Birthday memory: For Kevin's 18th birthday, I got him a poster that shows how many calories were burned by various activities (which included cal.burned having sex (don't forget, we were teenagers!)) then rolled it up and stuffed that full of small peanut butter cups.  I always hoped to meet your family again. Miss you.

I miss you everyday.

To all of Kevin's family we wish God's Blessing during this time of your loss. 
Kevin served the people of the State better than most because he was among the best of the California Highway Patrol. I remember the day he told me he had gotten notice of assignment as a Sergeant. Talk about smiles...he indeed had one that day. A true FRIEND.
Bob Melton, ID. 3700

Damn it, this sucks big time. I just saw one great friend off today and now I have to prepare to say good bye to you. This bites. You are my #1, my troglodyte, my favorite. You are my Irishman. You are the cop I want to stop me on the highway of life. You are the guy I want everyone to know is a great father, a wonderful husband, a super grand father and the nicest nephew an old lady could ever have.

I remember taking care of you and your brother's when I was just a kid myself around 12 years of age. I'd get you and your cousins settled and playing games and think to myself, boy I hope I never have kids, they are so noisy and so much work. But I did have two wonderful girls and never regretted it. 

Kev always made me laugh. His Irish wit which he got from his fraternal grandmother and his mother was top notch. He and his brothers were more Irish than the rest of the previous generation. He really had the blarney and the bull that went with the bloodline.

Kev was a man of simple wants and simple tastes. He believed in his God, but did not understand how his Church was changing. He believed in good men and justice. There was no compromise. He believed in partnerships on the force and inside of marriage. There was no alternatives. He was not a complicated man. 

He raised four daughters with their mother. He struggled with his vices and his demons; nobody said he was a saint. He was so proud of his daughters. He could never say enough about them and was so proud of the men they picked to marry and hoped that they would remain with these men for years to come. He was given the gift of life by his Maker to remain here to see his grandchildren enter the world. He loved them more then they will ever know. 

His legacy is his family; his daughters, their children and someday their children. He will not be here to see those people, but his stories will. He will live on in the hearts of those that knew him and in the hearts of those that are still to come. Kevin Minkel, we all love you, you old sod.

I miss you so much Dad. I still can't believe this is real, I just keep hoping it's all just a horrible nightmare that I will wake up from any minute now. But I never do, and your still gone. I'd give anything for you to be here still, to sit around watching war movies with you or go through all your coins again. To have you cook your favorite corn beef and cabbage again, which I've always disliked but now just pray for the smell to fill the house again. To get another voicemail from you, you always left a voicemail every time you called, even when there was nothing to say, you'd just say Hi. You were suppose to be there for the 4th of July, we already planned it; and for Jake's 1st birthday, and Kathy's wedding, your flight is already booked, and Halloween and Christmas. Claire keeps asking where you are and why we are all so sad, she said "it's ok mommy, we'll go see grandpa on Friday". It destroys me inside to think she may not remember you when she grows up, and that you'll never get to see Jake learn to walk or talk. This is not fair, there was so much left to do. My heart is shattered.

Kevin was an amazing, funny, loving guy! He adored his family and will be dearly missed. Love and prayers for you all! Clyde and Deanne

Dad, I will miss so many things about you; The text messages you would send from the dogs pov about their day, the history lessons, your storytelling, the loud irish punk music, getting into trouble with mom together, looking at the stars/planets/moon with you, your voice mails that all start out 'hey kiddo', practicing police judo, your jokes, your laugh. You left us too soon but with endless memories and happy moments to help us through. I'm heartbroken, but i think you are still around, keeping a eye on things for us. I love you. -#4, Kimmy

Dearest girls, I am so sorry for your loss. Sharon, Sally and Chris, your cousins spent time with your father and brothers when they were young and it was such happy times for all of them. All six are of the same age so it was wild when they were together. Hopefully we will find some pictures to post from years past . I kept in touch with Kevin thru your Aunt Margaret and she shared some hysterical funny stories. Kevin was a kind, generous loving man and he was truly a blessing in your lives. His spirit lives on in our hearts and he will stop by now and then to check on you and when he does it will be magical. Peace and love to all of you. Aunt Mary

I am very grateful for the time we were able to spend together, through good and tough times. Your strength, wisdom and sense of humor were the aspects of your character I admired the most. Your commitment to your family is the thing I will remember the most. You and your wife raised some of the best people I have ever met. Football season will never be the same without you sharing all the ups and downs of your beloved Chargers and I will miss you very much. I love you Kevin.

Words cannot express how much I miss you. You were the center of our universe and a guiding light. Life will never be the same. I will love you with my whole heart, for my whole life.