Kevin Axel Pavlis, 37, of Meridian, passed away Friday, June 12, 2009, at St. Alphonsus Regional Medical Center, after being struck by a car while on a local group bicycle ride. Kevin was born November 23, 1971 in Silver Spring, Maryland, a son of J. David and Sarma Pavlis. He was the youngest of three children. Kevin's mother passed away when he was just two years old. Kevin's dad moved the family to Boise in 1978, where he believed it would be a better place to raise a family. Kevin graduated from Boise High School in 1989 and at the age of 17, enrolled in the Army. He served his country with pride and honor for just over two years during which time he received his Expert Infantry Badge. After being discharged, Kevin began his career in retail sales when he was hired at Gart Sports. Kevin met and fell in love with his soul mate and future wife Elisa at his friend and future sister in law's wedding. Kevin and Elisa were sealed in the Boise LDS Temple two years later on June 14, 1996. Kevin's world was turned upside down in 1998 when he lost his father unexpectedly. Kevin's world was never the same again. From that day forward, he looked at every day as a gift. He took the summer off and mountain biked over 180 days that year. He got a part time job at Idaho Mountain Touring to support his new habit. He ran Robie Creek with his sister Tanya the following year after only running three times. Kevin entered his first and only mountain bike race that fall in which he took 1st place in the downhill and 3rd place in the cross-country. Kevin enjoyed many different sports. He volunteered for Recreation Unlimited, the adaptive ski program at Bogus Basin in the winter. He has been an instructor in the sit-ski program for the last ten years. Kevin and Elisa started a local tournament paintball team, Team Aftermath, which has won several national and regional titles. Kevin has since been on several other speed ball teams nationally and locally. He has traveled all over the U.S. and even to France as a semi-pro player. He was currently on a nationally known woods ball team based out of Oregon. Kevin played on both a co-ed and men's indoor soccer team. Kevin joined the local cycling team, Lactic Acid a few years ago and has enjoyed riding casually and competitively with them ever since. Kevin also enjoyed other activities such as hiking, camping, snowshoeing, rock climbing, fly-fishing and hunting. He loved the outdoors especially visiting the vast number of hot springs in the Sawtooth Mountains. He was also a huge supporter of Boise State Football; he was a season ticket holder and even traveled out of town for several games including the Fiesta Bowl. After 11 years of marriage, Kevin and Elisa, with much excitement and anticipation, gave birth to their only child, Sarma. His daughter quickly became the center of Kevin's universe. He could be seen every Monday and Friday showering her with public displays of affection at their favorite hangout, Starbucks on Capital and Main. Kevin is survived by his wife, Elisa; his daughter, Sarma; his sister, Tanya (Darren) Kenley; his brother, Eric Pavlis; his cat, Junior; his in-laws, Kay, Aaron, Cody and Leslie Conder, Holly (Richard) Lockett, Heidi (Nathan) Fluhman; his aunts Dzidra Vizbulis and Nancy Giles; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Kevin was preceded in death by his father and mother, Dave and Sarma; his grandmothers, Addie, Lydia and Mildred; his niece, Jessica and his beloved cat, Britni. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday June 20, 2009, at the Meridian Idaho North LDS Stake Center 5555 N Locust Grove under the direction of Bishop Michael Read. The family will receive friends Saturday June 20, 2009, from 10 to 10:45 a.m. at the church. Burial will be at Dry Creek Cemetery following the service. The family has asked Kevin's cycling club, Lactic Acid, to lead the funeral procession to the cemetery. Any experienced cyclist who would like to participate is welcome. Helmets are required. Riders must be able to maintain speeds ranging between 15 and 40 mph for the duration of 8 miles due to traffic laws. Arrangements are under the direction of Cloverdale Funeral Home. There will also be a memorial ride open to all levels of cyclists for Kevin Thursday June 18, 2009, at 6 p.m. The ride will begin and end at Idaho Mountain Touring on 13th and Main. An open house will follow the ride at 7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to the Kevin Pavlis Memorial Fund for the benefit of Sarma Pavlis at any Mountain West Bank. Kevin's family would like to thank the community and many friends for the large outpouring of support. All of the emails, cards and comments that people have sent have given us strength during this difficult time.
Published in Idaho Statesman on 6/17/2009