Kevin Martin McGuinn

Kevin leaves behind a family who absolutely adored him, his devoted mother, Patricia Joan McGuinn; his sister Sarah Ann Botsch McGuinn and her husband Billy; and his sister Katherine “Kiki” Elizabeth Reis and her husband Jake. He was preceded in death by his loving father, Martin Thomas McGuinn, a loss that makes this one feel even heavier for all of us.

He is also survived by his Aunt and Uncle Helen and Terry Wheaton, Aunt and Uncle John and Karen McGuinn, Aunt and Uncle John and Loretta Arient. He leaves behind his beloved cousins Lorraine Strachota and her husband Travis; Tera Kenyon and her husband Chris and daughter Taylor; John Arient; Jeanine Ellis and her husband Pat; Amanda Koski and her husband Mark; John Benware and his wife Deb; Jeff Benware and his wife Allison; Jim Benware and his wife Jill; and his grandmother Lorraine Arient.

Kevin also leaves behind dear family friends Roseann Vecchio and James Moore, Debbie and Bruce Danzig, his closest friends Micah Bain, Braullio Ramirez, Allegra Medina-Smith, James Hall, and countless others who loved him like a brother. And of course, his beloved dog Doobie.

Kevin had a way of making people feel like they belonged. Whether you knew him for twenty years or twenty minutes, he made you feel like family.

Kevin was endlessly creative, wildly funny, incredibly loyal, and genuinely one of the kindest people anyone could ever meet. He graduated from San Francisco State University with a degree in cinema and spent years working in film production, taking on roles ranging from Director of Production to grip, gaffer, editor, and best boy. He loved storytelling in every form.

One of the projects that became most meaningful was a documentary about his battle with cancer, filmed and directed by his dear friend James Hall, titled “Kevin Has Cancer.” The film captures Kevin exactly as he was: honest, funny, resilient, and deeply human.

Kevin also proudly worked for Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater San Diego for over seven years and later pursued plumbing. No matter what he was doing, Kevin showed up fully. He cared deeply, worked hard, and poured his whole heart into everything and everyone around him.

Outside of work, Kevin loved Magic: The Gathering nights with his friends Matt, AJ, and Steve, building elaborate Lego creations, making stop-motion videos, playing video games, listening to music, and quoting movies better than anyone you’ve ever met. He was a talented photographer and videographer, and many people proudly have his work hanging in their homes. He could pick up a guitar or keyboard and play by ear, often jamming with his friend Chris Rollerson for hours. He was also a huge fan of San Diego Padres baseball and San Diego State Aztecs men’s basketball, and loved talking sports with friends and family.

What stands out most about Kevin, though, was the way he faced life and especially the way he faced cancer. Even through years of treatments, setbacks, and pain, he remained funny, thoughtful, creative, and full of love. His doctors often spoke about how unforgettable he was, not because of his illness, but because of the kind of person he chose to be through all of it.

Kevin leaves behind a world that feels quieter without him, but also better because he was here.

A celebration of Kevin’s life will be held in early August, with additional details to come.

The family would like to thank everyone for the incredible love, support, and kindness shown during this difficult time. In honor of Kevin, donations may be made to the Colorectal Cancer Alliance or Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater San Diego.