Kevin was an Ohio born guy who fell in love with Santa Cruz in his early 20’s and never left. He died unexpectedly.
Kevin’s passion was serving those with mental health issues, like himself. He volunteered and worked at Community Connection in Santa Cruz for over 30 years. K.C. Culver, a manager there, says that Kevin was known for “his ability to connect with people from all backgrounds.” “ He was “down to earth and authentic.” According to Betsy Clark, former Director at Community Connection and a long time friend of Kevin, "Kevin was Community Connection’s Santa for years, giving people awesome hugs and pouring out his love. "
Kevin was known for his compassion and was generous to a fault!!
Kevin was a runner. He began running long distance in high school and proudly collected medals from hundreds of races all over California, including 25 marathons. He ran a 4 minute 24 second mile! Kev had a wall plastered with photos of his races and medals! He was very proud of all of them.
He loved surfing when he was younger.
Kev loved his family. Six siblings survive Kevin: Karen Ottenweller of Grand Rapids, Mi;, Gwen Tough of Hayden, Idaho;, Maureen Richards of Walnut Creek, Ca.; Brian Lawler of Los Angeles, Ca.; Greg Lawler of Benicia, Ca.; David Lawler. of Folsom, Ca. Kevin delighted in his 17 nieces and nephews. He is pre-deceased by his parents Robert and Rosemary and his brother Keith.
Kevin also leaves his beloved cat, Fluffy!
If you would like to honor Kevin, please make a donation to ccsantacruz.org. (Community Connection, Santa Cruz)
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” (2 Timothy 4: 7-8) Your final medal, Kev: First Place.
This Memorial website was created in the memory of our beloved brother, Kevin Lawler. He was only 71, born on December 31st, 1948 and died on October 18th, 2020. Kevin, you are in our hearts and minds forever..
Please note the added Audio file, "Keep Me In Your Heart For Awhile" by Warren Zevon you can find this audio file by selecting gallery tab and/then audio.
"I was surprised and touched that someone from Chicago who knew Kevin, read the obituary online and called to extend condolences - remembering with fondness doing gardening with Kevin and volunteering to help clean the historic Evergreen Cemetery."
K.C. Culver, Community Connection
" I have a wish for you, as the day draws to an end.
that light would illuminate your path, that joy would overtake your sorrow, that
everything that is in your heart would flow out of you like a waterfall.
The world needs what you have.
(from Heaven and Earth, Raydeane Owens)
Kevin, working on this site has enabled me to grieve for you, to get to know you better. I love you, brother.
