Obituary of Kevin Jerome Tell

My wonderful husband, Kevin, passed away on January 3rd, exactly five years after the death of his dad, Jerry.

I am heartbroken – I have lost my rock, my partner – the love of my life. He was the best dad Nicholas and Madeleine could have wished for. He truly loved spending time with his mom, Beryl. You could see his joy when she came by to visit. He loved my parents too and became my dad’s best friend.

Kevin attended St. Andrews School, Miller High and then graduated from the U of R with a Business Administration degree. He then joined his dad at Cindercrete Products where he learned the family business from the ground up. He was an intuitive businessman, and saw opportunities that led to strategic partnerships, land development and senior care homes throughout the Prairies.

He was an amazing athlete. Kevin emerged as a competitive squash player after his dad was involved in building the first regulation squash court in Regina. He started out as the janitor and soon became an exceptional player – he was provincial champ many years in a row and was ranked 6th nationally. Kevin was also passionate about golf. He loved being on the course with his golf buddies and his son, Nicholas. Much to everyone’s chagrin, his game was effortless. Even in the later stages of his illness, he easily maintained a 3 handicap, winning wagers against his friends.

We were so fortunate to travel the world together, just the two of us, or with our kids or friends. While we journeyed to many incredible places, the closest place to his heart was Pasqua Lake, SK. As a young boy, he spent all his summers at the cottage, where he, his sisters and friends, reveled in activities such as waterskiing, swimming, fishing and just having fun.

Nothing made Kevin happier than having his kids and their friends out to the lake. He used hundreds of gallons of gas towing them behind the boat, patiently teaching anyone and everyone how to ski, surf or hang on to the tube. His complete love and acceptance of his kids’ friends meant they loved him, too. When Kevin was first diagnosed with cancer, they showed up at our house with gifts including a t-shirt that read – “Top Ten Night” – one of his favourite expressions.

Kevin had a “Top Ten” life. He was the most optimistic person I have ever known, and he believed anyone could do anything if they put their mind to it. It was his kindness, generosity and humility that attracted people to him. This translated to him making lifelong friendships, which he never took for granted. He truly loved all his “brothers”. I know they will miss him so much.

He loved being a dad to Nicholas and Madeleine. Whether he was golfing with Nick, rebounding for Madeleine, cheering them on at sports, enduring a cello concert, driving them to parties or just hanging out watching a movie, he sincerely loved spending time with them. He was most content when he was planning meals for us, or for our friends. For some reason, he really took pleasure in grocery shopping.

Kevin, was a man of great faith. He believed that God had a gentle hand on the earth and that he provided guidance and inner strength to us all.

I can’t begin to count all the things I will miss about Kevin. All the little things and mostly, his unconditional love and his support of me for the more than 28 years we were together. I don’t know how I will go on without him – but I am comforted in knowing that he will be in my heart forever.

Kevin leaves behind his loving wife, Donna Kabaluk; children, Nicholas and Madeleine; mom, Beryl Tell; sisters Christine Tell and Karen Davidson and aunt, Joan Woodward; nephews, Regan and Cameron Hinchcliffe, Steven and Michael Davidson. My dear husband, my best friend, adoring father to our children – may you rest peacefully in heaven. I will forever be grateful for everything you were to me and our family.

We will have a small family ceremony for him, and when we can host an event without the fear of Covid, we will have a big celebration of a life lived so well. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Kevin Tell Legacy Fund at (https://sscf.ca/kevin-tell-legacy-fund/) or a charity of your choice.