Kevin Large

It is difficult for me to write this post without getting teary-eyed.  The perfectionist in me has been putting it off, thinking no post could be good enough to honor the man that Kevin was, and is still (from above).  Plus, I know that Kevin and I shared that perfectionist quality in common- so I hope that he would be happy with it.  Despite Kevin's efforts to strive for excellence in all areas of life, our bodies can never be perfect... and something like cancer can come along and change everything, forcing us to gain a new perspective on things.

Kevin Large was a dear friend to our family.  You might say he was a second dad to me.  Our families grew up together in sunny Saugus, California.  I was best friends with his daughter, Kristy, and Jared was best friends with his son, Dallin.  The Parkinson and Large families were inseparable, often taking vacations together, and always getting together to enjoy one another's company.  I have so many fond memories of the Large family, and that definitely includes Kevin.

Kevin was a family man.  I know that every single person in his family was made to feel special and loved.  Somehow Kevin managed to find time to run businesses, serve valiantly in his church, participate in athletics, maintain an enormous and BEAUTIFUL yard, and still put his family and loved ones above all else.  He had his priorities in life straight.

Kevin had a strong work ethic, and tried to be a teacher and instill that quality in those he cared about.  I know his kids all understood the value of hard work, often helping around the house and yard.  Also, Kevin was constantly recruiting young men to come help him out with work in his business or yard... not because he necessarily needed the help, but because he genuinely cared about people.  He wanted to teach others the value of hard work, and be able to give them a paycheck.

One thing I loved about Kevin, that I've been trying to focus on in my life, is that he lived life to the fullest.  He viewed every single day as a gift from God.  Kevin had the ability to not only envision great things, but to actually create a plan to make those great things become a reality.  Kevin would decide how neat it would be to carve out a trail to the top of the mountain behind his house... and then he would set out to do it.  He had the most amazing landscape surrounding his home that I have ever seen.  It was a dream land for kids!

Kevin battled with chronic lymphocytic leukemia for over 18 months.  Despite his optimistic attitude and brave fight, the disease finally took him from this life.  I knew I had to make the trip to California to be at his funeral.  Difficulties at work made it seem impossible for me to get away... but at the last minute an angel stepped in and I was able to find help so that I could travel back to my hometown of Saugus with all the people that I love.  Attending Kevin's funeral was one of the highlights of my life.  I loved being able to reunite with the Large family, and see all of our old friends from Saugus.  I'm glad my new husband was able to come, and meet so many people who are dear to me.  All of the Large kids gave the most amazing talks about their dad.  I know that Kevin was smiling down from above...

Here are some photos:

The three wise men... fitting for these 3:  Frank Balena, Spencer Parkinson (my dad), and Kevin Large

A photo of the Saugus III Softball Team- Kevin was the pitcher.

The car ride:

Lots of coloring- anything to keep the kids entertained on the long drive...

A smiling driver...

blurry pic of McKel reading

At Eternal Valley Memorial Park & Mortuary in Newhall, California:

It was such a beautiful day out

McKel was excited to not be in the car anymore!  Such a beautiful casket and flowers...

Happy girl!

Dallin, Brittany, Nancee, Kristy, and Nathan Large

Those who attended the Memorial Service

Another shot of the Large family

My best friend, Kristy, and her adorable family

A handsome couple, back in the van!

At the open house/dinner held inside the Saugus III LDS Church:

Sweet Avril devours some delicious food

Thank goodness for Nate!  He helped entertain those kiddos!  I loved watching my girls play with Kristy's kids... something I'd always imagined since I was a little girl :)

So fun!

Kristy gets credit for this incredibly creative display.  So many representations of the amazing life that Kevin lived.

So many girls!

BFF's

And the boy BFF's

Two exhausted girls, back at the hotel in Valencia

...And time to head back!  Much too soon... but as you can see, we were all worn out!

One of Kevin's close friend, Kent Gardiner, posted a tribute to Kevin on his blog as well.  his is much more detailed and thorough, so I thought I'd post the link to it here.  It includes quotes that all of his kids wrote about him...

Kevin Large lived true to his name, living a Large life, and touching the lives of countless individuals.  He was such an example to me, and I will treasure the memories of him forever.  Rest in Peace, Kevin.  We love you.

http://gatheringgardiners.blogspot.com/search?q=kevin+large