Bette Jo, I am so very sorry for the loss of your husband. Sincerely, Nancy Ziarko

I met Kevin in Junior High and played football with him in high school and flag football after that.  A big man, with a big heart left a big void in our hearts.                     

He was the absolute anchor of his family--a deeply dedicated husband, father and grandfather.  But his warmth reached far beyond  his own doorstep.  He was the ultimate host and the center of so many of our best days.  We will always cherish the memories we shared:  the energy of our MSU tailgates, the laughter at his epic New Year's Eve parties, and the wild fun of his St. Patrick's day parties.  Nobody cooked a cornbeef like Kevin.

Some of our favorite moments were the simplest ones.  We will never forget gathering in his garage to watch the Stanley Cup playoffs, or traveling to Hawaii.  I will always miss our Friday nights spent watching old movies--especially movies directed by John Ford--while smoking cigars and sharing a Labatt's and a shot of Jameson.  We also shared many adventures in downtown Detroit.

He was also a man of impact.  When our son Ronnie played Green Hornets Football, Kevin stepped up as mentor, offering the kind of guidance and encouragement that shapes a young man's life forever.  Throughout the years, that bond grew even deeper as Ronnie became close friends with Kevin and Bettie's boys, weaving our families together for a lifetime.

Kevin gave us his time, his wisdom, and his massive heart.  We are all better for having known him, and we will miss him entirely. 

With all our love and sympathy, 
Ron and Vicki Bonaventura and family

To the Family,

I was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of my old friend.

We grew up together, playing high school football and softball, and later had the privilege of coaching Little League football side by side. We both married our high school sweethearts, and our families spent many wonderful times together. We worked on each other's homes, shared countless laughs, and were proud members of the same electrical union.

As often happens in life, we drifted apart. But distance never erased the memories or the friendship we shared. Those years remain some of the happiest and most meaningful of my life.

His passing has truly touched my heart. I will always remember him as a loyal friend, a good husband, a dedicated father, and someone who was always willing to lend a hand. I feel fortunate to have known him, and I will carry those memories with me always.

Please accept my heartfelt condolences. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time.

With deepest sympathy,

Jim LaBroski

Rest well my friend it was a pleasure knowing you and playing football with you.

My husband, Dan, and I went to grade school and high school with Kevin. Kevin was definitely one of the good guys. We send our sincerest condolences to BetteJo and their beautiful family. Praying for God’s peace.

Kevin was an incredibly kind man who showed me what a great father looks like. As a hockey coach, he had the respect and admiration of all of my classmates at Notre Dame High School. He made a lasting positive impact on so many people. He loved his wife and sons fiercely.

His hospitality both up north and in his home made possible some of the greatest memories of my high school and college years. He generously opened his home to many. He had sneaky-good taste in music, and always offered support and encouragement for my musical ambition. His presence at Michigan State tailgates cannot be overstated - creating an atmosphere that felt almost utopian to a kid experiencing those traditions for the first time. Every fall day at MSU was a countdown to the next Saturday home game celebration that “The Big Toe” was at the center of.

He made people feel welcomed. He was a gentle giant, and the world is a better place because he was in it. We’ve lost a legend.

Coach was the kind of guy that I wanted to give everything I had for on the ice. I respected the hell out of him for the no nonsense way he went about his business. When I’d see him after my playing days at Notre Dame, I loved every minute catching up with him. We’ve lost a good man. I hope God helps his family in their time of sadness.

Kevin was more than a friend and next-door neighbor, he was like a brother to me.  Kevin was a lifelong best friend to my brother,  Fred. The McKay‘s and the Smarks’s had such great times together and memories that will last a lifetime.  Every time I saw Kevin and Joey, later in our lives, he was just so genuine, so happy all the time, always so glad to see me.   He extended that incredible warmth to my daughters and my granddaughter.   Kevin meant the world to my entire family and his joyful, kind spirit, loving heart will be deeply missed forever.   To Joey, Ken and Sarah, Kevin’s four sons, daughter-in-laws and his grandchildren, I am so sorry for your incredible loss.  Rest peacefully, my dear friend.

OBITUARY

Kevin Patrick McKay

November 25, 1955 – July 24, 2026

Kaul Funeral Home

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