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Kevin Love

Image by Nick Andréka

KEVIN JAMES LOVE

October 27, 1963 - February 27, 2021

It is with heartfelt sorrow that we announce the passing of Kevin James Love, who left us peacefully on February 27, 2021. While in hospital for other medical issues, Kevin contracted COVID 19 and simply did not have the strength to fight it.


Kevin is fondly remembered by family and friends as the guy you would want with you if you were stranded on an island.  He was very mechanically inclined and with his ‘magic’ knapsack filled with essential tools and duct tape he could fix almost anything. Kevin could always be counted on to help others and he loved to do whatever he could to make people smile.


Kevin was a tour de force and he rarely did anything half-way. If it was a political discussion, you had better be prepared to change sides or dig in for a long debate. It was his laughter and gregarious personality that made heads turn. You either loved him or not, but you could not ignore him. He carried his share of regrets, but he was never a mean or malicious person and he had a big heart, loving his family and friends without reservation.


“Doctor Love” had an outgoing personality which served him well in the hospitality industry. Many will remember his entertaining antics as a bartender at the Bombay Bicycle Club, and other locations, back in the day.


Music was a constant in his life. He taught his son Ryan the lyrics to many old time ditties, instilled a love of classic rock in his son Ben and had great fun putting on some tunes and dancing around the kitchen. Kevin had fond memories of his many trips to Folk Fest and other outdoor concerts. Being around lots of people and making them laugh, entertaining his friends, doing magic tricks and making balloon animals for family and friends, were all things that gave him joy.


Not one to sit on the sidelines, Kevin was known to chase down litterers in order to politely return a piece of garbage they had carelessly discarded. He taught his sons to be respectful and polite, to stand up for others, and how to dress in style, like their Grandpa Don. He also taught them terrible limericks, which hot sauce is likely to burn a hole in your mouth and how there is nothing better than watching fireworks on a warm summer night or camping at Rushing River and sitting by the fire with those you love.


Kevin is predeceased by his parents, Don and Myrna Love. Left to mourn him are his sons Ryan and Ben; his siblings, Laura (Jim), Mike (Lori), Shawn (Donalda) and Tim; his friend Carolyn; his aunts and uncle, Nancy Hipperson and Mike and Jean Love; his nephews and nieces, Curtis, Scott, Monique and Janna, numerous great nephews and nieces, cousins and friends and his lifelong best friend, Dave Konefall.


A private family gathering will happen at a later date. Flowers are gratefully declined. We invite you to share your happy memories of him and to remember him at his very best, as we do. Kevin was a bright flame that was extinguished too soon. We will miss him dearly.

ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

530 St. Mary Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

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Leslie Badger

September 25, 2024 at 7:33 PM

My Deepest condolences to everyone who loved Kevin and whose lives are impacted by this tragic loss. There are so many wonderful memories to share but I believe the earliest memory I have was the time he literally bounced into my back yard as only Kev could make an entrance ! I think I was about 13 and he was 14 and he had just come home from seeing Grease with John Travolta !!! He was so excited and basically danced me around the back yard as he re-enacted ‘you’re the one that I want’  😆His passion for life and love will be missed by so many. Until we meet again my friend 💛

