Cherished husband, father, brother, son, coach, mentor and friend Kevin Purcell, passed on September 23, 2020. Kevin was born on September 17, 1955 in West Covina. His family moved to Seattle and then settled in Carpinteria, CA, south of Santa Barbara. There, his love for the ocean, surfing, and basketball evolved. His time as a high school basketball star, and ASB senior class president sparked a legacy of leadership in Kevin. Basketball is what brought him to the University of the Pacific where he played for 2 years, met his future wife Laurie, and ultimately decided upon a career in chiropractic medicine. After obtaining his doctorate, he moved to San Diego, CA and opened his practice. He and Laurie married in 1986 and welcomed their daughters Kelly in 1987 and Colleen in 1990.

In his early 40's, Kevin added a commitment to the sport of triathlon to his focus of husband, father, and chiropractor. In the 15 years that followed he completed 20 Ironman triathlons, winning his age group and qualifying for the world championship in Kona, Hawaii 6 times. His natural calling to mentorship, paired with his medical and athletic background, lead him to a second career as a successful and beloved triathlon coach for athletes all over the world.

Those who knew Kevin well and even those who didn't, found a man who was impossible not to trust and confide in. He had an innate ability to see to the core of people and issues with ease. He gently guided those who sought his advice with quiet but profound wisdom and compassion. His intuition, insight and judge of character made him the person to whom many came to for counsel in moments of need.

His commitment to his family was absolute. He built a home where unconditional love reigned supreme and nothing was ever left unsaid. While Laurie, Kelly and Colleen already miss him more than anything, they take comfort in knowing exactly how he felt about them and that he knew he was equally adored by his girls. He passed peacefully and as he would have wanted, with Laurie, Kelly and Colleen by his side holding his hands.

Kevin will be laid to rest at Carpinteria Cemetery next to his father. The non-profit organization Cancer for College was particularly close to his heart, as his daughter was a cancer survivor and scholarship recipient from the charity. Should you feel so inclined to make a donation in his name, please visit www.cancerforcollege.org