Kevin Merwick

Kevin Donald Merwick December 7, 1955 – November 24, 2015 Today we celebrate the life of Kevin Merwick, born in Pasco Washington, the second born of five children. He is survived by parents Mike and Phyllis Merwick,, older brother Steve, sister-in-law, Patti , two younger sisters, Jana Ambauen ,brother-in-law Dave and Katie Merwick, nieces, Kelsey Merwick-Tomascheski ( husband Joe), Sophie Merwick and Britta Ambauen, nephew Dylan Ambauen, Aunt Anne and Uncle Don Cannon, Cousins Carol Cannon-Henderson and Brent Cannon, and his partner, Jeanne Geiser. He was preceded in death by his younger brother, Bob Merwick, formerly a talented running back, who beat him to the pearly gates, yet we envision that it’s quite likely Bob came back to the heavenly finish line to escort Kevin to the other side. Kevin had the great fortune of spending his childhood in beautiful, Western Washington (Olympic Peninsula), which gave him a grand affinity for the outdoors and trail after trail to explore. It is likely that whoever said “curiosity is a sign of intelligence” knew Kevin. Steve, Kevin, and Bob, “the Merwick boys”, a year apart each in age, took abundant pride in mimicking The Three Stooges and with great accuracy. Never a lack of stories, and the phrase, “we’ll laugh about this someday” became a household coined phrase. In his pre-teens he loved his chemistry set, and achieved high grades effortlessly. This was a phenomenon to those of us in the family who were given the “creative” gene. He had both. Kevin had a life-long affair with the kitchen, and was married to the art of cooking. “Chef Kev” was a culinary genius with the invention and preparation of cuisine. He first discovered this craft as a child while helping his mother, whom he adored , in the kitchen. After high school he went to WSU, and at the urging of our family doctor, studied pre-med. That turned out to be an academic disaster – not his calling, so he appropriately changed his major to Hospitality Management. However, having the desire to explore outside of Washington, and feeling the need for an academic break, Kevin ventured to Alaska, braving the Bering Seas on large fishing vessels. Kevin studied Hospitality Management at both WSU and Denver University. In later years he received a Bachelor’s Degree in Business and Hospitality Management from The Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park NY. While still young, a lover of the outdoors and an experienced fishing crew member, Kevin creatively combined his talents to work as a chef for privately chartered yachts. A highlight in this chapter of Kevin’s life was teaching Julie Andrews to fish! He received high praise from Peter Sellers and John Wayne for both the art of cooking and storytelling that leaves little left for the imagination! It’s in the Merwick gene. In 2000 Kevin became Certified Executive Chef at the Culinary Institute of America. When the devastating attack of “911” occurred, Kevin was on a train headed to the institute. Many of his interns were setting up for an event in the towers and did not survive. It wasn’t his time. It was a turning point and clear indication to move on. Beautiful Colorado was now calling him. Because of Kevin’s genuinely beautiful heart, he put his talents to work, to better the lives of others. For the past several years Kevin customized and implemented a nutrition program for hospitals and assisted living homes. He was a master of many sports including fishing, skiing (National Ski Patrol), hiking, camping and driving fast, which he insisted IS a sport if you’re the one behind the wheel. Kevin owned a number of dogs, cats and bunnies over the years, all of whom developed similar personalities through Kevin’s sense of humor and genuinely nurturing heart. The friends in his life were numerous as Kevin maneuvered his way through a full and adventuresome life - loving and embracing all that came his way. Because of this, Kevin made a positive impact in lot of lives and was particularly close to his brothers and parents. His partner, Jeanne Geiser shared a home in Colorado with Kevin. He loved her adventuresome spirit and kind heart. If Kevin were here, he would announce with a grin and a twinkle in his eye, “My work here is done. Apparently.” He was taken from us too soon. As difficult as it is to imagine life without Kevin with us, we treasure our memories and are devoted to keeping Kevin’s legacy alive through giving, loving, learning and teaching those around us. His family will honor him with a private memorial in Washington State, in the grand Irish tradition he so loved!