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Ross LePoidevin posted a condolence
Thursday, October 19, 2023
How do I begin to sum up a man who I have known all my life? Kevin was the most genuine person you would ever meet. He was a gentle giant. He was a compassionate and caring person to all. His humour was beyond anything I have ever known and he made me laugh every day we were together. He was an amazing story teller who used facial expressions in theatrical ways like no other. He was a devoted husband, father, brother and son and the best friend anyone could ever have. He was my encourager. We checked in on each other regularly just to chew the fat and to see how we were doing. Often, we enjoyed talking about historical oddities we had found out about world war 2 air craft and ships. We grew up together attending the Salvation Army Scarborough Citadel Corps. We attended Sunday school and were in the junior band together where we shared many special times.
We were also very involved in scouting from Cubs to Scouts and Ventures. We found a love for camping in the outdoors. I could tell you many stories, good and bad about our camping experiences but that would take a month. Both our fathers were our Scout leaders so we always had to be on our toes. When we returned home from our camping trips. our poor mothers had to deal with some very stinky camping gear and clothes. One time our parents would not sit with us on the subway coming home because of our stench. Over the years, we had developed a love of games, both computer and board games. We would regularly get together with other friends in his room at home or later his basement apartment and enjoy different games for hours. We devoured pizza on breaks often experimenting with toppings much to the chagrin of the delivery guy, as it would stink up his car.
We always kept in touch throughout our College and University years even though we could not always get together. Before long, I was telling Kevin I was getting engaged to Heidi and wanted him to be part of our wedding. 8 years later, I was happy to be part of his wedding along with our 4 year old daughter who was Kevin and Lisa's flower girl. We both ended up with 3 children each and our families have grown very close over the years. We are Aunties and Uncles to each others children.
In 2018, we joined them in having a trailer at the Pleasant Bay Family camp and have had many wonderful memories there. I am know very grateful for the times we had together at the trailer. The swimming, canoeing, fishing, camp fires and of course board games. We always enjoyed meals together with Sunday brunch being the highlight.
This has been a huge shock and has put a huge hole in my life that can never be filled. I along with my family will remember you the rest of our lives. You were One in a Million!
Farewell my brother and friend, until we meet again.
T
Tamara Masa V posted a condolence
Thursday, October 19, 2023
My name is Tamara and Kevin was a dear friend to me in the theatre while I was in my undergrade and far beyond. I am heartbroken hearing the news and I wanted to share my favourite memory of Kevin with you.
My favourite memory of Kevin was sitting together in his messy (yet organized for him) little nook of an office with all of his memorabilia from the years past. He began with a story about his time working at wonderland and then we some how ended up talking about my kobo (which at the time had no books on it). He immediately pulled out a USB stick with over 5000 different books on their - from classics to fan fiction. After talking for 2 hours about nothing relevant to the production we were working on at the time, we ended the conversation with him telling me to come back tomorrow for more banter and light hearted chats. And while I didn't get my answer to the production question I was looking for, I came out of that office with so much more insight into the other topics and useful tips and tricks that I never saw coming - including 5000 new kobo books. Kevin always left me with thousands of stories that would bright up my day (figurately and literally).
Before I left to Vancouver in January, Kevin came to a goodbye brunch with a few of my favourite people from (UTSC) and after everyone had parted and it was just Kevin and I, he said to me 'call me anytime you need. No, seriously kid, it can be a tough world but remember you are not alone.' And those words will reverberate in my brain for years and years to come because those words helped me every single time I felt lonely without any friends in a new city.
I sent my condolences, prayers and respect and I wish that Kevin memories forever brings smiles to everyone's faces, as he did for those around him.
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Scott Hill posted a condolence
Thursday, October 19, 2023
I have struggled for days to find the words, but there are none.
No mere words could properly sum up Kevin. They cannot sum up the heart warming silliness, he never outgrew or the devotion and love to his family and friends. They cannot describe the dedication to his work and students or the joy he brought into every room.
