Kevin Kirk Fiske

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Fiske, Kevin Kirk Age 64, passed away October 16, 2014 from young onset Alzheimer's disease after living his entire life in overdrive. Born in Lakewood, Ohio on February 15, 1950, he was raised in Rocky River, Ohio and Fort Wayne, Indiana. He graduated from Culver Military Academy in Culver, Indiana with honors in leadership, sports and art and he attended Indiana University as an art history major. While there, he was a member of the 'Little 500' cycling team in 1970 that won the University's annual race. He transferred to the University of Idaho, graduating with honors with a degree in forestry while pursuing his new passion - mountain climbing. He climbed Mount McKinley in Denali National Park in Alaska in 1972, the youngest member of a National Geographic Society sponsored team that endured 43 days on the mountain. At the summit, his U.S. team was joined by a Japanese climbing team on the same route. When it was discovered that one of the Japanese members had severe frostbite, Kevin carried him down Mt. McKinley, saving his life. Until his Alzheimer's illness, he lived almost all of his adult life in the Seattle, Washington area. Kevin worked as a log buyer for the forest products industry, traveling throughout the Pacific Northwest, Japan, Canada and Europe. Kevin's passion to compete required a lifelong daily training routine. As a result of that commitment, he participated in and was successful in state, national or international competitions in rowing, golden glove boxing, mountain climbing, marathon running, cycling, and cross country skiing. He also owned Formula and vintage race cars and raced them in the U.S. and in Europe. Alpha Romeo and Ferrari were his favorites. Kevin was an early member of SOVREN (Society of Vintage Racing Enthusiasts). After a young nephew of Kevin's was treated for cancer at Seattle Children's Hospital during the 1980's, Kevin helped organize an annual SOVREN fundraising event for the hospital. In its 25 years the annual SOVREN event has raised over $8 million for Seattle Children's Hospital. Preceded in death by his parents, John and Rosemary Fiske, from Vero Beach, Florida and his older brother Peter from Bremen, Maine. Survived by his brother Pat (Stillwater, Minnesota) and his brother, Andy (Vero Beach, Florida) and many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews, who will never forget their amazing Uncle Kevin. Kevin had many friends around the world but his greatest love, all would acknowledge, were his dogs. Among those precious canines: Molly, Ozzie, and his Scotties - Max, Tommie and Laddie, all now deceased. He is survived by his beloved whippet, Claudio, his best friend to the end. Special thanks to the amazing staff at Arthurs Residential Care in Shoreview, Minnesota and St. Croix Hospice in Stillwater, Minnesota, who cared for Kevin with love and compassion. All who loved, worked with, competed against or befriended Kevin will remember him by his favorite two words - LET'S GO!!! Private interment. Memorials preferred to Alzheimer's Association, Minnesota-North Dakota Chapter, 7900 West 78th Street, Suite 100, Minneapolis, MN 55439 and Alzheimer's Research Center - Center for Memory and Aging, Regions Hospital Foundation, 640 Jackson Street, Mailstop 11203A, St. Paul, MN 55101. Bradshaw 2800 Curve Crest Blvd., Stillwater 651-439-5511

Published on October 19, 2014