Kevin Munoz

Kevin Michael Munoz was born July 12, 1960 in Mount Kisco, N.Y., the fourth son of Helen D. and Lawrence T. Munoz. He graduated from Palmer High School with the class of 1979. He and Rachel Collins were married on July 22, 1983 in Palmer.

Kevin spent his early childhood in Armonk, N.Y. During a family visit to aunt and uncle Peggy and Bill Deal, Kevin asked to stay in Alaska. He remained with his cousins and attended Ocean View Elementary in Anchorage for the ‘71-’72 school year. The rest of the family returned to make Palmer their home in 1972. Kevin finished school, married and raised his family in what he considered to be his home town of Palmer. He spent his career as truck driver and heavy-machine operator working in varied and remote parts of Alaska. Many of those years were spent working in family owned businesses. He most recently worked for Arctic Slope Regional Corporation that generously supported his needs throughout his illness.

To satisfy his novelty-seeking and independent personality, Kevin needed to look no further than the vast Alaska landscape and it’s people. Wherever he found himself, he absorbed all new surroundings with curiosity and a natural ease. He could be found skiing, swimming in a mountain lake or river, fishing, collecting driftwood and stones or expressing his vision of nature with photographs. He was equally happy on the front deck with sun-brewed iced tea, sitting beside a smoking barbecue creating the good food he loved and relaxing in his Vuarnet sunglasses.

Kevin’s defining characteristics were his independence and confidence in determining his own path through life. Most of us were just along for the ride.

He is survived by his son and daughter, Alex and Caila Munoz, his wife Rachel Munoz, brothers Gary and Tom Munoz, sister Maureen Koch, and their families. He is also survived by his parents Helen Munoz and Lawrence T. Munoz, his Uncle Bill and Aunt Peggy Deal, their children and their grandchildren. Kevin was preceded in death by his brother Stephen Munoz.

In keeping with Kevin’s wishes no formal service will be held. A celebration of his life will be hosted at his favorite restaurant The Red Beet, 320 E Dahlia, in Palmer on Saturday, Nov. 1 from 5 to 8:30 p.m. There will be a photo slide show of his life and opportunities to share stories and memories. Guests are encouraged to bring a photo, keepsake, card or story to share.

In lieu of flowers, an education fund has been established for the Munoz children. Donations can be made at any branch of Wells Fargo bank to account number 2272544095.