"What we have once enjoyed , we can never lose.  All that we love deeply becomes a part of us."     Helen Keller

Dear Erna and Family,
Please accept my deepest sympathy at the loss of Kevin.  You were a beautiful couple; and from the  photos presented by  Dignity Memorial, you and Kevin shared a very happy and fun life together surrounded by your wonderful children and grandchildren.  Kevin will be missed at our Walsh HS reunions, as he always said the "Grace Before Meals" prayer!   Please know you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers at this time.    

Dear Erna, It is with shock and sincere sympathy I send my condolences. You and Kevin were always a welcomed site at our reunions.  As a recent widow I know what you are about to encounter.  Stay strong dear friend. You are loved by many.  Prayers will be said for Kevin. 

Two nights ago I had a dream where Kevin appeared as his usual, fun loving  self.  Joking around, yanking my chain, playing a practical joke on me.... These were things I could (and did) always count on from him.  Humor was a gift he brought to all of us, and he helped us with it more than I can ever acknowledge with words.  I only knew him for a few years, but he was one of the first people I got to know when I moved to San Clemente.  He was easy to get to know and to want to get to know. I immediately admired his gift for helping people who were struggling, his generosity of spirit in sharing his own story with humility and grace, his willingness to be of service while asking nothing in return. He showed us how you could be tough and soft at the same time. He always showed up for us with a smile on his face, his hand extended, a question for how you were and how your life was going.  He helped so many and will be forever missed. I loved him like a brother.

In the 80's, McDonnell Douglas Automation Company, later renamed McDonnell Douglas Systems Integration (MDSI), had a dominant sales team. We were one of the last of a breed that was hired and trained as if we would never leave. For approximately 4-6 months we left our homes and travelled to St. Louis to go through Professional Sales School (PSP). We learned the story, the values, and the consultative selling techniques that would make us the envy of the  industry. We could sell anything, but then we verticalized, and some of us went to the Computer Aided Design and Manufacturing division called Unigraphics. 

For a time, I reported to Sales Managers who reported to Kevin Roberts. From 1980-1990 we grew the division from lower double digits to $250M+ dollars. We started getting disrupted in the late 80's by a combination of nimble competitors and a financial executive who believed salespeople should have caps on commission. The best of the best began to leave. I interviewed with one of those nimble start-ups. I flew into Boston and interviewed with a senior executive, a co-founder. The first thing he said is "I bet you are one of those 'relationship' salespeople." He mocked me and the company with what he thought was a funny soliloquy. I thought it was a foul-mouthed rant. He offered me the job. Better title and more money. 

As I returned home, I thought of my core values. And the image that came to mind was Kevin. Those of us who stayed remembered the community and the team he helped create. The core values he held. 

Feeling guilty, I called him upon my return and told him what I had done. I will never forget what he said to me: "Ron. My job is to inspire and support the best of the best in my organization. That is what leaders do. I have to earn the right to lead. I have no problem you looking at other opportunities. All I want is to make sure we collaborate on how to develop you to be the best you can be." Thank you Kevin. You did. 



Kevin meant the world to me. He was a friend and mentor. He taught me a lot about myself and how to live life. My life is better having had known him. I'm forever grateful to God for putting Kevin in my life. 

A real professional.  The greatest manager I ever had.  A leader, great listener, and a good person.  

When I first became a sales manger, he gave me my first great piece of advice.  "Make your employee feel like they are the most important person on the planet."   He did this so well.

You will be missed.

As a young sales trainee at MCAUTO in 1975, Kevin was for me a terrific role model and friend. I will always remember the framed poster in his office which said,
“A Salesman is a Man.......Who Sells!”
Rest In Peace, Kevin. You were a super salesman.

AVIS DE DÉCÈS

Kevin Joseph Roberts

28 février 1945 – 18 juin 2018

Fairhaven Memorial Services

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