He fought the good fight, he finished the course, he kept the faith.
At 4:45 pm. tonight our dear husband, dad, son, brother, and friend returned to his heavenly home.
How grateful we are for the knowledge we have that he still lives.
Thank you to all of you who have climbed this mountain with us. I love you.
Kevin, you will be missed.
At board rounds tonight in the ER, the staff stood in a circle, held hands and said a prayer for our friend and colleague, Dr. Kevin Hegewald. He leaves us with so many wonderful memories, a mountain of inspiration but also, a hole that will never be filled, because no one will ever be just like Heggie. Peace and love to you all.
ReplyDeleteWith much love and many prayers,
His ER Family at Saddleback Memorial
Abby,
ReplyDeleteThere are no words. Only love. I wish I were there to hold you and the kids. Thank you so much for being so gracious and sharing him with us. All our love,
M&M
Kevin just had a way of making everyone feel like a dear friend. What an example of charity and love! He'll be forever missed. Thank you, Abby, for documenting the journey on your blog so that we could follow his status and be inspired by the strength and courage of your family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you today and always.
ReplyDeleteThank you for this blog and chance to see your family's faith in action. I'm so sorry the fight is over. Kevin will even be missed by those who haven't seen him in a long time. My prayers are with you.
ReplyDeleteYou are an amazing family! Our family has been taught so much through yours. Continued thoughts and prayers to the Hegewald's.
ReplyDeleteLove,
The Matthews
I am so glad I was able to see you and Kevin in August. Hanging out in Norfolk was really fun, and I am glad I got to see him again. I am so, so sorry. He is an inspiration to us all, and I know he is with his Heavenly Father. We love you.
ReplyDeleteHow grateful we are to have had Kevin touch our lives in so many ways. His powerful testimony, his example, his friendship, and that great big smile will always be with us.
ReplyDeleteThe Donahoo's
Hegewald Family, we are so sorry that Kevin's fight is over. Our thoughts, prayers, and love are with you all. You are an amazing family! I didn't know Kevin as well as some, but I do know, that I never saw him without that huge smile on his face. Lucky you, that you will still see that amazing smile on the kids' faces. Thank you for sharing your story with everyone. What an inspiration you are!
ReplyDeleteThe Gleich Family
Kevin always made anyone who he was with feel like the most important person. That is a rare gift and he will be missed dearly. His smile lives on in Josh, Sophie, Ben and Sam. We love you Abby and will always cherish the memories of your one-of-a-kind husband. Thank you for sharing your journey with us. xo Rachelle (and family)
ReplyDeleteJerry Sonkens Family....
ReplyDeleteThere aren't words to describe the enthusiasm and zest for life Kevin had. It was infectious1 He was and always will be an example of selfless love, unconditional love, and a person who didn't think anything was impossible.
We have enjoyed many wonderful family moments at Lake Powell (water skiing on the "glass" at 5 am with music before the Lake woke up) pool hopping with the children, and planning events to go on.
His love for your family was always apparent as he bragged about Abby and his children. What a spiritual giant he was to you and us. He loved the Savior and did his best to lead others to Him.
We, too, shall miss him, but know that he is not far away, and that we will see him again.
All our love and prayers go to you.
Love always, The Sonkens Family
We are so sorry to hear that such a wonderful person is no longer with us. Abby, thank you for sharing your family's journey with all on this blog. From the very first entry it has been inspirational. You have shown incredible strenghth and grace under difficult circumstances and I admire you so much.
ReplyDeleteWith love,
Kathryn (and family)
K-dawg: Your huge heart, infectious smile, eternal optimism, and love for life, the Savior, and all around you, will live on in all of us whom you touched. Until we meet again, my dear friend. We love you...
ReplyDeleteTaylor
Hegewald family,
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts and prayers are with the entire Hegewald family! Kevin was like a big brother to me throughout my childhood. I remember countless Lake Powell experiences, one in particular where he got me to cliff jump by gently pulling my hand and saying 1-2 and then we jumped. He was ALWAYS smiling, laughing and came up with the funniest nicknames and songs for people in my family! Kevin thank you for being an amazing man and I know one day we will see you again! Love to you Abby and your sweet beautiful children! My prayers and thoughts are with you!
Love Karin Sonkens Holt
Prayers going up for the whole Hegewald family. The Portofino neighborhood is a better place for Kevin having lived in it. Kevin will be remembered fondly.
