KEVIN ANTHONY DWYER

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KEVIN ANTHONY DWYER Four decades ago, Kevin Dwyer began an adventure that would change his life forever. He left his bustling hometown of Dublin, Ireland and moved across the globe to isolated Lynn Lake with his partner Paddy Riordan. There, in the Northern Manitoba wilds, Kevin flew planes for Calm Air while Paddy worked as a physician. Their journey continued in 1976 when they relocated to Winnipeg. The two Irishmen possessed the Gift of the Gab. They could recite Shakespeare's soliloquies from memory and quickly managed to meet a diverse group of friends, many of them lifelong. Winnipeg became home. And the Winnipeggers who were lucky enough to know them were better off for it. Both Kevin and Paddy shared sharp, Irish intellect. Both were kind, generous and sincere. However, they were opposites in some respects; Kevin's soft demeanor tempered Paddy's, at times, more gruff moments. People were intrigued by their wit and by their unusual - sometimes comical - dynamic. People were particularly drawn to Kevin. He was an attentive listener with a penchant for friendly debate. He had the ability to make anyone he spoke with feel like the most important person in the world. On Tuesday, June 3, 2014, Kevin passed away peacefully at St. Boniface General Hospital surrounded by friends. The 65-year-old had battled a lengthy illness. Paddy - the love of Kevin's life - passed away in 2011. Kevin had a grace and elegance about him, even in the throes of his illness. He was the type of gentleman who would apologize to emergency room staff for his appearance. Kevin was born in Terenure, Dublin to Bridget Cusack Dwyer and Lawrence Dwyer. He grew up with four siblings; his sister Eileen (who passed away in 1999) along with brothers Christy, Bernard and Séamus. Their father died when Kevin was just eight or nine years old. Their mother didn't let her physical disability - a missing arm - get in her way of raising her five children. Kevin, the youngest in the family, had a special place in the hearts of his mother and sister. (His sister was like a second mum to him considering their nearly 20-year age difference). Kevin was a gentle, kind child who read many books. He was different from his brothers who preferred to run around and play ball. His appetite for knowledge was insatiable. As a young man, he socialized with writers and intellectuals at pubs off Dublin's Grafton Street where they likely talked about history, poetry and James Joyce. It was 46 years ago when Kevin fell in love with Paddy in Ireland's capital. The pair moved to Canada hoping to find a better life in a society that accepted their relationship. They lived happily together in Winnipeg - steadfastly supporting each other through good times and bad. Kevin kept himself busy with his various professions and endeavors. After obtaining his pilot license, he earned a commerce degree from the University of Manitoba. He was the first director of Premiere Personnel, a non-profit organization that helps people with intellectual disabilities find jobs. He worked alongside Paddy setting up several prosperous medical clinics. He also played the stock market in which he made some successful investments. In 1976, the pair joined Niakwa Country Club where they loved to golf and dine. Paddy and Kevin were members for life. Kevin always made time to see his family in Ireland. His nieces Niamh and Brenda couldn't wait for visits from their loving Uncle Kevin who would take them to Hodges Figgis, the storied 18th century bookstore in Dublin. Kevin introduced the girls to the works of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory author Roald Dahl as well as to Irish literature. His numerous nieces and nephews remained close with Kevin even though he lived so far away. Kevin was known to enjoy a jar or two - preferably Jameson or a lager. The Grove, located just down the street from his home, was one of his (and Paddy's) favourite pubs. It's a place where everyone knows their names. A wake to celebrate Kevin's life took place on June 7, 2014 at The Grove. (Paddy's wake happened at the same location in 2011). A memorial for Kevin took place at St. Ignatius Parish before the wake. Nearly 200 people attended the touching service led by Father Con Mulvihill. Kevin was laid to rest at St. Vital Cemetery. Kevin's family will sorely miss him, along with his large group of friends who came from all walks of life. Those friends include Kenny Boyce who counted Kevin as a constant source of positivity and inspiration. Kenny was there to hold his hand during chemo treatments. Kevin appreciated Kenny's dedication to their friendship. Maurice and Jasso Harnett, along with their daughter and son, also meant a lot to Kevin. For four decades, Kevin was like family to them. Maurice, a fellow Irishman, found a friend in Kevin like no other. When Kevin and Paddy moved into the same condominium complex as the Harnetts a few years ago, life became more fun. They dined together over many of Jasso's gourmet meals and shared countless laughs. Thanks to every one of his friends including: the Langan family; the McCarthy family; Joel; Judy; Carol; Darlene; Jim and Wendy as well as Levi and Terri. Thanks to the folks at The Grove. There are so many others in his circle of friends not listed here. Please know that Kevin would have wanted to thank you. Paddy's family cared immensely about Kevin, particularly his nephews Colin Riordan and Desmond Riordan Jr. Thanks to Desmond, Niamh and Bernard for making the whirlwind trip to Winnipeg for Kevin's memorial. Thanks to Mallika, Hailu and Lakech for tending to Kevin while he was confined to his home over the past several months. Sincere thanks, as well, to CancerCare Manitoba staffers and the St. Boniface General Hospital Palliative Care team. They include Dr. Maureen McConnell, Dr. Jan Ritchie and Dr. Bruce Martin. In lieu of flowers, please donate to CancerCare Manitoba or to a charity of your choice. It's hard to find the words to describe the loss his family and friends will feel now that Kevin has left this Earth. Kevin, an eloquent speaker, would have known exactly what to say. Kevin's loved ones take comfort knowing he is at peace. They are smarter, kinder, gentler people since he entered their lives. He will forever live on in their hearts.

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 28, 2014