Hartley, Kevin Patrick

“Only connect…Only connect the prose and the passion, and both will be exalted, and human love will be seen at its height.” — E.M. Forster, Howards End

Kevin Patrick Hartley, age 20, of Blacksburg died, Wednesday, April 22, 2015.

Subtly brilliant and always present, Kevin Patrick Hartley was someone with whom you could have any conversation or just simply be. His brilliance would surface in a whispered answer during trivial pursuit or an intense discussion on European forestry. He was always the fix-it guy for anything technological. Gentle to a fault, Kevin wouldn’t say a word as his brothers “borrowed” his stuff, knowing they’d likely forget to return it.

Whether he was playing ultimate at Roanoke College or camping out for days at Floydfest, he wore a big, goofy grin that might also emerge in conversations about records, music, and comics.

Musically, Kevin’s taste was niched and specific – as was his interest in everything else. Kevin listened to everything from Boston to A Tribe Called Quest. He pursued whatever he set his mind to with an intensity that was, to say the least, admirable.

Thoughtful and caring, he was fastidious about gift giving, always attempting to find the perfect fit for the recipient. An optimist in almost any situation, he was the kind of guy you could stand next to under a tent in a torrential downpour and hear say, “It’s not too bad out, I could use a shower anyway.”

Kevin will be continuously loved and passionately missed by his family and friends.

In company with Christ, Who died and now lives,
may they rejoice in Your kingdom,
where all our tears are wiped away.
Unite us together again in one family,
to sing Your praise forever and ever.
Amen.

Funeral mass will be conducted at 11 am Monday, April 27, 2015 in the St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Blacksburg. The family will receive friends from 4 to 7 pm Sunday evening, April 26, 2015 at McCoy Funeral Home, 150 Country Club Dr. SW, Blacksburg.