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G. KEVIN WALTERS  Obituary pic

G. KEVIN WALTERS

Born: Oct 12, 1959

Date of Passing: Jun 23, 2014

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G. KEVIN WALTERS October 12, 1959 - June 23, 2014 It is with great sadness that the family of Kevin Walters announces his passing, after a courageous battle with cancer, on Monday, June 23, 2014 at the age of 54. Kevin was predeceased by his mother Eileen Walters (nee Higgins) and is survived by his father Aubrey. His life is celebrated and remembered by his wife Ginette, his brothers John (Maureen), Brian (Liz), his sisters Carolyn (Fred), Sharon, his niece Kelly (Jen), his father-in-law Philippe (Jacqueline), brothers-in-law Gilbert (Genevieve), Dan (Karen), sister-in-law Chantale (Maxine), his niece Amélie and nephew Téo. Kevin was a pillar in the arts and cultural community - a career that began as early as high school where he booked bands for school dances. Kevin did it all; from DJ to club manager, booking agent, artist manager and "cotton tech" also known as the merchandising guy for Barenaked Ladies, he had a prolific career. He really began to impact people's lives through his work at Manitoba Film and Music (MFM) where for more than 11 years he fostered careers and mentored developing entrepreneurs, sharing his wealth of knowledge and expertise. After his time with MFM, Kevin was instrumental in attracting and organizing Winnipeg's major events such as the Juno Awards, Canadian Country Music Awards, BreakOut West, the Grey Cup, Manitoba Homecoming 2010 and Culture Days. Most recently he was one of the founders of the Winnipeg BBQ and Blues Festival. Although he could have made his career anywhere in Canada, he chose to stay in Winnipeg and help make his community the most vibrant and culturally significant place it could be. Events were in his blood, but it was Kevin's easy going manner and ability to connect with people that was his true strength and showed his inner character. He had a great heart, was caring, loving and generous. He touched countless lives and made friends everywhere he went. The outpouring of love and respect for Kevin demonstrates the extent to which he has profoundly enriched his community. He leaves a void in our lives and will be lovingly remembered and missed by his family and friends. To honour his memory, the family has established the Kevin Walters' Memorial Fund through the Winnipeg Foundation. This Fund honours and celebrates Kevin's generosity of spirit as a passionate advocate of Winnipeg and its arts and cultural strength. This Fund will support promising performers and organizations in music, film, performance and the creative arts. For those who wish to donate to the fund, please forward your donation to The Winnipeg Foundation, 1350 One Lombard Place, Winnipeg, MB R3B 0X3. Heartfelt thanks to the staff at the Health Sciences Centre and CancerCare Manitoba for their care and support. A celebration of his life will be held at the Burton Cummings Theatre on Thursday, July 3, 2014 at 7:00 p.m. To commemorate Kevin's free spirit and zest for life, this celebration will be a "li'l bit churchie and a li'l bit beerie." "You give but little when you give of your possessions. It is when you give of yourself that you truly give." - Khalil Gibran, The Prophet Condolences may be sent to www.desjardinsfuneralchapel.ca DESJARDINS 233-4949 1-888-233-4949

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 28, 2014

Condolences & Memories (26 entries)

  • I’m reminded today what a kind and generous person Kevin was. He is still missed by those who knew him. The industry builder award in his name is a nice way to acknowledge and remember him. - Posted by: Ron proulx (Friend ) on: Oct 14, 2018

  • I think of Kevin often. From the moment I met him in the UMSU freight elevator in the mid-nineties, Kevin was my mentor - he believed in me and gave me many chances which have all become important steps along my career path. We worked closely together and became good friends. When Kevin got sick and wasn't able to be around, I came up with WWWD (what would Walters do) to help guide me. I still rely on this. Kevin lives on in my world - when I'm stumped, I pause with WWWD and things turn out okay. Thanks Kevin for being so generous with your time and spirit and for being a great model, friend, and mentor. - Posted by: Sara Stasiuk () on: Feb 11, 2017

  • I am devastated to learn of Kevin's passing. We dated back in the late 90's and I have such fond memories of him. A true gentleman. - Posted by: Karen (Friend) on: Jun 14, 2015