ReplyDeleteLove,
The Graces (Jim, Lisa, Cole & Daniel)
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. We are so thankful to know your family. Your Dad is an amazing man and an incredible example to us as you all are. Abby this blog has been so wonderful for us to keep up on Kevin and all of you as we are away. You have amazed me once again with your wit and elegance in documenting this journey. We love you guys! Sending prayers from Shanghai. Love, The Nichol Family
ReplyDeleteAbby, Sophie, Josh, Ben and Sam with a heavy heart I am deeply saddened, but I know you are a family of strength and love. I am here if you need ANYTHING.
ReplyDeleteI cherish my last few visits with Kevin and he will always hold a place in my heart as "Heggie"
No words can explain feelings but Kevin fought the fight and I am grateful for all the family time you guys got to have this past while.
He is in the heavens and he has inspired me and made a difference in my life. He will be forever missed but it is comforting to know he is at peace.
I will be going to surf the spot we named Kevin's Crag to lay flowers in honor of his amazing life.
Make Every Day Count....he absolutely did.
May your family find peace in knowing your husband and dad is living his second life in more peace and comfort. It will be an amazing reunion when you all meet again.
Much love and prayers to your family
Your friend
Michelle
Abby my number is 760-409-4082 if you need anything, or the kids want to go surfing anytime at all.
My dear friend Abby.
ReplyDeleteSo, if we are so relieved that Kevin's terrible pain and suffering are over and he is most likely rejoicing with his Savior today, why do we grieve so much? .... "And thou shalt live together in love, insomuch that thou shalt weep for for the loss of them that die...."
He will be so missed by legions, but by none as much as you, the kids and his parents. Our love and prayers seek Heaven in your behalf.
We are so grateful for Kevin's life, his examples of courage and faith; his way of smiling and joking and making each of us feel pertinent. Take care.
Love to all of you, Pat & Larry
After I read the blog I came up with these words:
ReplyDeleteI hate cancer more than a little, in fact more than a lot! But I am proud of Kevin and the fight he has fought. He is now in Heaven and I believe the captain of the sky. He's for sure a leader because who wouldn't follow that guy!
He led by example and I would follow him anywhere to hear his words and wisdom that he always loved to share.
Kevin we love you always and already truly miss you but we will hold our heads up high, because thats what you would do!!
Catherine Sonkens Standiford
We will miss you dearly Hegge.. Thank you Abby for sharing your journey together with us. Words can't describe how amazing your husband was, he touched many lives. He brought much joy and laughter to all those little, frail, elderly patients at Saddleback, and even more to his co-workers. May God bless you and your family always...
ReplyDeleteAngel
Kevin lived more life in 40 plus years than most of us live in double that. His infectious personality and smile leaves a huge imprint in our minds and hearts. His battle may be over, but yours continues. We are here for you and your family Abby. I don't know of a stronger more capable person than yourself. Our hearts are full and prayers are with you. We look forward to the time we get to be with Kevin again. Hang in there girl. All my love! Heather Remund
ReplyDeleteWe have been thinking of Kevin and your family so much the last few months. Our hearts were so heavy last night when we heard the news. We are sending our love and prayers to all of you.
ReplyDeleteI am certain you have heard this hundreds of times, but the one thing we think about every time we think of Kevin is his huge smile and twinkling eyes. Kevin was always the one who seemed to be enjoying life the most. He just genuinely seemed excited to greet the day and the adventure. What a beautiful gift he was given, as that wonderful attitude of his certainly provided him more joy in his short life than many of us ever experience. Kevin was a wonderful man and a great example to all. Abby, you are an incredible woman and are such a great example to so many. Thank you for sharing your journey with us. We have all been blessed by your strength, poise, humour, honesty, and faith. We have been profoundly impacted by you and Kevin.
Sending our love and prayers, Kirk & Diane Tanner
Our hearts are very heavy with this sad news. Our prayers go out to your family. Know that you are loved and surrounded by family and friends! All our love! Petersons
ReplyDeleteGodspeed
ReplyDeleteYou probably don't remember me - but i was a missionary 10 years ago in San Clemente and Bro. Hegewald was in the bishopric w/ Bishop Hadley. What a strength! Back then i was Sister Moysh and have since been married. I came to your house sick one night and received nothing but tender care. I was so grateful for a smile and healing touch. My heart is saddened, yet so grateful for a loving Heavenly Father whose perspective is so much greater than ours. After reading the below post - it is clear that He shared that perspective w/ you and your family...thank you for sharing it w/ us. May the Lord continue to bless you in your journey!
