Kevin P. Spiers was known for his willingness to help others - family members, friends, or someone he just met. He loved spending time with his best friend on their boat "Wetter Da Better." After high school, Kevin followed in his late father's footsteps and enrolled in the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers' apprenticeship program. After Kevin died on July 16, 2011, at age 22, his family turned their grief into joy by volunteering with the Gift of Life Family House's 'Home Cook Heroes' program. They have also established the Kevin P. Spiers Memorial Scholarship Fund to helps students with tuition at Kevin's alma maters and ensure Kevin's legacy lives on.

Kevin's Story

Kevin P. Spiers had a vibrant personality that was infectious. He was known for his willingness to help others, whether it be a family member, friend or someone he just met. He was also active in his local parish.

Growing up, Kevin played Little League baseball and enjoyed summers at the shore with his friends. Most of all, he loved spending time with his best friend Michael Kisielewski on their boat "Wetter Da Better."

After high school, Kevin followed in his late father's footsteps and became a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local #351. He was enrolled in its apprenticeship program to pursue his dream of becoming an electrician.

Kevin died on July 16, 2011 at the age of 22. "In those hours following his death, we were approached by Gift of Life and asked to donate Kevin's organs. Even as we suffered such a great loss that day, we were able to give others the ultimate gift - 'The Gift of Life'," recalled his mother, Joan Spiers.

Joan noted that although "our hearts are filled with so much grief, we decided to focus on all the happiness that Kevin brought to us in his 22 years of life." Joan and her family have found "great joy" in volunteering in the Gift of Life Family House's 'Home Cook Heroes' program, where they help to prepare meals for transplant patients and families staying at the house. They now volunteer every month and have pledged to underwrite a Family House guest room in Kevin's memory.

To keep Kevin's generous spirit and goodwill alive, his family established the Kevin P. Spiers Memorial Scholarship Fund. The fund helps students with tuition at Kevin's elementary and high school alma maters. In April 2012, they hosted the biggest fundraiser to date.

"Our family, along with 600 of his friends, came together to ensure that Kev's legacy lives on and continues to help others as only Kev would have wanted it," Joan said. "The event was a testament to his short but very full life."