Paul Radley

September 25, 2024 at 7:33 PM

My deepest condolences to the Love Clan on Kevin’s passing. I hope that everyone is finding a way to cope at this difficult time.  Hearing of Kevin’s passing felt like losing part of myself.  We were friends for over 25 years.  Although circumstances dictated that I had not seen him in several years, the memories have flooded back en masse and the years away never dulled my love for him. Kevin was not like any other person that I have ever met.  Extremely complex. His unstoppable exuberance contagious. His energy uncontrollable.  His respect for people and kindheartedness unmatched. I learned so much from him….. He was well versed in current affairs and when I would visit, I would find him reading the newspaper at the dining room table and passing comment of the issues of the day.  We had many philosophical debates.  (He always won.) His understanding (and enforcement Lol!) of environmental issues was extremely forward thinking. He was wonderful with our children and amazed them when we got together. New Year’s Eve on Warsaw was a staple for years as we celebrated the year past and the year to come.  He had a great sense of the past and how that related to the future.  I could likely go on for hours, but perhaps just a list of some memories of Kevin that have come back to me over the past few days.  Hopefully, they will bring a smile or jog a memory. The Chevy Blazer, the Bishop Grandin speeding ticket, Folk Fest, Site 201, Canoe Club river fires, the Den on Kingston Row, Slipper, Slider, Shadow and Sambuca, Angie by the Rolling Stones, Night and Day Joe Jackson, Miller’s Meat Market, the cross bow, the pool table, the wine cellar, pre gaming for Reach for the Top, sliced left over steak with hot sauce, blue cheese Caesar salad dressing, dinner at the Westin, Fusion Grill lunch, Tears for Fears, Ken’s Restaurant, hot and sour soup, barbeques, frisbeer, poker nights, fastest lighter in the west.    The Energizer’s ran out way to early……Rest easy now my friend.

Mat

September 25, 2024 at 7:33 PM

Kevin was always nice,  respectful and always made me laugh. I have nothing but respect for him and will never forget how nice and welcoming he was to me.  My thoughts go out to everyone during this hard time and I'm sorry for the loss to all that knew him. Rest in peace Kevin.  - Mathew sheen. 

Kate O’Hara Lavallee

September 25, 2024 at 7:33 PM

This is just sad news I knew  Kevin when we worked together at Bombay Bicycle Club and what a wonderful and kind guy he was. His smile and laugh was infectious and he always had great advice to give me when I needed . I remember the Toga party and him wrapped up in that sheet it makes me smile, he loved his Toyota he had at the time said they were the best vehicle, he is gone to soon and he will be in my thoughts.

Corinne and John De Decker

September 25, 2024 at 7:33 PM

Words cannot express how very sorry we are to learn of Kevin's passing.  We have many wonderful memories of Kevin enjoying the wonderful times of jocularity and kind hospitality.  Memories of making anyone feel welcome and cared for, always.  The days of the Bombay Bicycle Club come to mind as well as New Year's Eve parties as we were making our way with our toboggan of spirits and the commentary as we were making our way down the street as we approached.  We thank you for the wonderful times we shared with you and Carolyn.  Rest well Kev - gone too soon.  Our thoughts are with your family Kevin during this very difficult time.  Sending our love, Corinne and John De Decker❤

Sharon O'Leary (nee Labossiere)

September 25, 2024 at 7:33 PM

I met Kevin many times in my younger life, as connected to mutual people, and I sure do remember the Bombay Bicycle Club days. My sincerest condolences to all who loved him, his children, his family and friends and the people he regaled over the years. 

Tyla Arnason

September 25, 2024 at 7:33 PM

Such sad news. I have so many fond memories of Kevin. From mixing drinks with him at the Bombay for so many years, to great Togas to seeing the outdoors through his eyes. Kevin’s zest for life was huge and contagious. Amid his voracious laugh and bellowing voice, he always had something intelligent to share. I have many moments tucked in my heart from his sage and insightful “brotherly” advice. Kev was one of a kind. I’ll always remember how he graciously adopted my puppy Shadow for me when I moved back to Wpg and couldn’t have him where I lived. Love and condolences to your family, you’ll be missed Kev.  ❤

Todd Boychuk

September 25, 2024 at 7:33 PM

What a great guy to know. His smile and laugh would light up  a room. Condolences to the family. RIP Doctor Love. 

Sherry

September 25, 2024 at 7:33 PM

We will always remember Kevin’s laugh and smile. Our condolences to the family. 

Pauline Johnson

September 25, 2024 at 7:33 PM

Oh god, I am so, so, saddened to hear this. Kevin had a heart as big as all outdoors (which he also loved) with a personality to match. He loved fiercely and fully, holding back nothing. RIP my loyal, funny friend. The world is a lesser place without you in it.

