KEVIN CLARK GRESSMAN

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the sudden passing of our brother, uncle and friend Kevin Gressman on December 31, 2024, three weeks shy of his 62nd birthday.

Kevin was predeceased by his partner of 22 years, Melody (Melo) Carlson, his parents Carol and Gary Gressman, brothers Jeffrey Scott Gressman, Gary Douglas Gressman, Robert Holliday and niece Alisabeth Paddison. He is survived by his sisters Rebecca Green (Kenora), Rachel Gressman (Winnipeg), brother Stephen Gressman (Winnipeg), several nieces and nephews and many friends.

Kevin was born in St. Paul, Minnesota on January 20, 1963. His family soon moved to Winnipeg in August of that year, and they became Canadian citizens in 1975. Kevin grew up in the Fort Rouge area of Winnipeg in the 1960’s and 70’s, building go-karts, developing his lifelong love of music – especially playing drums – and staying out until the streetlights came on. He also developed a keen interest in all things surrealistic, extraterrestrial, and macabre, going so far as receiving a diploma in special effects makeup artistry as an adult.

After a ten-year stint living in Vancouver Kevin returned to Winnipeg where he met the love of his life – Melo. For over twenty years the two of them built their lives together. Their annual Halloween open house walk throughs were legendary, with friends and family assisting to bring Kevin’s special effects training and skills as a builder to life, drawing families from all over Winnipeg to attend each year.

For many years Kevin & Melo hosted weekly “gatherings” at their home that featured live music, amazing people and always way too much food! It wasn’t uncommon to have twenty or thirty people coming and going throughout the night at those weekly events.

Kevin was a seeker, constantly on the hunt for the great truths of the ages, leading him to become a Freemason in 2006. At the time of his passing Kevin was a member of Northern Light Prince Rupert’s Lodge No. 1.

He was a writer (completing a semi-autobiographical yet unpublished novel), a poet, a musician, craftsman, philosopher, a dreamer; a truly creative and compassionate soul who embraced life and sometimes wrestled it by the horns. Those who knew him will fondly remember his sharp wit and his innate ability to quote what seemed to be every line ever written in classic movies and cartoons, usually in near perfect impersonations of the characters he was imitating.

Kevin will be truly missed by those who were privileged to know and love him.

The family wishes to thank the ER staff and the MICU at HSC for their professional care for Kevin in his final hours.

A Celebration of Life “gathering” will take place in the summer of 2025 for friends and family.

Kevin’s family kindly requests that all of his friends and relatives take a few minutes to honour his memory by sharing photos, memories, and stories, using the comment section on this page.

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ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

530 St. Mary Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

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