Music, education and sport were Kevin’s passions
KEVIN Stephens, who has died at the age of 76, was originally from Kilmacanogue. In later years he lived in The Headlands in Bray.
He died on October 7, peacefully, at St. Vincent’s University Hospital, after a short illness.
The son of Paddy and Sheila Stephens, he attended the local school in Kilmacanogue. Education was a love later in his life and he pursued it with energy and enthusiasm. It wasn’t always an easy task for him, but with his amazing courage, sometimes in the face of adversity, he succeeded.
Having left school at the age of 14, Kevin had the will and determination to return and do his leaving cert in his 20s, ensuring a successful career.
He joined the Civil Service and later in his career, moved to the Courts Service in Dublin.
Music played an important part throughout his life. On stage in the local hall, he and his sister, Sheila, belted out their unforgettable rendition of ‘ There’s a hole in my bucket’.
Kevin loved to take off, guitar in hand, to Doolin or other music venue, to immerse himself in his favourite pursuit.
He was a keen supporter of Leinster rugby and enjoyed not only matches but pre and post match bashes in the Merrion Inn.
Following early retirement in 2007, music was again, central to his life. He found his calling with the Bray Choral Society, of
which he had been a member since 2002, and it was there he found great joy. He also sang with the Courts Service Choir.
So it was so appropriate that Kevin’s mentor and Musical Director, Frank Kelly, and Frank’s daughter Rebecca, sang, so beautifully at Kevin’s funeral Mass.
Family was very important to Kevin.
He will be very much missed by his siblings and extended family and friends.
He is survived by his six sisters and two brothers, who said farewell at a private family Funeral Mass on Monday, October 12, at the Church of Our Lady Queen of Peace in Bray.