After a heroic year-long battle, Kevin Alan Kelly passed away peacefully on December 15, 2008. He was in the arms of his loving wife and family. The family has requested very private visitation and funeral services. A larger memorial service is being planned for mid-January, 2009. Details will be provided shortly. Mr. Kelly was former Executive Director of the Michigan State Medical Society.
"Medicine in this state is fortunate to have had a man of such integrity, respect for family, and commitment to his community," said Michigan State Medical Society president Michael A. Sandler, MD. "Caring and considerate, Kevin Kelly was a visionary in health care. Michigan citizens will continue to benefit from his lifetime of leadership and dedication."
A public memorial service has been scheduled for Wednesday, January 14, 2009, at 1:00pm, at the People's Church in East Lansing.
Please post a comment or a memory by clicking the comments link below.
61 comments:
A great leader that will never be forgot, thank you for being you... Tammy Soule
A great man,great father, and deeply committed husband. I will remember his graceful style and his ability to see solutions to problems so clearly. He could defuse any controversy and cared so deeply for his staff at MSMS.
Kevin was one of those rare people would treat everyone around him with dignity. Knowing Kevin has made my life and the life of my family richer.
There are so many things I will miss about you. You were always available with a kind word and wise advice. But mostly, I will miss your ability to personally connect with everyone you came into contact with. I was inspired by you and will continue to work for organized medicine in your honor. Thank you Kevin.
Kevin had an innate ability to convert knowledge into wisdom. He was a wise, thoughtful, measured person who shared a lot with his fellow state CEOs. He will be sorely missed in many settings, and the family of state medical society executives will long remember his contributions and his kind, gentle manner.
Kevin Kelly will be greatly missed. He did so much for so many people. He always had a kind smile and warm handshake to go along with a warm and loving heart. Those are two shoes that most likely will never be filled! My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
I first met Kevin when I joined MSMS in the early 1980's.
I quickly learned of his commitment to physicians both as a group, and individually.
During the 1990's I saw him at every major political event in Detroit, as he was again representing us in that forum.
I last saw him at the airport returning from a vacation with his family. He asked about my daughter who had become another fan of his during her career with the MHA. We both agree that he was a loving, caring,and committed man to his family, his career, and the growth and development of thos aroud him-an expression of love in action.
He will be missed.
Daniel Fink MD
Kevin knew everyone in a way that was personal. He had a hand in everything and helped many along the way. Nobody was like Kevin! He was a good guy who will be missed by all of us. His good works and kind words will be remembered always.
It was with much sadness that I heard of Kevin's passing. He was a neighbor, a friend, and a mentor. Kevin was a builder of bridges and relationships at many levels. My respect for him continued to grow as I learned to know him better. Our state, our community, and the medical profession will be poorer in his absence.
Kevin was a wonderful person and leader. In the short time that I knew him, he was served as an inspiration for his hard work and dedication. I am profoundly saddened by his passing and will truly miss him.
Kevin will remain recognized as a health care leader in Michigan and for his many contributions through the Michigan State Medical Society to advance major improvements to health care delivery in Michigan. He was committed to the health and well-being of our communities in so many ways, and was involved with community and charitable groups that touched countless lives. All of us at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan extend our respect and heartfelt condolences to Kevin's family, and to the Michigan State Medical Society and its membership. Kevin will be remembered as a friend, advocate and leading voice in changing health care for the better.
Daniel J. Loepp
President & CEO
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan
It is hard to believe that we have lost two great leaders from Michigan in Medicine in such a short time.
Dr. Ron Davis and now Kevin Kelly both gone at such a young age and in the prime of their careers. Kevin was always kind, complimentary of people's contributions and focused on results. Leaders like Kevin are rare, not serving for their own ego, but for the benefit of our community and our professional colleagues. Kevin will be greatly missed and will remind us what kind of leader we should all strive to be.
Kevin Kelly was a major player in everyone's life who knew him. His ability to put people together to foster positive change and create win-wins was unparalleled. Most of all he was simply the greatest guy, who taught me lots about being a good Dad. His kids are a testament to how great both he and Jamie have been as parents and role models.
Kevin Kelly: 2008 has been a tough year for Michigan's healthcare. We have lost three officers (Dr. Ronald Davis, Dr. Sophie Womack and MR. Kevin Kelly) in our army. Kevin Kelly was a field general who strategically and masterfully organized the troops on the ground in Michigan. He not only made sure that our voices were heard in Lansing but that our voices were worth hearing and that our goals were clear. On a more personal note, he was a very good person. He made you feel important and valued as person first then as a member of the MSMS. I offer my heart felt condolences to his family. Kevin will be missed. May GOD bless and keep his family through this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Willie Underwood
Kevin was not only a great leader but a kind, wonderful person. He made each of us, in our role as county executives feel important and special from small counties to large. I will miss his quick wit, wonderful quotes at the end of all of his e-mails, but most of all my heart is heavy with the loss of a wonderful friend. Our thoughts and prayers are with Jamie and her sons. Each of you know what an amazing person Kevin was to each and everyone of us.