Paul Dryden

September 25, 2024 at 7:33 PM

We had a ton of fun throwing bottles around  I’ll miss him 

Jeff Cornborough

September 25, 2024 at 7:33 PM

Deepest condolences t the Love Family. I knew Kevin from my work at BF back in 2016. I trained him to be the shipper/receiver there when I became an installer. Good man. Very funny. He will be missed. RIP Kevin. 

Maggie Harel

September 25, 2024 at 7:33 PM

Sorry to hear of this.  Condolences to his family 

tiborszendrei

September 25, 2024 at 7:33 PM

Our Condolences to the Love Family

Inga Schneider

September 25, 2024 at 7:33 PM

 My sincere condolences to all the Love family.  May Kevin rest in peace.  ❤

Joyce Hazel- LaBossiere

September 25, 2024 at 7:33 PM

My condolences to the Love family. I've been away from Winnipeg for a very long time over 25 years and loved to drop into the Love house to visit the family when ever I'd come to town.  Kevin has been part of mine and my families life for a very long time. Kevin was my nephew Ryan's father.  I have a lot of fond memories of Kevin, a very long list. From the feather earring that he wore when Debbie brought him home to meet the family for the first time, him doing one armed push ups at a party, I remember Kevin was in my Business Law class at Glenlawn and I thought, wow he is a every smart guy. We had a project to do and the topic was  "How To....."  Kevin's was How to make Fake ID. It was such a hit that I can't even remember what anyone else's How to was, not even my own. Lol. As I said the list goes on.  When Kevin was around, you where always in for a laugh.  Kevin, You will be missed.❤

Michael Ducharme

September 25, 2024 at 7:33 PM

Terrible news, my deepest condolences to his family.  Kevin was memorable part of the Glenlawn community.  

Marilyn Catellier

September 25, 2024 at 7:33 PM

Saddened to hear! Condolences to the family! Kevin was a wonderful spirited person with so much personality! Rip Kevin Love

Wendy Hanson

September 25, 2024 at 7:33 PM

Such sad news... My heart goes out to Kevin's Family and Friends at this time.   To Ben and Ryan...the biggest hugs, light and love ❤ Your father was such a bright light whose memory will always live in so many great stories and epic adventures. He was somethin' else!! So very clever, mischievous, busy and determined!  I am grateful to have had a chance to reconnect some in the last few years.  It had been decades. Rest in Peace and Ride Free 'ol friend...

Terri Owen Tauffenbach

September 25, 2024 at 7:33 PM

Wow so sad to hear this and I send my condolences to the family. I have many fond memories of going through glenlawn with him. I thank Kevin for making me love asparagus!

Roberta Coleman

September 25, 2024 at 7:33 PM

I was extremely shocked and saddened to hear of Kevin’s passing. I first met Kevin in junior high and our paths would continue to cross throughout the years including when he, as a new real estate agent, helped me purchase my first house. Sincerest condolences to Kevin’s family. Roberta Coleman

Dave McKnight

September 25, 2024 at 7:33 PM

I met Kevin, by happy accident. We were neighbours, as I rented a house for a few months on the same street as he lived. I walked my dogs past his place everyday, and after a couple of days, he started drop what he was doing (always working on something on the house), and would come over to the fence and say hello. This developed into a friendship - I couldn't believe his zest for life and enthusiasm for almost everything! What energy and as someone said below, what a force of nature he was! I have great memories of sitting in his back yard, watching a Bomber game (he would rig up his TV in the backyard) and having a bonfire! Best way to watch a game! Unfortunately, I moved away and we kind of lost touch. My sincere condolences to his family and his many, many friends. R.I.P. Kev..

James McArthur

September 25, 2024 at 7:33 PM

Rest well my friend, many favoured memories.

Miriam Van Essen

September 25, 2024 at 7:33 PM

My heart goes out to Kevin’s family and friends.  Although only got to meet Kevin a few times, those times were memorable.  His mischievous grin was irresistible. I remember Carolyn, Kevin and I sitting in the living room, and in the backyard with the dogs, just laughing and laughing.  Strength amd peace to you all.