Maybe if I had the ability to tell a Kevin story, I might find the words. Most of you know what a Kevin story is. A story you may have...... OK probably had heard before. But yet, you got hooked listening to every detail. Even the stories you were in, you eagerly awaited the conclusion to hear what happened to you.
Those stories are Kevin - Taking the time to connect, share a piece of advice, a smile or a laugh. And those stories that still play in my head, character voices and all, kept me company this past week. Kevin will remain with us all in those stories.
As for me, the words that stand out are LOVE and JOY. Love for a man who gave so much love to all he met, and joy being what he brought to the word.
I miss you Kevin, and I know that I am a better person for having been your friend.
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Oriel Horner posted a condolence
Thursday, October 19, 2023
Most of you here today only knew Kevin in his adult years. As one of his older sisters, I had the joy and privilege of knowing and loving him as he was growing up. Kevin was my much loved baby brother. The year I turned 10, my mother came home from the hospital with a beautiful baby boy in her arms, wrapped in a soft yellow blanket. I sat, with my 2 older sisters, on the sofa, eagerly waiting to see him. To my shock and delight, she walked directly to me and placed Kevin in my arms. Maybe this was to nip in the bud any sibling rivalry - as I had been the baby for almost 10 years. She needn't have worried. As you all are aware - to know Kevin was to love him. Although, I must say I always did feel a tad smug that I got to hold him first and, like maybe I would maybe get to be his favourite.
As i share a few memories of Kevin, as a child, I think you will notice the similarities, in so many ways to the Kevin you knew as an adult.
Kevin's love for reading developed early. Long before he knew his ABC's, he would lie in his crib in his doctor Denton sleepers, turning the pages of a batman comic, pointing to his favourite words and dramatically declaring: POW! BAM! CRASH!
As a baby he loved to have his back rubbed to help him fall asleep. As he got a bit older, he would often fall asleep listening to one of his favourite books - the Dr. Suess Sleep book - being read, Kevin's love for the sounds of words and the drama they could create became evident when he was a young child. The sleep book was read to him so many times that he could recite long passages from memory he loved making the sound of the words create pictures when he quoted: Up at Herk-Heimer Falls, where the great river rushes. And crashes down crags in great gargling gushes, The Herk-Heimer Sisters are using their brushes. Those falls are just grand for tooth - brushing beneath If you happen to be up that way with your teeth.
When Kevin was little he loved hotdogs - long before his baby hands could hold a hotdog bun properly. He used to eat his hotdogs with elastic bands around the bun, so the wiener wouldn't fall out.
When I was in grade 8, I took Kevin to school with me for a half day, even though I had the meanest strictest teacher in the school. I wanted all the kids to see what a cool little brother i had. Kevin sat there taking everything in and missing nothing. He even made the miserable old teacher smile and at recess everyone wanted to play with him. He was just 3 years old!
When Kevin was in grade 1 the teacher handed out a slip of paper to everyone in the class and asked them to write down the name of their best friend. Do you know that EVERY child in the class (other than Kevin himself) said that Kevin was his best friend!
This wonderful, too good to be true, little boy, grew into the funnies, kindest, most amazing man. We are all devastated by Kevin's death and will miss him immensely.
The other day, my 5 year old granddaughter asked me: 'Grandma, is Uncle Kevin in Heaven now?' When I responded 'yes', she said: 'then, I think, God must be laughing'. I asked her ' why would you say that?' her response? 'Because Uncle Kevin knew how to make everyone laugh!'
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Wade N posted a condolence
Thursday, May 4, 2023
I regret hearing of the passing of Lecturer Kevin Mark Wright. He taught me at UTSC in technical production in 2004-05. May he rest in peace. My condolences to his loved ones.
