Kevin Philip Partridge

July 25, 1963 – June 17, 2025

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Dr. Kevin Philip Partridge, who died after a brief illness on June 17, 2025, in Port Moody, BC, at the age of 61.

Kevin was born in Vancouver, BC, on July 25, 1963. He is lovingly remembered by his father Reginald, his mother Christine, his brother Stephen (Janet), and their children Amy, Bethany, and Ryan; his sister Janet and her children Erik, Kristoffer, and Boedicea; and his sister Karen (Robert) and her sons John Luke and Beau. He is also survived by his Aunt Pat, and cousins Susan and Ron, as well as a vast network of family, friends, and chosen family across the country and beyond.

Kevin lived a rich and varied life, marked by deep conviction, intellectual curiosity, and an extraordinary capacity to bring people together. He believed fiercely in the dignity of every person and worked tirelessly to ensure that voices—especially those so often unheard—were listened to and valued.

He loved music (especially punk), comic books, and Datsun 510s. He could discuss politics, philosophy, or the latest album with equal depth and humour. A brilliant scholar, Kevin returned to school later in life and earned a PhD in Sociology from Carleton University. His final research project, undertaken with close friend and colleague Dr. Jackie Kennelly, focused on supporting struggling youth in the Ottawa area—a project that brought him tremendous pride and purpose.

Kevin was also a passionate union leader and advocate. As President of CUPE Local 4600, he led with vision and compassion, narrowly avoiding a strike and recovering hundreds of thousands of dollars in health benefits for academic workers at Carleton University. It was through this work that he met another dear colleague and friend, Dr. Janne Cleveland. The motto for CUPE Ontario is “Be Bold, Be Brave, Demand Better,” which couldn’t be a more fitting description for the determined, loving, tireless fighter that was Kevin.

Kevin cherished his friendships, which spanned decades, geographies, and life stages. He will be deeply missed by Daniela, Christine, Maggie, Jay and Anna and their sons Judah and Solomon; Riley and Jennifer and their sons Julian and Alexander; Soizic and Peter and their son Loic; and by dozens and dozens of others whose lives he touched with his kindness, insight, humour, and boundless generosity.

Kevin’s life was one of integrity, care, and connection. His absence leaves a great void, but his legacy lives on in the many people he inspired, supported, and brought together. Our most sincere thanks go to the staff at Eagle Ridge Hospital, who provided Kevin with excellent care through the brief and devastating illness that took his life.

A celebration of Kevin’s life will be held on July 27th at 1:30 pm at Mel Lehan Hall, St James Community Square, 3214 W 10th Ave., Vancouver, B.C. In lieu of flowers, donations in Kevin’s memory can be made to Operation Come Home (https://www.operationcomehome.ca/supportus), the Youth Services Bureau of Ottawa ( https://www.ysb.ca/donate/) or the Eagle Ridge Hospital Foundation (https://erhf.ca/ways-to-give/donate-now/).