Kevin Gerald Birchfield
December 2, 1970 ~ May 13, 2012
Resided in:
Clyde, NC
Clyde – Kevin Gerald Birchfield, 41, died Sunday, May 13, 2012 at his residence.
Kevin was born in Buncombe County to Gerald and Cheryl Allen Birchfield. He is also survived by two sisters, Denise Ebert of Arden and Lyn Gilbert and her husband, Treavis, of Denver, NC; two nephews, Trey and Allen Ebert of Arden; two nieces, Emily and Lauren Gilbert of Denver, NC and his two best friends, Mary and Major Mugrage.
No services are planned at this time. Memorial Contributions may be made to the Asheville Humane Society, 14 Forever Friend Lane, Asheville, NC 28806. Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian is assisting the family.
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Kevin was an amazing part of my life during a pivotal time. We shared a home and many many amazing, wonderful memories. He is a part of my chosen family. His light will continue shine within me, all the days of my life. Know my thoughts and prayers are with all those that loved him.
How do you put into words what the heart and mind can not wrap themselves around? What are the words to express all that is in these tears? Putting Kevin into words… his love, joy, incredible and open heart? We try so that in each story, each memory and every song the joy that is Kevin continues to surround us.
I barely remember a time before Kevin was in my life. He is one of my familiars. My family. His boundless love, honesty, character and steadfastness. They and he have held my hand through lifetimes. I don’t know a world without Kevin. I don’t want to know one. Yet, here I am typing these words.
Mama Cheryl and Denise, all of your family. You each are in my heart. That which Kevin brought to my life I hope to spend the rest of my life trying to share with you.
Thank you for sharing him with me. You are from whence he came and where he returned. Me and so many others joyfully were a part of all the moments in between.
So heartbroken over the news. My heart goes out to his family in Asheville as well as his family in the Bay area.
I first met Kevin through my son Major in the mid 90s. Our entire family loved him from the start. He was a big teddy bear with a kind heart and it didn’t take long to figure that out. On our families numerous trips to SF, we were always graced with his presence. Kevin always had something special to give , whether it was a great big hug, flowers , sweet greeting cards or a wonderful and heartfelt dinner. Kevy was always at his best when he was surrounded by friends and feeding them delicious meals prepared with love and thoughtfulness.
Kevy will hold a special place in all of our hearts , and will be truly missed and remembered fondly . He was loved by many and most importantly he knew he had a host of loving friends.
With much sadness and sympathy, Shaun , Scott and Matthew Hagenseiker
My heart broke a little bit yesterday when I heard about Kevy passing away. He was a dear friend and a tenaciously hard-working coworker. Kevy’s mischievous smile was infectious, and his hugs were unparalleled. He was fiercely loyal to his friends, but he found a way to be kind and considerate to almost anyone he met. Kevy was a wonderfully creative chef and seemed most happy and at home while looking out for his friends’ appetites and enjoyment. When he lived in San Francisco, I was fortunate enough to have been a frequent beneficiary of his culinary prowess.
Kevy also introduced me to the music of Anne Murray, and last night I had a good cry thinking about him while listening to an album or two of hers. I’ll not listen to “A Little Good News” or to her cover of “I Can See Clearly Now” without thinking about Kevy or being grateful to have shared a few years of his too short life.
With deepest sympathies and prayers to his family and friends.
I met Kevin when visiting his home in San Francisco in 2003. He and Major, Mary, Lin and Angie showed me one of the best weeks of my life. I found Kevin to possess a rare type of humble charm. He was kind and gracious, a gentleman, and brought a dry, quiet humor to the conversations that put everyone at ease. The following year, Major visited me in St. Louis. He delivered to me a gift from Kevin – a CD of songs about San Francisco. Kevin thought it would remind me of this very special week I shared with him and his best friends, and sent a note asking me to visit again soon. To Kevin’s family in NC and SF, I send my sympathy. Kevin was a very special person and life will not be the same without him. I pray you will find comfort in knowing Kevin was deeply loved.
To Denise and your family, I am truly sorry for the passing of Kevin. Though I didn’t know him, Denise, Trey and Allen, you are my dear friends, and I know God can comfort you and keep you in his arms through this time. I love you all and I will be praying for you.
Love, Becky and Jake
After years of travel starting in the military and later job requirements, I was precluded from actually meeting my wonderful cousin’s son, Kevin, until only the last couple of years, and then only briefly. However, there are two things Susan and I know about Kevin — he was an absolutely fantastic chef and his mom is the epitomy of motherhood. She is as much a part of us as our hearts. We’re sorry for your loss ‘Shirleyworm’ and Gerald. We love you both. We are sure there are many empty hearts because of Kevin’s passing.
Making sense of Kevin’s passing is, like many questions in life, ultimately unanswerable. These things immediately break you down and then you begin some measure of reconstruction. To me and my family, Kevin’s spirit will always live in the cities of San Francisco and Asheville, where we have had the pleasure of his company over many years. We will remember the meals and laughter and Kevin’s easy hospitality. Both cities now will seem a little diminished by his passing, yet will always evoke his memory.
Heartfelt sympathy to all the family and friends.
My heartfelt sympathy goes out to his family and friends at this moment of grieving. I had the pleasure and honor to meet Kevin when he first moved to California. His laughter will eternally dwell in my soul. I spent a lot of time with him, mary and major. I even got a chance to become friends with 1 of their friends thom. Oh how he loved his friends. His unconditional love for them inspired and moved me deeply. Kevin was always upbeat full of laughter and joy. His passion for life Illuminated God’s love. I will miss him
Sweet, the ruby-lipped smile,
the pierced tongue, swirling
when he laughed, clicking his shining white
teeth, punctuating his wry wit. Or silence, a sage
silence, a pause that invited reflection, a glance with those huge dark
eyes, soulful, generous, offering comfort, familiarity, home.
A friendship that rarely judged, a willing partner in the search
for adventure, or the next new thing.
Condolences and gratitude to his family and all who loved him. Kevin will be missed.
Cheryl and Denise — my heart and prayers are with you and your families. Love to you both.
Kevin was a wonderful friend. He was very generous, patient and kind. He will be missed dearly.
My thoughts and prayers go out to Kevin’s family.
Kevin has been my best friend for twenty years. He, Mary and I met in college, worked summers at a youth camp in Florida, drove across the country together to begin a new life adventure in Monterey, and built a close-knit family as we migrated north to San Francisco. Over those years, we shared laughs, train cars, dance floors, holidays, tents, MEALS, heartaches, superhero cartoons, birthdays, tears and countless friends.
Few people I’ve encountered in life possess the capacity for love that characterized Kevy. Having enjoyed a couple of wonderful days in his company shortly before he passed, my heart still feels so full of that love. At the same time, I mourn the loss of my brother and confidant. We will all continue to benefit from his devotion as we weave it among ourselves, remembering his warm bear hugs and giddy laughter. If Kevy were to ask anything of us in his absence, it would be that we love, encourage, and feed one another as he would have.
Cheryl and Gerald, I am so saddened to hear of Kevin’s death. He has always been someone young adults looked up to, learned from.
I wish there was something I could say to help ease your pain. No such words exist.
My love and prayers are with you and, as you have done for me so many times Cheryl, my arms are hugging you both.
Sincerely, Trudy