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Soo planted a tree in memory of Kevin Wright
Thursday, May 4, 2023
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For Kevin. Forever in my heart. Thank you for having been my friend. Join in honoring their life - plant a memorial tree
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Diriye Hassan posted a condolence
Tuesday, May 2, 2023
The best thing I can say about Kevin Wright is that there never was a moment where seeing his face or talking to him didn't make my day better. If I bumped into him in the hallways of UTSC on a bad day, my day instantly became better. If I popped my head into his office on a good day, he made my day great. He carried himself with a grace and a burning curiosity that I appreciated more and more as I moved further and further away from campus. Every time we talked, it grew into a free-flowing conversation — it could start at a question about lighting and end up with using sitting down watching Monty Python clips. No matter how busy, stressed, or occupied he was, he never allowed that to seep into his interactions with others; he never projected that stress onto others.
Thank you Kevin. I promise we will all protect and carry your stories, kindness, and friendship with us wherever we go.
To Lisa, his children, and the rest of his family, I'm sending you all my love and prayers.
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Uwe Schwarzkopf posted a condolence
Tuesday, May 2, 2023
Fare thee well my friend, fare thee well.
Thank you for Wexford, D&D, CNE, Movie Premieres, Yearbook, Making movies, Mr. Greenjeans, Paintball, Canoe trip, Eatons, Movie nights, Monty Python, Halloween, Gorilla, Porcupine in the dark, QI, Scarborough Bluffs, Helmet workshop, Unser Mutti, Bruce in the Shower, We didn’t start the fire, Klingons, Drumming, Totem Pole, Making props, all the Joy and Laughter and so much more.
I will always cherish the memories of all the stories created with you, as they have contributed greatly to the person I am today.
Fare thee well my friend,
Fare thee well.
A
Angelina Silva donated to HEART STROKE FOUNDATION ONTARIO
Tuesday, May 2, 2023
From Angelina SILVA and family
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Kathy Patton posted a condolence
Tuesday, May 2, 2023
Dear Lisa and boys,and all the family
So sorry for your loss of such a young man.
Sending our sincere sympathy and thinking of everyone at this difficult time.
Earl and Kathy Patton
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Gabriella Hamilton Klien lit a candle
Tuesday, May 2, 2023
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Kevin was a Mentor and friend throughout my time at UTSC. He was such a considerate person, always willing to listen, to lend a hand or an ear, whatever necessary. He cared deeply about the theatre program and worked hard with the rest of the staff to give and do more for us theatre kids.
What I will miss most about Kevin is hearing his stories, his boisterous laugh, and his warm hugs. Kevin always lit up the room with his bright eyes when telling a story. He delivered each story with such passion, as if it was the first time he spoke it. When it came to his family, it was a gift to witness how much he loved them by watching his face throughout his retellings. If something was funny Kevin's laugh filled the rooms he entered. They were boisterous, infectious and caused people to laugh even harder.
After hearing about Kevin's passing, I reached out to many peers, and just hearing about the impact he had on everyone spoke mountains about Kevin and how beautiful his soul was.
I know for myself, if I was feeling down and Kevin was around, he wouldn't hesitate to pull me aside and allow me to vent. He would encourage me, reassure me, give me resources if need be, and let me know if ever I needed someone to talk to and he was around, I could go to him.
The last time I saw Kevin was a random day in a grocery store in Oshawa. I remember hearing my name, turning around and seeing him, I was instantly filled with joy. We caught up for a bit, shared a hug, and then said our goodbyes.
Kevin will be so missed.
To Lisa, the boys, and Kevin's family you have my deepest condolences. Sending you so much love in your time of grief.
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David Bracegirdle posted a condolence
Tuesday, May 2, 2023
Kevin was a wonderful man, an immeasurable force of nature who radiated warmth and actively made UTSC into a place where students, staff and faculty felt they belonged. You felt instantly comfortable in his company, and he always remembered to ask after family and check in with how you were, and how you were really. He was so generous and demanded little in return, and he was always so proud of Lisa and the boys. Our thoughts are with the family, friends and communities who have been effected by Kevin's loss.
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Russell and Kathryn uploaded photo(s)
Tuesday, May 2, 2023
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Kathryn and Lisa have been friends since university where they were both in the same scenic design program. We met Kevin when they were dating and hit it off immediately. Kevin had a way of making you feel at ease right off the bat. He always had a smile on his face and was quick to laugh and great at spinning a yarn. I remember him telling us stories of different performers and behind the scenes happenings from when he worked at Canada’s Wonderland.
