Thursday, November 19, 2009

Kevin Foley, 1971-2009*


If I have a quibble with this blog it’s the pseudonym “Sick Guy,” never the way this brilliant, strong, beautiful man lived. Cancer silenced Kevin’s voice on November 19. Those who have followed his travels through illness have a sense of how eloquent and artful his writing was, of his gifted mind, incredible wit, spirit, and his courageous self-exploration.  He could also cook and curse with great flair, give the most surprising and intuitive gifts, tell you anything about politics or Cal bear football. And he loved me, to my great fortune. His family and closet friends (and new Springer Spaniel puppy, Berkeley) were his life. Missing Kevin will now be a large part of ours.

To the people who have come to this site again and again, the strangers who are now friends, the people who have left comments of such heartfelt encouragement, the silent but loyal readers, your support has meant so much to Kevin and to me.

Thank you for sharing this experience with us. It’s a road no one should have to take. I wish I could write a different ending.

L.

*A memorial service in celebration of Kevin’s life will be held at the Unitarian Universalist Society of Burlington, Vermont, on December 5 at 4 p.m.

Burlington Free Press obituary: http://bit.ly/6DlMLn

Los Angeles Times obituary: http://bit.ly/7E3wAe