Kevin Wayne Schill

Kevin Wayne Schill was born on October 1, 1967, and he passed away on May 24, 2014, after a long and courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. He passed at home, as he had wished, surrounded by his family and closest friends. Kevin is survived by his beloved wife, Dawn; son, Anthony Schill; father and stepmother Ron and Lori Michaelson Schill; sister Lisa Schill McTighe; grandmother Anita Rendel; grandfather John Schill; Aunts and Uncles Don and Cindy Schill and Mike and Karen Rendel; step-siblings Brian Deibert, Nick Miller, Jennifer Foster; and cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his beloved mother, Kristie Rendel Schill (1986); grandmother Betty Schill (1980); grandfather Herb Rendel (2006); and cousin Bryan Schill, Don and Cindy’s only child (2011).

During Kevin’s last days, Dawn refused to leave his side in spite of her family urging her to rest. After more than five solid weeks in the hospital, and with Kevin’s medical needs, taking him home on hospice, as Kevin wished, was quite a challenge. But everyone involved just rolled up their sleeves and made it happen. Dawn and the family sends their love and eternal gratitude to the amazing doctors and nurses at Virginia Mason/Seattle, specifically Dr. Picozzi, Ellen, Pat, Megan, and others too numerous to mention. Kevin and the family were particularly blessed and comforted when he was baptized just days before leaving the hospital.

Kevin was employed for 22 years with the Red Dot Corporation. He and Dawn will be eternally grateful for all the love, support and donations from the Red Dot Family. Because of their support, Kevin and Dawn were able to focus on Kevin’s care, comfort, and quality of life throughout his battle. Additional heartfelt thanks go to Sara Sas for her love and concern in setting up an online fundraiser.

Dawn also sends love and gratitude to family and friends who stepped up to help in whatever way they could throughout his battle, and in making Kevin’s last days at home comforting and peaceful for him.

It was a blessing that he was able to spend close and personal time with Dawn, family and friends, and their beloved dogs, Gizmo, Tootie, Sissy, and Kenny. The dogs have always been a big part of Kevin and Dawn’s family life and activities, and never far from their side.

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Kevin was passionate about sports, especially baseball, softball, football, dirt bike riding, NASCAR racing, drag racing, supercross, and vintage muscle cars. He began playing baseball at age 8 and played continuously into his adult years. Despite his smallish stature, he surprised many an opponent with his skill, heart, and fierce competitiveness. Kevin could play all the skill positions equally well.

As a defensive back in football, throughout junior high and high school, Kevin gave more than he got. He wasn’t afraid to put a hit on somebody even twice his size. His love for football endured throughout his life, and he was passionate about his favorite team, the Minnesota Vikings.

He was a magician in dirt bike riding and racing. In the early years, when Dad supplied the parts and maintenance for his (many) machines, if anybody was in front of Kevin, it was because he allowed it, not because they deserved it. If he wanted to pass you, you might get a gentle (or not) nudge in the rear tire. In his adult years he became slightly more thoughtful in his choices of speed and risk taking, but if he really wanted to pass you, you would still get the nudge. Kevin shared his love for dirt bikes with Dawn, his son Anthony, and the extended Schill family. He enjoyed many annual family camping trips, with various family members getting hooked on riding and carrying on the tradition to this day. Kevin loved camping trips with family and friends. He was known as the master of the campfire, gathering, cutting, splitting, stacking and burning. From morning to bedtime you could be assured of a blazing campfire thanks to Kevin.

Kevin was a Dale Earnhardt (NASCAR) fan, be it Senior or Junior. He loathed Jimmy Johnson, who happened to be Dawn’s favorite driver. His “bucket-list” wish to go to the home of NASCAR, Charlotte, NC, was arranged by his Red Dot Family. Sadly this trip was beyond Kevin’s physical capacity, but the support, love and generosity of the “Red Dotters” gave him hope in his last weeks and was appreciated beyond words by Kevin and Dawn.

Nineteen years ago Kevin met Dawn Bruce, the love of his life and Anthony’s stepmother. On May 14, 2014 they celebrated their 15th wedding anniversary. There has never been a more loving, strong, and patient wife than Dawn. Since Kevin’s diagnosis, she has juggled school, on-the-job training, Kevin’s doctor and hospital visits, transportation, and moving. Kevin has always been very proud of her and he will walk beside her as she finishes her training and begins her career in occupational therapy.

Kevin and Dawn’s deep and abiding love for each other gave them joy in the good times and strength and comfort in the difficult times. They have also been blessed with family love and support. Kevin’s parents, Ron and Lori Schill, have walked with them every step of this difficult journey. The Bruce family has loved and treated Kevin as their own son. There are no words to fully thank the Bruce’s for their selfless efforts – Jerry and Dollie Bruce, Susan Bruce, Doug and Carrie Bruce, and sister Jeanna. With love, comfort, and dignity, you helped fulfill Kevin’s wish to pass at home surrounded by family and friends.

Dawn and the family are also deeply grateful to Kevin’s best friends, J.R. Wells and Greg Stalnaker. You couldn’t find two more loyal and caring men. Greg and Kevin have been friends since early childhood. J.R. is a Red Dot friend, fellow employee, and like a brother to Kevin. J.R. was also instrumental in the “Red Dot” fundraiser on Kevin’s behalf. Kevin and Dawn have also camped and hung out with these great guys on many occasions. They have steadfastly loved and supported Kevin and Dawn through this difficult time.

As our hearts break with the loss of our beloved Kevin, we take comfort in knowing that he has been carried to his heavenly home, where there is no pain or suffering, only joy, and he is reunited with his mother, grandparents, and cousin Bryan. Until we all meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand.

One thing is for sure, between Kevin and his baseball-crazy cousin Bryan, there is one heck of a ball game going on in heaven tonight!

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To Kevin: “I am the bread of life; he who comes to me will never go hungry; and he who believes in me will never be thirsty. All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away. For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in Him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day.” (John 6:35-40)

To Dawn: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your heart and your mind in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)

To Kevin’s family and friends: “When we ask ourselves, which persons in our lives mean the most to us, we often find that it is those who face the reality of powerlessness, and have chosen rather to share our pain and our wounds with a gentle and tender hand. The friend who can be silent with us in the moment of despair or confusion, who can stay with us in an hour of grief and bereavement, who can tolerate not knowing, not curing, not healing...that is the friend who cares.” (Henri J.M Nowen-Out of Solitude)

If you are attending the Celebration of Life Service at the Renton Community center the family requests Casual/sports apparel encouraged (football, baseball, NASCAR or supercross) and/or the color purple.

Arrangements under the direction of Powers Funeral Home, Sumner, WA.