Phillip Joseph Steward (Osztian)

September 25, 2024 at 7:33 PM

Kevin you were an amazing friend and one of the most influential figures in my life when I met and worked with you at the Bombay Bicycle Club.  You were never afraid to speak your mind and offer a kind word support or even a kick in the pants. To this day I still remember dancing to Paul Simon’s Slip Sliding Away after our many after work get together on Morley Ave.  Whenever I hear that song it always brings a smile.  I’m sorry we lost touch and you are missed.  My deepest condolences to your family and to Carolyn ❤l 

Sean Thompson

September 25, 2024 at 7:33 PM

I couldn't believe when I heard. Kevin was a force of nature and a legend of the neighbourhood. I didn't see that much of him but miss him all the same.

James Mercer

September 25, 2024 at 7:33 PM

My friendship with Kevin Love begun when he started working at the Bombay Bicycle Club.   He quickly merged into our group of friends as if it was meant to be and had always been.  Kevin was three or four years older than the rest of us at the time and often gave us valuable advice on various topics, we all learned from him. He was often loud and boisterous but always in the most energetically charming and generous of ways. As time went on, we shared many experiences and I can say I counted Kevin Love as one of my best friends.  Back then I remember my car breaking down and having to save money to fix it, in the meantime Kevin lent me his Honda civic.  He lent it to me so many times the Honda became referred to as ‘Our Car’.  This would have annoyed most but Kevin was kind like this.  Upbeat music was always playing if you were near Kevin.  Still to this day I picture Kevin dancing on his toes and snapping his fingers when I hear “Spill the Wine” or “Look Sharp”.   From the ‘bop and weave’ at work (Kevin’s patented method of working and grooving at the same time) to late night frisbee to the toga parties (honey where’s my best toga?) and many weddings, events and celebrations that our group put on, Kevin was an integral part of some of my fondest memories of that time.   I moved away from Manitoba in 96’ and started my own family/career and though we kept in touch and even worked together again when Kevin was in IT support at Varian Medical Systems for some years after leaving as so many good friends do, we lost touch over time.   Ryan, I think you were in your late teens when I saw you last and Ben you were only a toddler but I know you must know how much he loved you.  To you both, Carolyn, Mike, Tim, Laura and the rest of the family.  My sincerest and heartfelt condolences.    Kevin, good bye my friend, rest in peace.  

Al Shell

September 25, 2024 at 7:33 PM

I saw the name in the obits today and remembered Kevin. I only knew him as a bartender at the BBC but he's one you'd never forget! High energy with a very personable demeanor. And how many bartenders would you know their first and last name? He truly made lasting connections with his customers. So sad to learn of his passing.  

Benjamin Penhall

September 25, 2024 at 7:33 PM

        Kevin and I met on the stairs of our apartment on the first day of my moving in to my suite. Kevin offered to loan me any tools I may need. Luckily, it was not an empty promise as I needed a screwdriver about an hour after our conversation.           I will miss walking up the sidewalk and seeing Kevin blowing bubbles off of his balcony...a simple pleasure...for both of us.          To all of Kevin's family...my heartfelt condolences.

Marie

September 25, 2024 at 7:33 PM

Tim and family, I am so very sorry to hear that Kevin passed away. My sincere condolences  to all of you.

Pat

September 25, 2024 at 7:33 PM

Laura and Jim So sorry to learn about the passing of your brother. My condolences to you and the family. Thinking of you Steve and Pat 

Marci

September 25, 2024 at 7:33 PM

My heart breaks to see this. Kevin was so full of joy and optimism.  He and Doug were certainly a "Tour de Force" behind the bar at the BBC. He was such a bright light in our lives. We lost you both far too soon. Rest well, Kevin.

Catherine White

September 25, 2024 at 7:33 PM

I am so sorry to hear about Kevin’s passing. He was a bright light in this world. We worked together at the Bombay Bicycle Club many years ago and I regret that we lost touch when I moved to another city. I remember him him being kind, charming, a delight to work with and just an all-around great guy. 

Devin Latimer

September 25, 2024 at 7:31 PM

Fond condolences to the family.  Kevin was a friend back in our university days.  Always a good guy and had some great times together.  RIP buddy.
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