Obituary of Kevin Michael Grummel

Kevin Michael Grummel left this earth on Friday October 11, 2019 in Portland, Oregon. Kevin was born on July 23, 1987 in Bellingham, WA. He attended both Bellingham and Wellspring High Schools. After graduation he worked in the construction industry in Bellingham, Portland and Colorado. He was a gifted carpenter and took pride in his strong work ethic. He worked hard at his brother Alex’s house in Portland, renovating an old house on the hillside above Portland State University. Alex’s three year old son Soren often supervised this ongoing project and was fond of saying: “Kevin works really hard.” Kevin was a loving and selfless person who put the needs of others ahead of his own. He would listen to those he loved without passing judgment while asking for little in return.While living in Portland he made friends with people on the street and would invite some of them into his hotel room to take a shower and have a complimentary breakfast. He had a sharp and witty sense of humor that could make light of so much, including personal struggles and setbacks. He found beauty and satisfaction in the parts of life that so many take for granted. He was an avid reader and he never hesitated to provide family members and friends with book suggestions. His family was so proud of him when he outfitted his old Ford Ranger and set out to Denver, CO to find work and a new life. He often reflected on the joys and freedom of venturing across the West. He eventually returned to Portland to be closer to his family. He delighted in spending time with his niece Rio and nephew Soren. He would read them books and made Soren elaborate smoothies. Kevin’s eyes would light up whenever he spoke of them. During the last year of his life Kevin was actively turning things around with the alcohol use disorder which he had battled over the years. Tragically he died as a result of medical complications related to it. He is survived by his parents, Mike and Esther Grummel and two brothers, Alexander (Jenny) and Matthew (Hannah), his nephew Soren and niece Rio and many aunts, uncles and cousins. He is preceded in death by his grandparents Roger and Julia Grummel and Hans and Hilde Heimhilger. The family would like to thank members of the community and staff at Outside In a social services agency in Portland for administering CPR and staying by our son’s side prior to EMT arrival. Donations can be made to Outside Inn and Living Yoga both of Portland, OR. Condolences and memories can be shared at Crown Memorial Center Portland’s website.