ReplyDeleteDear Abby, Josh, Sophie, Ben and Sam,
ReplyDeleteWe will always remember, his warm smile, his loving words, his caring heart..We are thinking of you at this time of profound loss...our prayers are with you...we send our love!
Allen and Judy Brown
Sister Hegewald & family:
ReplyDeleteEven though we've never met; our kinship as Saints leaves me feeling privileged to have perceived your courage and brilliant faith. Please know that you are in our best thoughts and prayers.
s.w.
I am so sorry to here of Mr. Hegewalds passing, You are in our thoughts and prayers. If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask.
ReplyDeleteI am truly blessed indeed to have known and worked with Kevin. I know that he is now free of pain and suffering, but I am selfish and want him here with us. The hole he leaves in our ER will never be filled, but thousand of people in south Orange County are alive and well thanks to Kevin's care. God bless.
ReplyDeleteYou have been on our minds and in our prayers ever since we heard of Kevin's diagnosis. I could hardly believe how great he looked and how high his spirits were at Tanner's farewell. I am sure he was exhausted and in pain but he never let it show. He always wore a smile.
ReplyDeleteYou will continue to be in our thoughts and prayers and we hope that you feel the love of our Heavenly Father at this time.
Sending love from Bountiful!
Callahan, Nikki and the girls
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteYour family has been on our mind and in our hearts these past months. The topic that kept coming up in our conversations was how much joyand enthusiasm Kevin shared. I remember ringing your doorbell one evening last year to pick up from a playdate and Kevin answered the door in his scrubs ready to leave for work. He always greeted me with a friendly fist bump or a warm hand shake and a genuine, "Good to see you!" That evening, he greeted me with the biggest bear hug I think I have ever gotten. Abby, you just smiled like this was an everyday occurrence in your household (and I am sure that it was). Kevin is truly a unique man. I am so glad to have known him. His joy and strength and goodness showed through every time you saw him and it shows through in all of you too. Love from the Martins.
ReplyDeleteI am so sad to hear of Kevin's passing. But am also delighted in the knowledge of eternal families! I remember being a young girl at your wedding, and admiring the love that was so apparent between you two. Kevin's legacy will live on. He touched so many people on a daily basis. I always loved being able to talk with him at McPherson famly functions. He truely had a way of making every single person he met feel special. I love you all and wish you comfort during this hard time.
ReplyDeletexoxoxoxoxoxo cousin Sarah
Hegewald family,
ReplyDeleteWe love you all and have been saying many prayers and will continue to say many prayers for you all. I've never met a man like Kevin. He is probably the most loving, accepting, happy, energetic, and giving person wrapped in one bundle I've ever met. His smile lit up a room. He has a special ability to make all he meets feel like we are his best friend. Any time I see someone playing basketball with a headband, or I look at our family "Title of Liberty" we made at your house for Family home evening, or eat German Food like he prepared at the Mission night that he hosted for all the priests in our ward I will remember him. I also think of Kevin every time I am in Utah and see Mt TImpanogas and remember our hike with the boys to the top. Thank you for all the memories we shared together with Kevin and your special family. We love you and know that at this very difficult time you are constantly in our thoughts and prayers.
with love,
The Fotheringham Family
Hegewald family- I too am a HUGE fan of Kevin. We had some amazing trips to Lake Powell every year and I idolized him. He has such an amazing personality and sense of humor. His zest for life was so contagious. He leaves behind such a wonderful legacy. I have told my kids about Kevin over the years and how he was friends with everyone no matter what walk of life they came from and made everyone feel important. What a great example to all of us. He will truly be missed. We love Kevin and all the Hegewald family. Our prayers are with you.
ReplyDeleteMuch Love, Heidi Sonkens Peterson
My love and faith goes out to your family. So many fond memories of Kevin at the U. Abby, please know I will be thinking and praying for your beautiful family. I love you. Kelly Gygi Ostergar
ReplyDeleteAll I can think of is that huge toothy smile when I picture Kevin. He always made you feel like somebody special. Will never forget the stories he told us by the fire in Powell. I'm kissing my kids and telling them I love them with more fervor tonight! Thanks for your example and zest for life Kevin!
ReplyDeleteYour legacy lives on!
Katherine Metcalf Parker