Kevin will be remembered in our community for his iconic Nederland artwork, as well as his loving hugs. He was truly a light in today’s era of chaos. As true of so many of us, Kevin grew up to embrace the counter-culture of his times. One buddy stated that Kevin received a master’s from the University of the Grateful Dead. Kevin lived his principles and taught by example. He made his home in our Gilpin/Nederland area for three decades, loving our mountains and community.
Anyone who walks our pedestrian bridge in Nederland loves Kevin’s murals of the mountains. He donated his time, materials and talents for free on this project. His artistic style has become iconic in our Town of Nederland. Kevin also painted the town trash cans, and the fact that they got stolen afterwards remains a compliment to the artist. You will remember Kevin when his mountain painted bus drives by.
A Celebration of Kevin’s life was held at The
Covered Wagon on Wednesday,
November 17th.
All wore their Kevin
Wear. No two T-shirts are alike. The tye-dye colors brightened our spirits. They were all gifts from Kevin which will keep on giving.
“Tye-Dye was his first name, Kevin was his last name,” our friend, Scott said while recalling attending an opening game of the Colorado Rockies with Kevin. He remembered Kevin’s joy, because on these opening spring days, “all the women come out!”.
Another friend, tears streaming down, remembered so many times when her day was not going well, but running into Kevin and getting that hug, gave her the hope and love that she needed to keep on going. Every woman in the room agreed. He was a light! With a speck of realism, one friend pointed out, ”sometimes that light flickered!” Then loving laughter. As the night went on folks wrote their memories on cards at The Covered Wagon. Later at an outdoor ceremony, they were sent to the stars in a cloud of smoke.
As the Town of Nederland seeks mural artists, remember that Kevin Malanaphy was the first, and we’d all agree, a master. Let’s keep Kevin’s spirit alive in all of us.