  • I hand the In Memoriam tribute at the annual non-televised Juno Gala. It is with great sadness that I am including Kevin. As a manager, he was pivotal in helping me launch the careers of Joel Kroeker and Alana Levandoski. He found funding when we were drowning and we owe him a big debt of gratitude. - Posted by: Larry LeBlanc (Friend) on: Feb 25, 2015

  • My life will never be the same without you. It's been almost a year and I still refuse to believe you are actually gone. I am waiting for that day when you come walking around the corner at show. There are no words just memories of the past 28 years. Rest in Peace my Friend, you truly are missed. - Posted by: Michelle Balina (Friend) on: Feb 21, 2015

  • Kevin you were such a cool cool dude. Great to everyone; smart, funny, kind and talented. Thanks for everything you did for music and for Winnipeg. Party on up there man. - Posted by: Robin Black (Friend) on: Aug 24, 2014

  • It was pleasure and honour doing business over the years Kevin. I will truly miss your ocnversations and your contagious persononality in our annual meetings. My Sincere thoughts and prayers goes to Ginette and your family. God Bless. Terry Mathurin - Posted by: Terry Mathurin (His RBC Banker) on: Jul 04, 2014

  • The warmth of the love that you and Kevin shared was felt my many and you brought lots of joy and laughter to those around you. Words cannot adequately express our sympathies and we are so sorry for your tragic loss. - Posted by: Karen and Gary Goossen () on: Jul 04, 2014

  • Wow? What to say? My friendship with Kevin goes back to the late 80's at The Zoo. He was always so nice and respectful towards me, we hit it off from the very first time we met. Really sad to hear of his passing. Gone, but not forgotten. - Posted by: Jonny Roode (Friend) on: Jul 03, 2014

  • I met Kevin when I was just starting out in music. I was told he was a guy to meet with; someone "in the know". He made me feel comfortable immediately and was liberal with time, advice and encouragement. Over the years, I had the chance to work with him on the Manitoba Music Board and through Culture Days. He was always positive and great to work with. He leaves a big void and unfillable shoes. There really isn't a "job description" that could cover what he did for the music and cultural community. Official titles aside, it just seems like he was who he was - a fantastic guy who cheered us all on and who was able to, with seeming ease and always good humour, pull people together and get great things done. He is and will be missed. My heart goes out to Ginette and all of his family. May you have joy in remembering, and peace as you grieve. God bless you. Jaylene - Posted by: Jaylene Johnson (Friend and colleague) on: Jul 03, 2014

  • It is so hard to believe Kevin has made his transition. Our dear friend, our manager, our greatest champion and long-time supporter of our music. Kevin, we never got a chance to directly thank you in person for all the passion, support and dedication you gave to both Renee and I. You were a true blessing to both our lives and we are deeply saddened that you had to leave us so soon. You were the best manager we could ever ask for and although you are not here with us in body now, your spirit is felt in all the music we play and we know you are on the sidelines still cheering us on. Thank you for believing in us Kevin and sharing in our dream. We love you and will always hold you in our hearts and in our songs. Love, Keith and Renee - Posted by: Keith Macpherson (Friend ) on: Jul 03, 2014

  • "In all this world, one of the best has smiled, laid down and gone to rest." ~Anon My heart goes out to all Kevin's family and friends who now remain in a world that just doesn't shine as brightly as it did before. Kevin has been a great friend to me for almost 30 years... and I am so sorry we never had the chance to meet, Ginette. There will never be another like him. ~Mimi Chernick - Posted by: Mimi Chernick (friend) on: Jul 02, 2014

  • Kevin was like a brother to all four members of Queen City Kids. We loved playing for him when he was a bar manager, and we were always thrilled to see him at our reunion shows. He became a great friend to me when we worked together on many large events, and I will always treasure the good times and late nights running around in different cities listening to great young bands with him. - Posted by: John Donnelly (Friend and business associate) on: Jul 02, 2014

