there, something that Kevin and your whole family are living by. All of us want to express to you our sadness for this loss, but also our gratefulness for all the good moments we received. There's little that saying stuff can do at this point, but hopes are that the words carry to you the feelings of support and solidarity we wish to send you. Of course, if at any point you feel we could be helpful for you, just let us know. With our very warmest wishes, Axel, Cristina, Adrian and Axel

The Colby family sends prayers and condolences to Kim and family. What a terrible loss--you have our deepest sympathies.
Dana Colby and Cameron (MYST purple swimmer)

Kevin
Your friends and extended family will keep you in their hearts forever.

Kim and Dawn I am so sorry for your loss. I have great memories of Kevin that I will cherish. Heaven has another angel. Gone too soon. R.I.P. my friend. Your family is in my prayers. Love you Kim and Dawn

Donna Stewart

Kevin was a kind and dedicated man. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.

I will always have wonderful memories of Kevin and Kim during our days at High Ridge YMCA. We will keep Kevin and your family in our prayers and thoughts. God bless.