God Bless,
Jan Jackson and the members of
The Kalamazoo Academy of Medicine
I was one of the unfortunate ones to have never met Kevin Kelly, as my association with the Michigan State Medical Society came after Kevin’s illness had removed him from his work. In the year that has passed, I have heard countless times, the influence Kevin had on everyone, and everything, he came in contact with. From all accounts, Mr. Kelly commanded a room and gained the respect of its occupants immediately upon entrance. My friends and other relations, upon hearing where I worked, would undoubtedly ask me if I had met Kevin Kelly, their faces beaming with delight in simply the prospect of my interacting with him.
It saddens me that I was not blessed with the honor of meeting and working with a man that invoked such passion in those who knew him. Mr. Kelly’s influence on those he worked with is apparent however, and their desire to emulate such a leader will only expand what Kevin began. Although such emulation may fall short of the desired goal, it is important to remember the words of Machiavelli, who wrote, “A prudent man should always follow in the footsteps of great men and imitate those who have been outstanding. If his own prowess fails to compare with theirs, at least it has an air of greatness about it.”
Kevin Kelly - we'll miss you. I don't think I ever met a man as honest, as humble and with so much integrity. He truly was one of a kind. A mentor to many of us. A friend to all of us.
Diane Bristol
Kevin was a mentor and a friend who taught me more about politics and dealing with people then I could have thought possible. It was amazing to watch him work, how he would work a room and interact with everybody he met. Going from politician to doctor to intern, it was incredible to watch.
Thank you Kevin for helping me learn and grow. My prayers go to his wife, children in this difficult time.
Brian Reuwer
Kevin was very competitive and loved sports. I have memories of
his joy leading his family foursome
to victory at the summer Board meeting golf scramble. He seemed
absolutely thrilled to play with
his sons and MSMS colleagues.
Janet and I will always remember his sunny demeanor.
Enjoyed every encounter I had with Kevin over many years. Especially remember one time when he flew his plane to West Mi for a meeting. He was always a supportive, encouraging person.
Ted Vanderveen MD
Mr.Kelly as many said was a true visionary, who helped our Med. Society and it's members to be equiped with the right tools to fight for the health our patients.
He was a fiery and astute proponent of patients rights and proposed the institutions of many legislative tools for our patients.
We grief with his family for such a loss. And can only hope for their comfort and consolation , knowing that his efforts have been truly appreciated by us all.
Dr. Anthony Kam M.D.
Retired general surgeon. Greenville ,MI
Since I first met Kevin Kelly in the early '80's I have found Kevin to be nothing but a true gentleman. He was kind, considerate and loved what he did and who he worked with. He will be greatly missed.
People really meant something to this wonderful man. Anyone who knew him or worked with him truly felt like he had a friend.
Seldom have I met anyone who was so dedicated, personable and committed to improving the practice of medicine as Kevin Kelly. He carried out his work with a quiet humility and strength of purpose that impressed and inspired me. With his warm smile and friendly handshake, he had a way of connecting with any and all he met. His untimely passing leaves a void at MSMS that will be difficult to fill, and his legacy will serve as a beacon for those who follow in his footsteps.
Kevin was more than the Leader of the MSMS. He was the voice, the behind the scenes guy who could get accomplished what needed to get accomplished. He was a true leader, a genuine man, humble and full of integrity. He was always there with a handshake, a pat on the back or a quick tidbit to help in a time of need. He was a devoted husband and father. I, like many, have had the great opportunity to work with one of the nicest, smartest and gentlest leaders around. If we would follow in his footsteps, this would be a far better place to live and work. All of us are blessed to have known him. He leaves this world with his mark on it. Thank you, Kevin, for making me a better person. God will bless your family because you blessed those you touched. I will miss you.
It has been my good fortune to have had the opportunity to know and work with Kevin from the start of his career at MSMS. He was one of the most extraordinary individuals I have known in my lifetime. I cannot think of a better role model of a father, husband, medical leader, and visionary. The profession of medicine has benefitted greatly from his life's work. Pat and I have memories of his friendship that are indelible in our minds.He is sorely missed.
Ken Musson MSMS Past-President
I believe that Kevin’s early passing is an irreplaceable loss for everyone he touched including patients, doctors, colleagues, family, friends and employees. Well-liked and well-respected, he was always strong of mind, never losing sight of the big picture while encouraging the single spirit. In every one of my encounters with Kevin, I found him to be a mentor whose company I enjoyed and benefitted from. My prayers go to his family.
