Kevin Daniels

The first time Kevin showed me this picture 10 years ago, I squinted and asked him if he auditioned for the part of the kid from "The Omen." He laughed hard and immediately started chanting in Latin. Oh man... that laugh. That unforgettable laugh. I got it from him every time I imitated my parents lecturing me as a kid. I could order a beer in an exaggerated Indian accent and Kevin would lose it. He would crack himself up doing his own patented version of a Zoomba dance... we couldn't help but laugh with him. Outspoken and passionate, Kevin firmly believed that teammates produced the best work when they knew each other better outside of "shoptalk". He would always inquire about our passions, and he was unbelievably generous in sharing his. You couldn't help but learn something new after hanging out with the guy. Memories of Kevin are intertwined with his love of fine food, travel, cooking and libation... And, of course, his sports teams. Kevin was a diehard OSU Buckeye. I never held that against him, being a Michigan Wolverine. He'd always ask me why we had a glorified weasel as a mascot. I told him he had to explain why a hairless nut captured the spirit of The Ohio State University (TM), and why "the whole state of Michigan" shows up in the very first line of their fight song. Good natured teasing was *essential* in every interaction. Did I mention that he was whip-smart? A natural problem solver, highly intelligent and kind. Kevin sought out inventive ways to pair technology, science and artistry in a way that challenged and inspired anyone in his orbit. I think the picture at the top of this page captures it perfectly - KD smiling while serving up a dish he created proudly in one hand, his other hand on his smart phone. Kevin, I'll never be able to see Mila Kunis or Ryan Reynolds on the screen again without thinking about you. Gelato won't be the same without you asking what *exactly* I like about it, and you giving me binary options as a prompt ("So do you enjoy the creaminess, or the complex flavor?") To his friends and family: Kevin was obviously loved and respected by many. I'll truly miss him. My heartfelt sympathies to all of you.