Obituary of Kevin Patrick Mehaffey

Kevin Patrick Mehaffey By Marcia Mehaffey, Kevin's Mother Of course, all mothers feel their child is special, unique, amazing and wonderful. And, of course they are correct. I’m sure I sound biased here, but I just have to say that in the case of Kevin, not only was all of the above true, but I have even more to add. In essence, Kevin was perfect. Tall, incredibly handsome and very athletic and fit, Kevin seemed unaware that he possessed these qualities. He was a modest and humble guy. Kevin was always a good student and always good at sports. Growing up with three older brothers, I used to joke that when they played backyard football, they used him for the ball. At 3 1/2 he played roller-hockey with the kids down the street and was the goalie. He started Weston football at 7 and played on both the JV and Varsity football teams until his graduation from Western High. From the time Kevin was a baby, he was sweet and friendly to everyone. And, not just all people but animals as well. He had a compassionate heart. Ask his many, many friends. He was always there for you with that engaging, dimpled smile. Kevin grew up in our home in Shenandoah, which was on a lake. He was a great swimmer from an early age. Once, when Kevin was about 4 years old, I walked back to the lake to see him standing in water up to his waist; cradling a duck in his arms. The duck had its head at a weird angle and Kevin was stroking it. He explained to me that it had been in a fight with another duck and seemed to have a broken neck. Kevin was gently stroking it while it passed away. Kevin’s family and friends will all tell you that his kindness, willingness to help and cheerful spirit knew no end. Working part-time as a tow boat captain, he worked one evening driving a party boat during the Christmas holidays. This was while he was still living at home. In the morning I saw a huge plate of food; covered with foil. When I asked him what it was, he told me that the party hosts gave him a big plate of food at the end of the night. But, instead of eating it, he drove around looking for a homeless person to give it to but didn’t find anyone. Kevin was so wonderful with all creatures that I thought he might become a veterinarian. We had many rescue pets while the boys were growing up. My heart breaks for his three pups, Luke, Skylar and Batman, who had the best dad a pup could ever want. Instead of becoming a vet though, from the time he was three years old Kevin was determined to become a firefighter. And, he not only followed that dream and became a firefighter/paramedic, but in the five years he was with Pembroke Pines, he worked hard, studied and climbed the ladder. He had become a Driver Engineer in January, but the official awards/promotion ceremony had never yet happened, due to the pandemic. A few years ago, he was awarded the Medal of Valor for a heroic rescue dive. Kevin also held certifications in this area. And, he was just about to pass the test to become a Lieutenant. A huge aspect of this tragedy is the great career Kevin had ahead of him. Something he worked very hard at. In fact, Kevin had been working many long hours, trading shift times with fellow firefighters so he could accrue time off after his baby was born. A little over a year ago, Kevin met the love of his life, Meagan McIntyre. They became engaged in a romantic proposal during a Santa Toy Ride last December, with Kevin driving the fire engine and Meagan dressed as an elf. Their baby girl, Sydney, is due in August and Kevin was beyond excited. He was already displaying what an incredible dad he was going to be. It hurts me too much to even write this. Kevin was my son. My baby. A mother could never hope for a more devoted son. He was my best friend. He has always been there for me during my own times of need. Before he had a steady girlfriend, we had weekly dinner dates together. We texted each other often and never ended the text or call without saying, I love you. Lately, we were also saying, “miss you.” I will never stop missing him. Please continue to keep his fiancé, Meagan and his baby girl in your prayers. And, all of his brothers, his dad, all of us. Love you forever, Kevin. Mom Arrangements by Joseph A. Scarano Pines Memorial Chapel-9000 Pines Boulevard Pembroke Pines, Florida 33024. Please keep the Mehaffey family in your prayers.