Living in different cities we didn’t get a chance to visit as often as we would have liked, but Lisa and Kevin and the boys would make a point of coming to our Valens picnics whenever we had them to catch up and visit.
One memory that stands out was when we were visiting Lisa and Kevin, I think it was when they lived in Keswick, and Kevin got on the keyboard and belted out some Tom Waits. That was the first time I’d heard him play and didn’t realize what a talented musician he was.
Lisa, Alec, Kyle, Brendan - we are so sorry for your loss.
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Cheryl & Lois Fallis posted a condolence
Monday, May 1, 2023
Kevin was a wonderful fellow, very warm and full of life. His hugs were epic; you felt engulfed with love and caring. His and Lisa's marriage was a blessed meeting of hearts and souls, blessed further with their three boys. He shall always be thought of with love. He shall always be missed. May his memories bring sweetness and warmth to all that have known and loved him.
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Chai Chen uploaded photo(s)
Monday, May 1, 2023
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A photo of Kevin at UTSC X-mas party 2019
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Jasmine Scott posted a condolence
Saturday, April 29, 2023
Kevin was my professor at UTSC and I was TERRIFIED to go up to the booth. It was an ongoing joke that I was going to do 7 years of university and never go up. But as I’m sure you know where this is going, Kevin made me feel so safe and comfortable that I was able to do it!
And that’s a perfect way to describe how Kevin made people feel,
Safe and comfortable.
On my wedding day, I had arranged pictures to be taken of us at UTSC in the theatre. And there was Kevin letting me in and helping on the day. It made my wedding day complete and it’s all thanks to him.
Kevin will be so missed by everyone.
To the true dad of the theatre!
Lots of love to the family.
Jasmine Scott
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Susan Mills uploaded photo(s)
Friday, April 28, 2023
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It was with great shock and sadness I heard of Kevin’s passing. I always thought life would give us another opportunity to cross paths and to see each other as the adults we became with our spouses and families at our side. I know the hole Kevin’s passing leaves in everyone’s lives is huge. Kevin was a special human being you just never forget.
My deepest condolences to Lisa and the boys. May your pain be brief and your memories give you strength.
“The boys” – it’s funny and ironic that Kevin would father boys, as his own Dad didn’t believe it when he was told he finally had a baby boy after three girls. The story goes that Kevin’s Mom was already in labour and giving birth, and no one could track down his Dad until the whole thing was over. The nurse told his Dad that he had a baby boy, to which his Dad laughed and said I know it’s another girl. He didn’t believe it until he got to the hospital and saw he really did have a boy at last (not that he didn't love his girls, just that his baby boy track record wasn't great).
All the wonderful characteristics Kevin’s family, friends and students identified as being the things they remember about Kevin were clearly evident in high school – where we met in Grade 9. Kevin was dating someone else then, but by early Grade 10, we were a couple and stayed that way for almost all of high school (we broke up between Grade 12 and 13). He a theatre arts student; me a visual arts student. Both of us music students.
I did not have a happy family life, so being with Kevin and his parents was a new experience for me, being around a family that loved each other, laughed together, and so obviously enjoyed each other’s company. I was introduced to "PDQ Bach" and “Poisoning Pigeons in the Park” and “We’ll all go together when go” (two of many funny songs on an album his parents had). Both Kevin’s parents had a great ability to find humour in even the littlest things. In a sense, because of Kevin’s incredible warmth, compassion, kindness, sense of humour, loyalty and support, I have measured every man I’ve dated against the very high bar Kevin set. I’ve even told my husband Mark we are a couple because of Kevin.
During high school, I practically lived at Kevin’s home. Walking there or to the church after school, doing our homework in front of the TV in Kevin’s basement “suite,” having dinner with his parents and being driven home at 10 pm. That was our pattern for those years. Oh yes, let’s not forget the early morning orchestra band practices. Kevin played cornet in the Salvation Army’s band and trumpet at school in the orchestra band and also stage band (I played flute, piccolo and piano). Our time on weekends revolved around Kevin cutting the grass at the church and ferrying elderly churchgoers on Sunday and Eatons, where we both worked during school and summers. Kevin kept us all laughing, and our little group of school friends often ate lunch on the stage or the back staircase so theatre homework and lines could be practiced and acted out.
