On 20 July 2006, our world lost a shining light when Kevin Umlauf passed away. At 46 he had dared to do more than many, and during his time he touched more than most. His example was in doing something for someone in need and never stopping to consider if his needs were met first. It just wasn't his way. This page is dedicated to the memory of Kevin
 Kevin - it's been a joy to work with you for the last five years, but to have you as a son, was indescribable. See you on the other side. I love you! Mom
Dad, we love you and miss you and we will always ride with you in our hearts, forever. Love . . . Jerra and Jenna
Kevin brought the joy of bicycling to so many after discovering the joy in cycling himself. He encouraged the average, everyday person to pedal . . . and pedal they did. The Sunshine Bike Shop's team was the largest team of riders each year on the MS 150 Bike Tour - but so many of these people were not high-end athletes . . .just good, common folks with a dream, to finish that ride . . .that 150 mile ride.
He would be there for them, too. On Saturday morning's training rides; following them with the Sunshine Bike trailer. He gave a spare tube . . . a spare tire . . . or a drink of water . . . but he also gave the most precious thing one can give . . . his time. The irony is his time proved to be short; his giving, however, will be remembered forever.
 It is said that a brilliant conversationalist is one who talks to you about yourself. Kevin was the brilliant like that – he would always compliment you about something . . .and . . .it made you feel good.
One of things I remember about Kevin is his obvious love for his daughters, Jerra and Jenna. I would be in his office and one or both of them would stop by or maybe just call on the cell phone and he would stop, just for a second, and say hi. And I always heard him say “I love you” before he hung up, and his eyes would gleam.
Jeanna – Jerra, always know - he so dearly loved you.
One day, not long after the death of our friend, Lee Creemer, I said something to Kevin about faith – it wasn’t a direct question really, but we both knew what I was talking about. I said something about how firmly I believed that God watches over us, during the good and bad times, and that He would take care of us. Kevin looked at me, smiled and said, “Oh, absolutely! No doubt. I believe that 100%.” At that moment I knew he believed too, and my heart rested a bit easier. In his smiling eyes I saw something brighter; I saw in him the light of Jesus.
He is now celebrating his eternal life with our savior. I believe that, 100%
 We will ride on.
We will keep pedaling, but it won't be . . quite the same without Kevin.
But one thing is for sure, he would encourage us all to stay involved in the fight against MS. He was a passionate warrior in that battle and his gift ripples across this community, and it will for years to come.
So ride through your lives for Kevin.
Ride for yourself.
Be more than you think you can be.
And learn a lesson from the untimely passing of our friend - take an extra minute, or an hour, with someone that means something to you. Tell them you love them, and you will honor Kevin's memory, and bless yourself.
Humanitarian Dr. Albert Schweitzer is quoted as saying: “Example is not the main thing in influencing others. It is the only thing.”
Goodbye friend – thank you for your example. You touched so many.
Now, go rest high on that mountain . . . then . . . coast down the other side.
Steve Hargis - 24 July 2006
In lieu of flowers and to honor Kevin, the family has requested that memoriall contributions be made to the National MS Society - click here for a link to the donation page - Halfway down the page there is a “tribute finder”. All you have to do is type in “Kevin Umlauf” and all the information to acknowledge your gift is automatic. From there, they just follow the directions. Thank you.
Thank you for stopping by - God bless you.
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