  • absolutely heartbroken to hear this news. We often went months/years at a time without seeing each other but when we did it was always a blast. He was indeed very supportive of Winnipeg, Manitoba and the great culture that comes from there. I hadn't seen him for some time now and this news comes as a shock. The best to his wife and family... - Posted by: Jodie (friend) on: Jul 02, 2014

  • Kevin avait ce don d'encourager les autres, de trouvez et d'alimenter le talent local. Il mettait de bonne humeur, inspirait et rendait la vie agréable. Un homme positif et au grand sens de l'humour. Il nous manquera tous. Mes condoléances à la famille. - Posted by: Genevieve Murchison (friend) on: Jun 30, 2014

  • My condolences to Kevin's family, friends and anyone who met this man and discovered what an immense passion and capacity he had for making this city/province/country/planet a better place. He will be missed. Rest easy, Kev. - Posted by: Maurice Hogue (Music Biz/friend) on: Jun 29, 2014

  • Loved hanging out with Kevin in Peg City and at music events such as SXSW. I am very sad to hear that he has passed away. Winnipeg has lost one of it's greatest advocates and his passing is felt far and wide, including here in London England. RIP buddy. - Posted by: Charles Kennedy (friend) on: Jun 29, 2014

  • We send sincere condolences to Ginette and her family. We are very sorry to learn of your loss. Love Mr. and Mrs. Thomas, London, England. - Posted by: Krista (Bewell) THOMAS (School chum of Ginette's) on: Jun 29, 2014

  • Kevin's warm heart and patience always made for a great show experience. Kevin loved what he did and it showed in his work ethic and with all that got to work with him. He will be missed. - Posted by: Rick Bazuin (Tour manager "5440" and "George Canyon") on: Jun 29, 2014

  • One of the absolute best people I have ever met. He was a wonderful person who was so supportive to so many. Always smiling. He will be missed. I have nothing but fond memories of Kevin. - Posted by: Derek (Friend) on: Jun 29, 2014

  • I can't remember when I first got to know Kevin, but I seem to have known him for a long time. We bonded over music. He had a lovely sense of humour & always had a smile on his face. I named him Kevin Bloody Walters years ago & it stuck, but got shortened to KBW. I always looked forward to hanging out with him at SXSW. He loved his Manitoba bands, many musicians owe their careers to his strong support & advice. RIP my dear friend, I will miss you. Condolances to his lovely wife Ginette, his family & his many friends This is a great loss to the musical community. - Posted by: Yvonne Matsell (Proud to call him my friend) on: Jun 28, 2014

  • You are gone, but never forgotten! - Posted by: Judy Flack (friend at icesports) on: Jun 28, 2014

  • Sad news. I met Kevin in I want to say the late, late 80's, early 90's, when he managed a bar band called "Shake Naked". It was hard not to become instant friends. He was fun, a little crazy, generous and was always where the good music was. He would call me hours before a show started to see if I would be his ticket girl and since it was Kevin I agreed. Thank you because I got to meet some amazing bands and see them perform in small venues like Green Day and Social Distortion at Le Rendezvous and so many more. I lost touch when I moved to California in 1997 but seeing all the posts about him lets me know he had the hearts of many. Rest in peace dear friend. - Posted by: Wanda styles (Friend) on: Jun 28, 2014

  • My condolences to Ginette and family. Life cut too short, but lived well. I am so sorry for your loss. Cheers to you, Kevin! - Posted by: Jennifer Berthelette (knew him when) on: Jun 28, 2014

  • A great man who will be missed. Our thoughts are with Ginette. - Posted by: Jaik Josephson () on: Jun 28, 2014

  • We will never forget Kevin’s warm smile and generous heart and are proud to call him our friend. His laugh was the BEST and he had an incredible knack for getting everyone excited about work! We know he would be so proud of the Kevin Walters’ Memorial Fund and that his passion for nurturing and encouraging talent and entrepreneurship in Winnipeg and Manitoba will live on. Kevin fought the final fight on his terms and then gently left us. We can now pray to him instead of for him. Sweet dreams, dear Kev – see you on the other side. - Posted by: Leah and Rheal Dupuis (Friends of Ginette and Kevin) on: Jun 28, 2014

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