Scot Goldberg, MD, MBA
Chair, MI Board of Medicine
Chair, MI Doctors PAC
Board Member, MSMS
"There are no final victories and no final failures, we have to keep on fighting"
This is what I will always remember when I think of Kevin Kelly
Kevin was a kind, gentle and visionary leader. He was so wonderful to work with because of his passion for his work in improving the health care system for Michigan physicians and their patients. Some may remember that Kevin was instrumental in strengthening the relationship between MSMS and the Michigan Medical Group Management Association (MMGMA). Under his leadership, we were the first state in the country to sign a collaboration agreement between MSMS and MMGMA. Kevin will be sadly missed by many who were blessed to have known him and be inspired by him. What a legacy he has left for us all.
I am very fortunate as I was blessed with spending the last 25 years with Kevin. He was my boss, my mentor, and best of all my good friend. Kevin supported me in every way and has helped me through some very difficult times in my life. Together we shared may successes, laughs, good times and bad times. Kevin was a great man, a man who understood people.
Kevin loved his family and was so so proud of Jaime, Daniel, and Michael. I can't remember ever being with him where one of those three names did not come up in our conversations. May you all find some comfort and peace as you move forward!
Kevin,I miss you already and I can't believe you are gone. I will always work to keep your spirit alive in the things I do in the future. Because without you, I would not have the life I have today and for that I will never be able to repay! God bless you for all you have done for me and for everyone else you have touched in your life. You will truly be missed!!
I have known Kevin for a few years now. He certainly made a great impact on the Michigan medical community. His contribution to the medical society and support of the Alliance are greatly appreciated. He will be sadly missed.
Lakshmi K. Tummala
President, MSMSA
Several years ago in a time of personal turmoil
Kevin K and the med staff was there for me
at a time when those who were truly loyal
were few and and not apparent to see.
With these few verses, Kevin I remember
And won't forget this very sad December.
Note : I lost brother my brother in law also a young man the same week we lost Kevin
My deepest sympathy to the kelly family. I will always appreciate how inviting and warm Mr. Kelly was to me. Mr. Kelly will be missed.
The passing of Kevin Kelly is very difficult to grasp.
Those of us who knew him were usually in "awe" of his gifts. He has the ability to observe "it all" .... There wasn't much that got by Kevin, and whatever he observed, he usually had a perspective which would either enhance the "good" by pointing it out and reinforcing it ......or minimize the "bad" by addressing it (or not) and moving on.
Kevin's impact on the Medical Advantage Group has been significant. As a thought leader he participated in it's conceptualization. He was an investor, a board member, a collaborator, a cheerleader, and a friend. Kevin enabled many of the relationships which have lead to MAG program developments and to long standing clients. His example of a friendly and open approach to "any and all" healthcare leaders continues to help MAG build its non-adversarial and respectful relationships with health plans, institutions, and competitors.
Much of the advice and counsel that Kevin has shared with many of us will serve us well in the future. A great friend, partner, leader, colleague, husband, and dad ...... he has been all these things and more ..... and he knew that the last two items on the list were the most important.
I ..... and I know .... all of us at MAG will miss Kevin .....
Larry Schwartz
I add to the many heartfelt comments about Kevin's kindness when I say how much he meant to me as a mentor and boss, and in the stands of an MSU sporting event, a friend. I am so fortunate to have been one of the many people who were mentored by Kevin. I have grown up professionally at MSMS, in large part under Kevin's guidance. He taught me by example to be creative, considerate, tenacious, forward-thinking and always optimistic. He also taught me to look for and create opportunities, even where it seemed impossible. I miss talking to him about politics, sports, and community goings-on. But I know his wonderful spirit and legacy will live on and continue to be an inspiration... Thank you, Kevin.
What a great leader who will truely be missed. Mr. Kelly opened doors for others to now be able to walk thru. Thank you, Kevin for all of your support.
As with all who knew and worked with Kevin, I was shocked and saddened to learn of his passing.
We met in the early 1980s at the physician leadership meetings in Lansing. I also had contact with Kevin through the MSMS "Legs and Regs" Committee and as a Delegate to the MSMS Annual Meeting. He was always knowledgeable and helpful. I was pleased to see him assume his various and increasingly active roles in Lansing.
Kevin was always pleased to see physicians contributing to their communities as well as to MSMS and their county medical society.
He was also disheartened and dismayed when hearing tales of physicians not getting along or being meanspirited. He led by collegial example, believing problems could be solved by reason and respectful persistence.
