Remembering Senior Constable Kevin King: Sons will never forget dad who was their ‘best mate’
Kevin King had been with Victoria Police for six years, one as part of the Nunawading Highway Patrol, and loved the camaraderie it offered. In the wake of his unfathomable death his family will never forget “the considerate, beautiful man he was”.
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Kevin King had a busy and full life with a loving partner and three sons ... then he decided he wanted to help others too, so he joined the police. Amid their heartbreaking loss, Kevin’s family is proud he made a difference.
Not a day has gone by without tears for Sharron Mackenzie.
But the 48-year-old can still see the light Kevin King brought to her world and the lives of their three boys.
It’s what’s helped her through the darkness and overbearing silence in a house once filled with the sound of Kevin strumming the guitar and banter with the boys about the footy.
“He was taken away from us, so suddenly, so tragically and way too soon,’’ Sharron said.
“And we now face the long, heartbreaking journey ahead of trying to find peace in not knowing all the answers.
“The loss of Kevin will never leave us, however his love iseternal.
“We miss him so much and yet every day we are reminded of how much he is still with us.”
‘KEVIN WAS SOMEONE YOU COULD ALWAYS RELY ON’
Kevin, a senior constable, had been with Victoria Police for six years having worked in the rag trade and as a personal trainer.
The 50-year-old had been with Nunawading Highway Patrol just a year but his level-head had already attracted praise from senior police.
“Kevin always showed such compassion and empathy towards others and he was someone you could always rely on,’’ Sharron said.
“He would always go out of his way to be there for you and would go above and beyond to make sure everyone was OK, always putting others before himself.
“He enjoyed the experience of serving the community, helping others is what brought him true richness, true rewards.
“He would always be fiercely loyal and devoted to worthwhile causes and was in his element and at his best when he was part of a team.
“He loved the camaraderie and mateship that Victoria Police offered.
“His hard working, caring, reliable and loyal nature are just some of the qualities that made him such a great man and cop.”
‘KEVIN WAS SO VERY PROUD OF HIS BOYS’
In the face of the unimaginable, it’s simple acts of kindness, often from strangers, which has comforted Sharron and the couple’s boys James, William and Henry.
Without people opening their hearts, Sharron said, her family would not have been able to navigate through such difficult times.
“We have been so overwhelmed and moved by the outpouring of love and support shown in so many heartfelt ways by the entire community,’’ she said.
“The sheer amount of the many thoughtful tributes and acts of such generosity and kindness will stay in our hearts forever.
“So many have all given so much time, energy and love into helping us to honour our loved ones.
“There are no words that can express our gratitude for all you have done.
“Kevin was always so protective of us and so very proud of his boys and the way so many people’shearts have opened to support our family honours him so very much.”
Kevin’s “blue” family, too, had been there all the way through.
Sharron said she and the boys would be forever grateful to the first responders who were with Kevin and his three colleagues in their final moments.
Some of those who had been at the scene had since reached out in a gesture of “kindness and empathy”.
“Many truly amazing, dedicated and beautiful police members have been with us every step of the way and continue to go above and beyond whenever we need to call on them no matter what time of day or night,’’ Sharron said.
“Their words of comfort and support have helped so much — especially during our most difficult and darkest times.
“Kevin shared with us how all-encompassing and challenging policing can be at times and words cannot express how much admiration we have for them all — every time they put on their uniform and sacrifice their own safety for the entire community.
“We thank each and every one of them for their loyal service, commitment, courage and dedication.”
‘HE WAS A GENTLE, LOVING SOUL WITH THE BIGGEST HEART’
Kevin and Sharron met 35 years ago.
In simple terms, Sharron said, Kevin was her life.
“Kevin was a gentle, loving soul with the biggest heart of gold who loved his family dearly,’’ she said.
“He was the person we made our plans with. He was every part of our past, present and future.
“We chose to be together continuously, through all life’s ups and downs.
“We chose commitment every single day.
“He was the most beautiful man, the love of my life, my best friend.”
There was nothing Kevin loved more than his children.
“We can reflect on troubling emotions and transform them in a positive way and remember Kevin as the kind, considerate and beautiful man he was,’’ Sharron said.
“He was the most dedicated, devoted and loving father and best mate to our three boys James, William and Henry who he loved so dearly.
“They were his world.
“He was a much-loved son, brother, uncle and mate — a shining star to all whose lives he touched.
“We miss him so profoundly and deeply and will forever miss so much about what was before, our shared family times together — long days at the beach, the fishing trips, the footy, the banter and having a laugh.
“We miss his music and hearing the sound of him strumming on his guitar.
“We miss so much his voice, his smile, his warmth and his way of making things better and will forever remember and cherish the times we spent together.”
For Sharron and the children the upcoming National Police Remembrance Day was a time to reflect and honour not only Kevin but all officers who had made the ultimate sacrifice.
“For us now as a family, with a loss so close to our hearts, it has an added layer which brings a more intense sadness and heartache but also a smile, warmth, and an immense sense of pride,’’ Sharron said.
“We thank him for his love, his help, his courage, his strength and dedication.
“In the wake of what we have been through Kevin would want us all to hold on to the many special and fond memories shared — memories that will stay our hearts forever along with the everlasting image of his big beautiful smile.
“We will remember him always and forever.”
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