Kevin Samuel Crathern

Our beloved son, Kevin Samuel Crathern, passed away in Asheville North Carolina on February 14, 2019 from an accidental drug overdose. Kevin struggled with the brain disease of addiction for many years. His kind and gentle spirit has touched many people’s lives in his 26 years. Kevin was loved very deeply by his family and friends and we will miss him forever.

Kevin loved the outdoors from an early age. He did many Outward Bound Wilderness Adventure trips, and hiked several of the 4000 foot mountains in New Hampshire, where he gained his trail name of the “Gazelle Kid” for his sure footedness and speed going up the trails. Kevin and his father did a few amazing hiking trips together, the most memorable being the John Muir trail out in Yosemite National Park. Growing up, Kevin also enjoyed the family tradition of going to the beach and spending a week in a big house with his grandparents, aunts, uncles and many cousins, especially cousin Jay who was his lifelong friend. Kevin was also an excellent skier and enjoyed skiing fast amongst the trees in the White Mountains of New Hampshire.

Kevin graduated from Springfield Township High School in 2010. He played flute in the band and was a member of the stage crew. Outside of school he was in a church bell choir, earned a first degree black belt in Taekwon-Do and became an Eagle Scout with Whitemarsh Troop 320.

Kevin attended Western New England University and then transferred to Temple University to study Environmental Science. His studies were put on hold after he became addicted to opioids and went to rehab in Florida, where he found a period of sobriety. Kevin decided to relocate to the beautiful mountains of Asheville to give himself a fresh start. He found love and support from his partner there and paid it forward to his many Asheville friends. He was enrolled at the University of North Carolina Asheville Campus and was a senior in the Environmental Studies program. His dream was to become a park ranger and help others to enjoy the beauty and wonder of nature as he did.

Kevin’s favorite thing to do when he wasn’t working or studying was to hang out with his precious dog Morty in the many dog parks in his neighborhood. He enjoyed taking her on long hikes, four leaf clover hunting and paddle boarding. He loved Morty and never went anywhere without her. Kevin also enjoyed the art of glass blowing and his music,especially Bassnectar.

Kevin is survived by his mother and father, Sue and Glenn of Oreland PA, his brother Kyle of Malden MA, Grandmother Sylvia Davis of Oreland PA, Grandmother and Grandfather Neola and Charles Crathern of Contoocook NH, his Aunts and Uncles Beth and Julian Rymer of Oreland PA, Brian and Mary Crathern, Wolfeboro NH, Scott Crathern, Contoocook NH, Chris (wife of Neil) Crathern, Concord NH. Also by his other family members, many cousins and friends from Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia and Asheville.

A celebration luncheon to honor Kevin’s life is going to be held on Saturday March 9th from 1-4 PM at Scoogi’s Restaurant in Flourtown Pennsylvania. There will be an open house and campfire at our home starting at 6 PM. All are welcome to come and share their good memories and stories of a wonderful young man who left us much too soon.

In lieu of flowers please consider sending a donation to Be a Part of the Conversation (https://conversation.zone/donation/ ,1225 Montrose Ave, Bryn Mawr, PA 19010). This organization addresses substance use, misuse and addiction and its impact on individuals and their families by building a culture of awareness and support.

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