Kevin’s ability to read a Shakespeare soliloquy only a couple of times and then bring the words to life as he acted them out never ceased to amaze me. In Grade 11, we were required to memorize a minimum of 5 lines from the Shakespeare play we were studying and then recite them back in class. Always putting others first, Kevin worked with me so I could at least manage the minimum and get a passing grade! And then we were in class, and I thought, OMG, I took up all our time last night and now he has to say his lines. I needn’t have worried. Kevin recited an entire soliloquy (I think a whole page long) in true actor’s style and received cheers and a round of applause from classmates! When I asked how he had done that, he said he had read it a few times in between helping me. Talent!! Bags of ability and skill!!
Of course, Kevin had the lead role in every play at school. His Pseudolus in the school’s production of “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum” lives on in memory. I do believe there’s a videotape somewhere of that whole production. Wexford had been permitted to produce the play, and then a professional production rolled into town and performed before Wexford’s three nights. The word on the street was that Wexford’s production was better than the professional one. I always put that down to the fact that Kevin was Pseudolus.
And then the twins. Kevin’s closest sibling in age was Oriel, and she and her husband David adopted autistic twins (Oriel had a degree in working with children with special needs). Oriel and David were given less than 24 hours notification to make a decision about the adoption, so when we got to Kevin’s home, his Mom sent us to the grocery store to buy as much food as possible with the cash she had in her purse and then deliver it to Oriel’s home. So off we went. When cashing out of the grocery store, we suddenly realized everyone was staring at us – two teenagers buying baby food – and realized they were thinking we were buying this food for “our” child! ARGGGGGG! Then the guy in line behind us says, “eats a lot doesn’t it” – to which even Kevin didn’t have a quick comeback, and I simply blushed. We did manage to blurt out that the food was for his sister’s children, but I’m not sure anyone believed us.
One last story to tell (there are so many, but that would be book in itself), since I’m the only one alive now who knows it. Kevin and I met before high school. We met at a conservation authority park where we had been bussed from our respective and different Scarborough schools for a day of outdoor learning. I think this would have been Grade 7. I was still pretty “fresh off the boat” from England, and Canada’s outdoors was a challenge of bugs, branches, overbearing heat or cold and uncomfortable conditions. So outdoor learning was a day to be endured, not enjoyed. We were told to divide into groups and not to have anyone from our school in our group and then told we had to build a firepit, teepee and accomplish a few other tasks. I hoped to slink off into a quiet meadow-like spot and pretend the whole day didn’t happen. Luckily, I ended up in a group with a cute, tall guy with very thick glasses and extensive knowledge of building firepits, reading compasses, building teepees or lean-tos and other outdoorsy skills and tasks. When asked how he knew how to do this, he said his Dad taught him, and he was a long-time Boy Scout. Yes, that guy was Kevin. Typical of that age group, we never got each other’s names or schools; we just tried to organize ourselves and finish the tasks. No surprise, Kevin led our group and did most of the work. It would be years later that Kevin and I realized we had met before Grade 9.
After 3+ years of dating, we talked about marriage, and our parents talked about us marrying – but deep down, I think we both realized we had a lot of living and learning to do first, and neither of us wanted to hinder the other in pursuit of our respective career paths. Through the years, I have often thought of Kevin and hoped his life was working out as he hoped. I think it was around 2001 that I tracked Kevin to UofT’s Scarborough Campus and sent him an email of thanks and appreciation for his love and support through those high school years and how he and his family had helped me get through tough years with my family falling apart. I am the person I am today largely because of Kevin. I learned that family could be a positive and loving experience. I learned to give of myself to others, to find the strength to love and be kind and that the relationship of a couple can provide a safe harbour and be a source of love and support that gives the individuals the ability to flourish and grow.
