Kevin O'Connell Remembered
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Kevin O'Connell Remembered Save Email Print
Reno
Posted: 4:02 PM Jan 12, 2009
Last Updated: 5:12 AM Jan 13, 2009
Reporter: Terri Russell

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Frequent Bullys customer Steve Burrows says he first met Kevin O'Connell when the bar opened up in Carson City. It was big even Burrows said, and O'Connell was a big personality that came with it.

"Charming, witty, smart, and so much more than that when you got to know him."

Burrows was just one of many people at today's memorial who wanted everyone to know O'Connell's death is an incredible loss. The 44 year old was stabbed to death outside a bar on Thursday night. A shock to family, friends and acquaintances.

John Sieban talked about O'Connell being more than just someone to stood on the other side of the bar.

"Four years ago I lost my 24 year old son to a car accident, a tragic car accident, after spending, listening to him call me every night Falluja for 14 months. I didn't lose him in Iraq, I lost him on Jack's Valley road in Carson City. The one man who called me and told that David has spent the best part of his life with family and friends and that was important was Kevin."

Kevin O'Connell was known for his charming personality and his patience in listening to customers and co-workers. He coached Pop Warner football, and he loved the Oakland Raiders.

Arek O'Connell is O'Connell's adopted son who had the final word at today's memorial.

"All my father ever wanted in his life was to be with loved with this family and see them together as much as possible. He might have also wanted to see the Raiders in the Super Bowl one more time...."

While there was some levity today, there was also a great feeling of loss and helplessness. And while no one may be able to make sense of what happened to O'Connell last week, the family youth pastor told the crowd, we can learn from him. It's not how he died, but what he did while he was still alive.

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Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.
Posted by: Anonymous on Jan 22, 2009 at 07:58 PM
who are you Dennis, I am his wife. He was your nephew? Were you at the funeral????

Posted by: Jason Location: Maine on Jan 18, 2009 at 05:49 PM
I was very sad to hear this. Kevin was a good man. I worked with him in Bully's Carson in 2002-2003. He will be missed.

Posted by: kris Location: elko on Jan 16, 2009 at 06:51 AM
Why not a state lotto instead of ripping off the state employees

Posted by: Janine Location: Castro Valley, Ca on Jan 14, 2009 at 09:26 AM
So sad to hear about Kevin. I've known Kevin since our days at Castro Valley Elem. and respected him as a person and a good athlete. Kevin you will be missed at our 30 year reunion!

Posted by: Dennis on Jan 13, 2009 at 04:55 PM
Thank you for the nice tribute to my nephew. We appreciate it.

Posted by: Anonymous on Jan 13, 2009 at 10:48 AM
this is so sad.

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