KEVIN Kevin, or “Hanshi” to many, was born in Stanmore in 1961 to his beloved parents James and Elizabeth, delivered by his grandmother Decima, a nurse at Braeside Maternity.

He was a cherished stepson to Janet, loved son-in-law to Les and Robin, and a devoted husband to Xanthe for 28 years.

Kevin was a proud and loving father and father-in-law to Rebecca & Lucus, Amy-Lee & Will, Alysia & David, and Phoebe. He was the most fun and caring Pa to Lily, Indi, Angus, Evie, Austin, Kai and Zeke.

He was a much-loved brother and brother-in-law to Fay, Christopher, Josephine, Chrys and Paul, stepbrother to Adrian, Brian, Ruth and Belinda, and a loving uncle to Samuel, Luke, Amelia, Nikki, Carden, Matthew, Taneisha, Mitchell, Jayden, Courtney and Tyler.

Kevin had a huge impact on those around him. A bright spirit, larrikin and teaser, he was always true to his word and loyal to the end. He loved to make people laugh, like the time on the way to Ellenborough Falls he pulled over, wound down the window, and asked a cow for directions. 

Despite his many achievements, Kevin was humble and always eager to learn. He embraced all cultures, travelling to more than 20 countries to study and share martial arts. He often joked he had “the best job ever—kicking people in the head and getting paid for it.” Yet his favourite times were simple: walking the beach with family or sitting by Lake Macquarie in quiet reflection.

He moved often—30 homes across different towns—but his fondest memories were of the family farm at Cumnock. As a boy of four, he once wandered off, leaving his clothes by the dam. After hours of frantic searching by family, neighbours and police, he turned up at nightfall, well rested from a nap in a tree. His mother, Elizabeth, calmly dressed him—then gave him a spanking all the way home!

The Cumnock farm remained his favourite childhood home. Later moves took the family to Orange, then Cargo. Kevin lived in Orange throughout his young adult years into his 40s before moving with Xanthe and their young daughters to Port Macquarie, which became home for the next 18 years. In 2022, after becoming empty nesters, Kevin and Xanthe made the move to Teralba, Newcastle, to be closer to family. This is where he was to spend his final days.

Kevin's believed in ‘Facta non Verba’ — “Actions, not words.” A family man above all, he was fiercely protective of his daughters, saying, “If someone hurt one of my girls, it would be the last thing they did.” Thankfully, no one ever tested him. He believed “the best gift you can give your children is your time,” and he lived that truth by making time and memories count.

He often joked his dream of being surrounded by beautiful women came true, thanks to Xanthe and his four daughters. Having a loving family was his greatest joy and achievement.

Kevin loved sport, especially footy. A loyal Parramatta Eels fan, he would say “there’s always next year,” focusing on the highlights even when they lost. He enjoyed cricket as a boy—though he only ever let his sister Fay bowl, never bat. He often said golf would have made him rich but admitted he had no patience for putting, channeling Happy Gilmore with his wild swings.

He loved telling stories and striking up conversations anywhere. In Disneyland’s Cars ride queue, he turned a two-and-a-half-hour wait into deep chats with strangers about their cultures and lives. He took every opportunity to learn and grow.

Kevin’s dearest and oldest friend Robert Christian, who showed him around Orange Public in Year 6, has been his best mate for over 50 years.

Proud of his Orange High days, he attended recent reunions to reconnect and reminisce. Though once told by a school counsellor he’d never amount to more than a labourer. I think it's safe to say Kevin proved her wrong—and often said in hindsight she did him a favour by spurring him on.

One of his most treasured memories was a family holiday to Tasmania with his parents and Fay when he was 12. Soon after, his mum was diagnosed with cancer, making that trip especially dear to him.

Kevin loved listening to all sorts of music—70s and 80s rock like the Eagles, CCR, The Beatles, The Cars, Fleetwood Mac and Aussie classics—and never missed Countdown. He swapped his bicycle for motorcycles as a teen, raced endurance cross-country, loved water skiing, and sought out anything daring.

Though he wanted to be an electrician, colour-blindness meant he had to change paths. Kevin built a rich career: farmhand, builder, carpentry teacher, martial artist, coach, senior building inspector and investigator.

His true passion was martial arts. He began Judo in 1969, amateur boxing soon after, and Karate in 1972.

In 1989 he founded Kumiai Ryu Martial Arts System. With the support of those who believed in him and his vision, KRMAS grew into his extended family. In 2014, he was awarded 9th Dan Black Belt and will be posthumously receiving his 10th Dan Black Belt this year at the Annual National Camp. Kevin taught thousands, inspired many, and has left a legacy that will live on and on.

He believed in “Making Good People Better.” At last year’s Hanshi Awards, receiving a custom ring, he said with emotion, “It was always about you.”

Through his cancer journey, Kevin remained the optimist. He wanted to be remembered for his strength of character and kindness, and took comfort in knowing his clinical trial treatments would help others in the future.

We are forever grateful for his love, humour and guidance.

Rest easy at the dojo in the sky, Hanshi Kevin — until we meet again.

Osu!

Please scan the QR code below to access Kevin's Online Tribute Page which included his Celebration Service, gallery of photos & memory wall. Please share your special memories you had together as this will become a precious keepsake for his family for years to come.