Kevin's career and leadership leaves an inspiring and indelible mark on the history of MSMS. I will certainly miss him.
Phillip B. Storm, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Past President, Ingham County Medical Society
Kevin,
Thank you for your leadership, friendship, and the impact you had on countless others. You used every moment you had on this earth to benefit others. You will never be forgotten.
Miss you boss.
Kevin, was a very warm and generous person. He had an uncanny ability to personalize every conversation and connect with people. A great leader and a great person. You will be missed.
Take care my friend.
I was on the MSMS Legislative committee when Kevin came to MSMS. He did a superb job in guiding us to appropriate recommendations and decisions. Very deservedly he progressed to become Executive Director. MSMS will sorely miss his wonderful talents. But, even more, all of us that have had the privilege of knowing Kevin will miss his great friendship, his ability to mediate, his sense of humor and his devotion to duty and family. We all have learned from him and will remember him well.
Joan and Bob
For my wife, Mary Jane, and for me, losing Kevin is like losing a son.
I had the privilege of interviewing him when he first applied for a job with MSMS, fresh out of college at MSU.
Since that time I have respected and loved him as a wonderful person, proud husband and father, rabid MSU alum, and inspirational leader.
Kevin Kelly was the epitome of grace, kindness, and acumen. He had a penchant for remembering the smallest of details and would send handwritten sentiments full of good thoughts. His gift was making people not only feel better, but be better. He will be missed his keen intellect and sincere charisma.
Kevin was truly a great example of what a leader should be. He was informed and decisive but always made the other people feel important. He will be missed.
As sad as it was to lose such a great leader and friend, Kevin's SRO memorial service in East Lansing yesterday was truly heartwarming. It was a powerful tribute to Kevin (and acknowledgement of the wife, sons, community and university he loved so deeply). MSU President Lou Anna Simon, Governor Jennifer Granholm, Dr. John MacKeagan, Lobbyist Jack Schick, new Delta Dental CEO Jim Epolito -- Kevin's pal and "brother", and others gave wonderful testimony to one of the greatest friends any of us could ever have.
I was at MSMS when Kevin was hired in 1979. He replaced one of the rare problem employees of MSMS and became one of its best. I've heard many funny stories about how Kevin was told as a new hire that he had to toe the line and learn as much as he could about the political process and try not to run things, just listen. Oh what they did not know!!
We worked together almost daily from 1979 to when I retired in 2005. Kevin and I became good friends from the moment we met but he was like that with most people. He just loved to meet people and learn about what they knew about the World and their Universe.
Kevin's love for life, his boundless enthusiasm and limitless optimism was a joy to be around. We worked hard together, we sailed and golfed together and traveled the US and world together and I can tell you with certainty that Kevin was pure gold. Not just gold plated but the real deal.
Goodbye old friend. Those of us whose lives you touched will sorely miss you. May God watch over you always.
Kevin Kelly was an original. He made friends so easily and so completely. He remembered all the details of your life. His mind was so facile and creative. His motivations were so dedicated to organized medicine and to those he served in medicine. He was an outstanding executive and wonderful friend. Steve Seekins
Kevin's passing is a great loss for Michigan. He was one of the most tireless patient advocates I have known. I had tremendous respect for his commitment to his core beliefs, and his enthusiasm for the process of organized medicine. I was inspired to volunteer becuase of his example and his gentle urging. He will be greatly missed, and my prayers are with all those who grieve at this time.....
Having grown up near the Kelly's, I often had the opportunity to chat with Mr. Kelly when he arrived home from work, errands, anything really...He was always smiling, upbeat, and ready to ask
how your day was going. You would have never known when he was having a bad day. One of the greatest memories I have of Mr. Kelly occurred one beautiful summer day when he and I happened to be outside at the same time and struck up conversation. He ended up having to go somewhere shortly thereafter, and so asked if I'd grab a cup of coffee with him at Beaners the next morning. I said of course and wondered if we would actually go, considering that a lot of people these days seem to be all talk, no show. I shouldn't have been the least bit surprised when the next morning, Mr. Kelly showed up at my front door exactly when he said he would, ready to take me to the coffee shop. He insisted on buying my coffee and we spent an hour talking about how school was going for me and the goals I had for the future. It couldn't have been more clear, judging from the huge smile on his face, how genuinely interested he was in what I had to say. He offered sincere words of encouragement and optimism for the future. Among endless other instances I can recall, I learned that day especially what a wonderful person Kevin Kelly is. We love him and will miss him, but his incredible spirit will never fade.
Kevin was truly a great person, and although my "career" with MSMS did not ultimately work out, I still respected Kevin for his tireless efforts, love for family and career, and genuine concern for others. I'm sorry not to have been able to pay my last respects.
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