Submitted by his wife
Kevin Whiteley was a firefighter‚ a loving husband‚ a caring father‚ a good son and the best friend anyone could have. He died at the age of 46 while responding to a fire call on March 26‚ 2003. The plaque on the new fire truck reads ‘In memory of our brother‚ Kevin Whiteley‚ gone but not forgotten’…his memory truly does live on.
Kevin was an eleven-year veteran of the Emmett City Fire Department where he served as the Training Officer. He devoted his time and effort without hesitation to a service he felt proud and destined to fulfill. He loved his fellow firefighters as family and considered the brotherhood to be sacred and powerful.
His department organized a truly amazing tribute for Kevin’s funeral. Fire departments and emergency service organizations from all over Idaho came to be a part of the procession and honor guard. His brothers took him to his final resting place on top of a fire truck.
He was known by all as a cheerful and kind man who worked hard. Anyone who knew him had to like him for his gentle spirit and contagious laugh.
The Kevin Whiteley Memorial Scholarship was established in his name by his fellow firefighters. The award is given to a high school senior who will be pursuing a career in emergency services. A tree was planted in our city’s park with a plaque in his honor. Many kind people have paid tribute to Kevin and provided help for our family. Kevin would be humbled by all the attention‚ but he would have been the first in line to do the same for anyone else.
Kevin was my high school sweetheart and the love of my life for almost 26 years. We have two wonderful children‚ Mendi and Mark. They have become the adults every parent prays for. Kevin and I always considered ourselves blessed to have such amazing kids. He loved them with all his heart and told them often.
Kevin..Every now and then soft as breath upon my skin…I feel you come back again…and I believe.
Kevin was a great man and friend. He loved his community, family and friends. I miss him dearly.
– LaurelleKevin was one of the most unselfish men I have ever known. He was always there to help, no matter what it was that was needed.
– Pat CooperHe was the one member of the family you wanted on your team. If you were with him you knew you would have a fun time and many laughs.
He was a man of many talents, And positively touched more lives then anyone will ever know.
Kevin was a very good training officer and good friend that is truly missed by myself and the rest of the Emmett City Fire Dept. and many fire departments in the Treasure Valley area of Idaho. He taught me most of what I learned as a firefighter and is missed and not forgotten every day of my life. He was a true friend and family man. Until we meet again Kevin !!
– Steve Rogers