Kevin Curtis Beach, 33, of Lenexa, KS passed away Saturday, March 8, 2014 surrounded by his loving family. He left this world with strength, optimism, and love, much like he lived his life. He was quick to laugh, loved all, nonjudgmental, and forgave readily - even when it wasn't asked - optimistic and generous with a wonderful smile.

Kevin was born June 11, 1980 to Barry and Jean Beach in Rochester, New York. He graduated from Bellevue East High School in 1999. Shortly after his 21st birthday, Kevin was involved in an accident that left Kevin a quadriplegic. He turned his tragedy into a positive by becoming a motivational speaker for safety awareness throughout the greater Kansas City area. Kevin was a huge advocate for prevention of spinal cord and traumatic brain injury.

Kevin is preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Robert C. Beach and maternal grandmother, Mary Schermerhorn. He leaves behind his loving parents, Barry and Jean Beach; big sister, Stacie Keil and husband Joshua; nieces, Magnolia, Lucy, and Daisy; little sister, Carrie Beach; grandmother Joan Beach, and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Services and Memorial Contributions

A celebration of Kevin's life is planned for June. The family asks to honor Kevin's memory by making memorial contributions to ThinkFirst-Greater Kansas City, 2316 East Myer Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64132 or to Rehabilitation Institute of Kansas City, 3011 Baltimore Ave, Kansas City, MO 64108.