Rest in peace Kev, love Susan.
Photos submitted: Kevin and me on his parents front lawn dressed up to go somewhere. Kevin's school photo @ Grade 11. Kevin and me holding the twins - could have been their christening as we're both dressed up and so are the twins.
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Lora Senechal Carney posted a condolence
Thursday, April 27, 2023
The very first time Kevin came to a meeting of UTSC's Cultural Affairs Committee, I announced that Mr. Wright had come along, and he had. He contributed so much, and with such good humour. We were so glad to have him with us.
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Shirley Davy posted a condolence
Wednesday, April 26, 2023
Ted and Shirley Davy would like to extend our sincerest condolences to the Wright family in this time of sadness. Kevin was an amazing man and will be truly missed by all who knew him. Sorry for your loss. We will keep you in our prayers !!!
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Rosanna Horner uploaded photo(s)
Wednesday, April 26, 2023
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Forever in our hearts Kevin
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Anonymous planted a tree in memory of Kevin Wright
Tuesday, April 25, 2023
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For Kevin whose spirit lives in our hearts. Love, Peeter and Victoria Join in honoring their life - plant a memorial tree
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David Townend posted a condolence
Tuesday, April 25, 2023
How can one sum up the life of someone in a single page?
You can’t.
On April 19th, my best friend Kevin Wright was taken from us – far too soon. Although I first met Kevin in Boy Scouts, we really became friends in High School, performing in various plays and in the school band. Later we made school movies together, wrote plays together, watched perhaps a thousand movies together, rented perhaps even a thousand more together, experienced many joys together, laughed together, and yes even cried together. In our 20s, feeling very “grown up”, we moved out from our parents’ and had our first apartment together, and were at each other’s Weddings together – Kevin being my Best man, and helping – and succeeding – to keep me focused and ready to face this new chapter.
Yet, that was what Kevin was all about.
Helping.
There isn’t a person who knew him that he didn’t help in one way or another. He was always there for you. To guide, to assist, to advise, to share, to be a shoulder to hold and to cry on, and yes, to pick up the pieces. Who, what, when, where. It didn’t matter, that was Kevin’s nature. He touched so many lives – and we are all the better for it. Each of us all gained a little bit of Kevin from this, and, part of him is still in all of us. Kevin lives on in all of us.
“I’ve heard it said, that people come into our lives for a reason…”
That was Kevin, that is Kevin.
I love you, my friend. I miss you, my friend.
David Townend
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Dave Brinton posted a condolence
Tuesday, April 25, 2023
I could fill several books with the stories and memories of my countless experiences with Kev. Kev was a gargantuan part of my life. We were close to inseparable for almost 20 years and the closest friends for 40 years. He was one of the first people I met when I moved to Toronto in July of 1983. I fell in with Kev, Ross LePoidevin, and Graham Moore the first day that I started attending the Salvation Army Scarborough Citadel. I knew from the moment I met him that I liked him, and within seconds after that that we would be life long friends. We had the same friends because Kevin accepted me immediately and invited me into his circles of friends at church and from high school.
We played in the SA band together, and sat together in every class we shared at York University in the Theatre program. We spent so much time together that people thought and asked if we were brothers, and when we said “No, we’re just friends,” they had other ideas! We met Scotty Watson on our first day of first year in Theatre History class and the three of us immediately clicked. Kev and I carpooled daily to York in one of our rust bucket cars from Scarborough together for years. You could see the road through the floor of Kev’s first car! Kev used to joke that if I wore my suede desert boots that it would rain, and every morning that I wore them it rained that day!
We listened to the same music, loved the same movies, we had the same sense of humour. Monty Python, Steve Martin, Carol Burnett, morning cartoons. Music too; Elton John, Billy Joel, the Eagles, James Taylor, funk, soul, r&b and of course Tom Waits. I introduced Kev to Tom Waits’ music and Kev took to it like a duck to water. These and many other artists were the soundtrack of our friendship. Some songs make me immediately think of him, and they always will.
