Kevin Ray Brock

Kevin Ray Brock, age 32, of Richmond, Kansas, lost his ongoing battle with cancer on Wednesday, February 18, 2009. Kevin was born on May 13, 1976 in Garnett, Kansas, the son of Jerry and Marie (Peine) Brock. He graduated from Central Heights High School with the Class of 1994. Immediately following his graduation Kevin was a dedicated employee of Jarit Industries until 2003. After leaving Jarit Industries, Kevin was happily employed by Performance Electric until his death. Probably the best way to describe Kevin to those who were not lucky enough to have had the pleasure of knowing him would be to simply say that he was truly "special". Kevin was dedicated to his family, to his work, and to his friends. He was one of those very rare people that just make everything better with their presence. Kevin's coworkers have said that they enjoyed going to work simply because Kevin was there. Kevin measured himself not by how much money he made or how popular he was, but by the things that he did for others. On his list of priorities Kevin always placed himself behind his family and friends. If ever you were in need Kevin was there to lend a helping hand. From building a deck to finishing a basement, or even just an open ear Kevin could not say no. When Kevin's help was enlisted it could be assured that anything he did was done right. Kevin took pride in the work that he did and would not stop until the job was completed to his satisfaction. Lazy was not a word that could be associated with Kevin. For him there was always another project that he volunteered to help complete. During his life Kevin was a metal worker, electrician and a plumber. No matter what the task before him Kevin would not stop until he had achieved his goal. Whether it was his epic battle with cancer or finding the solution to a problem which lay before him, Kevin was a fighter who always refused to quit. During his life Kevin had probably endured more pain than any three people combined but he never felt that his situation was unfair or felt pity for himself, he simply continued on no matter how bad it hurt. The foregoing paragraphs focus on Kevin's work ethic, caringness and dedication. Although those sections may reveal the source of some of our admiration for Kevin, they do not tell a complete story of his life. Kevin's greatest joys in his life were his family, friends and dog, Keisha. He especially enjoyed the time spent with his nephews; for them a kinder, more caring and loving uncle could not have existed. One of Kevin's joys in life was to provide homemade gifts for his family and friends. Kevin's creativeness in developing these gifts and the method in which he gave them is beyond comprehension to those who have not been witness to the event. We will always have our cedar chests, toy boxes, lamps, etc. to remind us of him. Now that he is gone we are left only with those cherished memories we have made with Kevin while hunting, fishing, or just spending time with him. To those of you who knew Kevin, may your memories of him be long lasting and pleasant; to those of you who did not, just know that Kevin was truly "special". This world is a lesser place without Kevin in it. Though his time has passed he has left his mark in the memories of those of us who were lucky enough to have known and loved him. Kevin, until we see you again please accept this small tribute to you, and know that it does not do your memory justice. Kevin was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Aaron and Maxine Peine, and paternal grandmother, Lela Rose Brock. He is survived by his parents, Jerry and Marie Brock of Richmond, Kansas; two sisters, Tracy Clifton and husband Aaron of Richmond, Kansas; Christy Smith and husband Ron of Garnett, Kansas; one brother Keith Brock and wife Ruana of Rantoul, Kansas; his grandfather, Floyd Brock of Ottawa, Kansas; four nephews, Brock Clifton, Ridge Smith, Gage Holler and Gavin Holler; Keith and Ruana are awaiting the arrival of Kevin's fifth nephew which is due on Kevin's birthday. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM, on Wednesday, February 25, 2009 at the St. Boniface Catholic Church, Scipio, Kansas. Inurnment will follow in the Holy Angels Cemetery, Garnett, Kansas. The family will greet friends from 6:00 - 8:00 PM, Tuesday evening at the funeral home in Garnett. Attire for both events will be casual dress, i.e., blue jeans, t-shirt and tennis shoes. In lieu of flowers, Kevin has requested that contributions may be made to the Richmond Ruritans and sent in care of the funeral home. Kevin has requested these contributions so that the Ruritans may help others as they have helped him tremendously during his extended illness.