The Lead International Space Station (ISS) Mission Engineering Room (MER) Manager, Ryan Prouty, opened the MRR with the following words:
"Many of you in this room and on the net had the pleasure of working with and knowing Kevin Pehr. As you know he has been battling melanoma for years. He passed away Saturday morning at home with his family. I wanted to take the time to ask that you keep Deneen and their children, Nick & Kelden, in your thoughts. As you walk out the building today, the flag above the MCC is flying in Kevin's honor, and will be presented to his family. Knowing Deneen & Kev, they would not want people to dwell on the sadness of losing a friend, not to mention a great engineering mind, but to take heart in your own personal treasures. Enjoy your family & friends, and always put the best of you into everything you do. That is what Kev always did."
We went and saw the flag this afternoon and I couldn't help but notice the clear skies and strong wind holding it up. I could feel Kev's presence as we stood and watched and thought of a poem that reminds me of him.
One ship sails East,
And another West,
By the self-same winds that blow,
Tis the set of the sails
And not the gales,
That tells the way we go.
Like the winds of the sea
Are the waves of time,
As we journey along through life,
Tis the set of the soul,
That determines the goal,
And not the calm or the strife.
--Ella Wheeler Wilcox
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5 comments:
deneen-
what to say? tis a gaping loss, but to look at the kids... keldon's nose stuck in a book at the public library and nick with his hands in his pockets pondering what next to tinker with... to see this you know that kev lives on.
with heartfelt sorrow and helping hands here for you...
-love,sam youts
Deneen,
Thank you for loving my brother. Your courage and devotion will never be forgotten.
It's hard to think of Kev as gone, but knowing that he is on his greatest journey seems right for Kev since he has always been the one to lead us in new directions. Knowing that he is now watching over us is somehow comforting and makes me want to live up to his example.
You guys are truly blessed by your friends and it's a testamony to how you and Kev have lived your lives.
Kelden, Nick and you are in my prayers as you tackle each new day.
Love Sue
Deneen,
I was so fortunate to have had the chance to get to know Kevin in his final days. Like you, Kevin was one of the brilliant engineers who saved the ISS by designing "cufflinks" and a method to repair the solar array on STS-120. After I did my small part of the job on orbit, I had the chance to spend some quality time with him, talking about mountains, space and family --- and consider him a kindred spirit. I'll really miss him, as will all those who got to know him.
Scott P
What an awesome symbol of respect for the folks at MCC to do that; Kevin deserves all of it. That's F-ing teamwork and family at it's best.
Deneen, thank you for such a lovel poem. The poem says your message very well, and of course I feel it windsurfing on the bay.. You and Nick and Keldon just have to hold onto it, as you think of Kev.
Mike Foale
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