Kev and I formed Comedy on Wry with Carol Lempert and Scotty Watson and made laughs together for thousands of people for 11 years. We spent hundreds and hundreds of days, thousands and thousands of hours, and shared hundreds of thousands, maybe even millions of laughs together. Some crying too. We saw each other through church, through university, through Comedy On Wry, through relationships, through early mornings, long days, all nighters, meals, ginger snap cookie making marathons, road trips, rehearsals, writing sessions, performances, countless hours singing and laughing, Kevin on piano, me on guitar, through rain storms, snow storms, shit storms, everything imaginable.
When he met Lisa I breathed a sigh of relief! I never saw him so happy. I was honoured when Kev and Lisa chose a Tom Waits song I recommended for their wedding song, “I Hope That I Don’t Fall In Love With You.” Kev and Lisa were truly made for each other and as the years passed I never saw him so proud and filled with as much love and joy as when he spoke of Lisa and of his boys.
He was as close to my brother as he could be without us sharing parents or DNA. His mix of kindness, humour, brilliance, dedication, compassion, talent, skill, focus, and good natured mischievousness is like no one I have ever known before or since. Having him in my life brought me unbelievable joy. His death is also the death of a part of me. Kev is irreplaceable. Kevin Mark Wright was my brother and I fucking miss him with every fucking fibre of my being and I always will. Rest peacefully Kev. If there’s a Heaven I know you’re there right now making everyone’s wings and halos shake with laughter.
- Dave Brinton
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Autumn (Olivia) Rennie posted a condolence
Tuesday, April 25, 2023
I remember returning to UTSC for a second undergraduate degree in theatre, years ago. With my intentions originally to attend medical school, it was a decision that shocked many, and heading into that school year, I wondered if I would fit in with the Scarborough theatre community. It was during my first term that I met Kevin, as a student in his Technical Production class. Kevin never failed to support me in my decision, make me feel embraced by the school community, and beyond all - cultivated my love for theatre production. In those early days, sitting by myself in the theatre 'gray space' eating lunch or studying, I remember Kevin passing by on the way to his office and never failing to ask me what I was reading, offer to lend me some epic adventure novels, or provide encouragement for my hard work in his class and others. Today, I am pursuing a career in the arts, in large part because of the kindness Kevin showed me from Day 1 at UTSC. Kevin - there's no way I could ever thank you enough for the impact you made on my life, and countless others. I miss you so incredibly much. You will never be forgotten.
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Cathy, Nav, Brooke, Taylor - Family uploaded photo(s)
Monday, April 24, 2023
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Family Easter Saturday April 8, 2023 and celebrating birthdays.
Little did we know that this day would be our last with you Kevin. ❤️
A million memories to cherish for a lifetime.
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Brittany Lemick posted a condolence
Monday, April 24, 2023
Kevin was a little bit of everything. I met him at University of Toronto when I was studying theatre. 18 years old and determined to take on the world. Kevin was the theatre. He was all things to his students. Devoted, supportive, someone that every student could depend on at any given moment. Kevin was a relief for parents having their kids involved in University life because he naturally took on the role of the guardian for everyone entering.
Kevin could fix anything. He taught me how to use power tools and I felt I was too blonde to learn how. He would laugh, rebuild faith and teach you just about anything. Kevin was the glue to UTSC theatre. He was well loved by everyone, but his heart beat the most for his wife Lisa and his three sons. They were a part of his daily talks and he could never wait to get home to them. He was full of pride when it came to family.
Kevin was always a funny laugh. A hug when you felt down. A stern lecture when you needed one. A safe place for all who entered the green room. He will be remembered for a thousand things, but mostly for just being humble and kind. Rest easy. You will never be forgotten.
Brittany Lemick
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Brenda Winstanley uploaded photo(s)
Monday, April 24, 2023
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Kevin and me at one of many Halloween parties.
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Brenda Winstanley posted a condolence
Monday, April 24, 2023
So many wonderful memories of Kevin...
One of my favourites is the when Wonderland opened the “Kids Kingdom” playground area. Special Characters and escorts were created. Kevin and I were the long-term contract Entertainment staff at that time. The park wanted to promote this addition by having the “King”, a lion character, and his jester escort attend a number of promotional events. Turned out Kevin was too tall to be the character, so I had to do it even though I was actually too short. At 5’3” I did not make and impressive King, especially when my jester, Kevin, towered over me. The jester costume just fit him – think Will Ferrell in Elf, lol. But, Kevin played the role to the hilt – he was hilarious. Made it very difficult for me to be regal when I was stifling laughter, after all, characters don’t speak. No doubt everyone saw the King’s shoulders moving in my attempts to not laugh!
Kevin was famous in our university years for throwing or planning some great parties…even if they were, how do I say it, not exactly permitted. Long before York’s beautiful new fine arts facilities were built, those of us in the Design and Technical side of theatre had to go across Keele St. to a building in the industrial area for our classes and studios, except for carpentry and sound which remained in the bowels of Burton Auditorium. There was one large empty room, perfect for ‘get-togethers’. We all had keys to the building, to work on our projects, assignments, and shows at any time. Conveniently, no security for this area. So naturally Kevin said “Halloween Costume Party!” It was one of the best. He made sure everyone selected a ‘signature song’ for the dancing – so many great 80’s tunes! I do believe Kevin’s choice was the Violent Femme’s “Blister in the Sun”. There were many after show parties in Burton Auditorium, along with no reason at all parties, and I’m pretty sure Kevin came up with the idea for us to hide in the lighting grid when security came around. It worked.
I often thought of Kevin, Scott Hill and myself as the 'Three Amigos' throughout York U. an at Wonderland. Of course Kevin was Chevy Chase, Scott was Steve Martin, an I was Martin Short, ha ha. And like that comedy, we were competitive in harmless ways, but always had each other's backs. There was never any doubt, right up until now, that we would be there whenever needed...sadly Scott and I have lost not just our amigo, but part of our souls. The great memories do remain such as very competitive Oscar parties...well, for Scott and I anyway. Kevin would often pick the unusual nominees in our pre-show 'picks', but in a tuxedo T-shirt, he won the fashion portion of our evenings. Trivial Pursuit however, was always "game on!!" Not sure who ended up with the most wins; we were all trivia masters and we knew each other's weak categories.
Thank you Kevin for being such an important part of my life. See you again on the other side.
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Jennifer Mance posted a condolence
Monday, April 24, 2023
I had the pleasure of working with Kevin for many seasons at Canada’s Wonderland. He was a fabulous Stage Manager-firm, professional, but loved to make us laugh and loved to hang with us in the green room. When I think of Wonderland I think of Kevin holding up the colored cards from the booth: yellow if we needed to stay off the bottom level (starting to rain), red when it was time for a “concert style” show when it would be too unsafe to dance or move around.
Kevin had a huge heart and would do anything for anyone. Fast forward to 2010 when I was directing my first school musical and desperately needed technical advice. I reached out and, in true Kevin fashion, he not only told me what I needed but let me borrow equipment (light board and lights) from his tech department AND drove the stuff from T.O. to Whitby! He then hung the lights and taught me how to run the board. Not many would do this but Kevin was so passionate about education, theater and helping his friends. I have often shared this story with friends and colleagues over the years and always imagined I’d have the opportunity to somehow return the favor someday. He was taken far too soon and my heart breaks for his family. ❤️
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Erin Allaby posted a condolence
Monday, April 24, 2023
I had the pleasure of being taught by Kevin at UTSC in 1999. He made me laugh and gave me a bad grade on my technical exam because frankly I was no good at that aspect of theatre. We travelled to Prague together and he made me laugh and feel loved. Thank you, Kevin for everything. You will be missed. ❤️Erin
A Memorial Tree was planted for Kevin Wright
Monday, April 24, 2023
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We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ the staff at DeStefano Funeral Home Services Inc. Join in honoring their life - plant a memorial tree
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The family of Kevin Mark Wright uploaded a photo
Monday, April 24, 2023
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