Hello All!
It's me (Angela aka ALWheaties) and I wanted to give you all a little look into what's been going on here. On Feb. 12, 2002, Kym Taborn (from WHOOSH!) wrote me and asked if I had heard anything about Kevin Smith being injured while in China and sent me a news report from a New Zealand newspaper called STUFF. I then mailed out 4 letters to people that might know Kevin or have contact with his family or Agent. My Main goal was to find a contact person so that we could send 'Get Well Soon' and 'Best Wishes' Cards and letters to Kevin and his family. The 4 people I wrote to were Jay Laga'aia (Draco), Darien Takle (Cyrene), Cynthia Hsiung (Producer of Young Hercules) and Beth Gern (aka Zepgirl, Kevin's FanClub President). Beth/Zepgirl was the first to write me back and with her permission, I sent letters out to the Mail lists asking for fans to e-mail in their cards and letters. I also want to say a Thank you here to MaryD for helping me get the word out and on her Website updates! : )
Over the course of 4 days, I received well over 70 Get Well/Best Wishes cards for Kevin and his Family. The cards that have come in are from all over the world from Indiana to Israel and are a loving testament of how much Kevin was thought of by everyone. I put these cards and letters on 2 webpages with the graphics that were sent with them. Click HERE to read them.
On February 15th, I was deeply saddened to hear that Kevin had passed away at the age of 38, just a month shy from his 39th birthday. I first got the news from an email from Nicola and then later heard from Jay about it. Many others wrote in and Sympathy cards for Kevin's family started to come in. I was numb. I couldn't believe it. My memories of Kevin go beyond watching him on TV and in various movies. I met Kevin a couple years ago at a Creation Convention in Hartford, Connecticut. He was sweet, humble and had such a GREAT voice! He took time with each fan and made sure that everyone was happy. I was very Glad for my chance to meet such a Great Guy!
Beth/Zepgirl later informed me that she was teaming up with Lori Joyce (Joel Tobeck's FanClub prez) and will be accepting cards at: Kevin Smith Memorial, c/o Lori Joyce, 24 Scarfair Pathway, Scarborough, Ontario, M1B 4E8 CANADA
Many Thanks to everyone who have sent their cards in! It is comforting to know I am not alone in my sadness over Kevin's death and with every letter that comes in the world seems like a smaller place.
Best Wishes to Kevin's family, our prayers are with you!
Take Care!
Angela aka ALWheaties
angela.wheaton@snet.net
There is a letter by Robert Bruce (Kevin's agent) regarding the Official Kevin Smith Foundation/Fund that he, Simon Prast, Lucy Lawless and Michael Hurst are setting up. More details will come in soon...
On the Auckland-Theatre website they mention that "The Kevin Smith Trust Fund was established to support his family." and they have a link to do a credit card payment and an address to mail checks to: The Kevin Smith Trust Fund, c/o Auckland Theatre Company, PO Box 6513, Wellesley Street, Auckland, New Zealand
If you want to donate thru Sword and Staff, all donations will be forwarded to New Zealand and must be made out to the Kevin Smith Trust Fund. Do not use US Postal Money Orders as they are not negotiable in New Zealand. Checks can be sent to: Sword and Staff, P.O. Box 224, Floral Park, NY 11002, USA
There is a letter from Lucy Lawless posted on the Xena/Hercules Official Fan Club website! "I've been wanting to thank all those nice people who care about Kevin and gave money at the convention. I wanted to say that I'm sorry that a place for their money to go wasn't arranged sooner. It was simply that the people who were arranging it were so close to Kevin and needed time to support his wife and family. I want the fans to know they weren't being ignored. I don't want them to feel disrespected. Tell them I'm sorry I haven't sent word. Every day I say I've got to write a letter and I'm just out of words. I know that his wife and children will take a great deal of heart of how much Kevin meant to people out there that they don't even know. It's going to help them through this tough time. Please thank everyone so much for me." -- Lucy Lawless
There is a Great Kevin Smith Tribute from Creation Entertainment where they have pictures and memories from past conventions, also some words from Sharon! There's also another Kevin Smith Tribute on the Creation FanClub Website that has some nice pictures! There is a Wonderful Pasadena 2002 Convention Report & Tribute to Kevin by KT! Also Check out this GREAT Report by Bookdaft called: What I Did During My Trip To Pasadena 2002!
WHOOSH! is having a CALL FOR PAPERS. The April issue of Whoosh will be an In Memoriam for the actor Kevin Smith, who recently passed away. They are looking for submissions about the actor and his craft, the characters that he brought to life, any reminisces or memories you have of the actor, and anything else you can think of. They will be taking submissions up to the very last minute, but if you turn it in as soon as possible, it will have a better chance of making the April issue. Everything accepted will be published, but it you want to have it in the actual April issue, then please turn it in as soon as possible. Send all submissions to Kym Taborn at ktaborn@lightspeed.net
In Loving Memory of Kevin Smith, 1963 - 2002
A Kevin Smith Memorial room has been created in the palace. It will be a permanent addition to the Warrior Palace and will be accessible to anyone who wants to visit, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You may stop by and talk with other fans or leave a small memento, flower, or candle in the room.
A memorial service was held in Kevin's room on February 17, 2002. Thank you to all who attended. Click here for screen shots and a log of the service. Also check out Breen's Kevin Smith Memorial Photos.
From Mary D, who has made Wonderful website for Kevin Smith-In Memoriam!
Fans all over the Xenaverse are in mourning today because of the death of one of the nicest actors and human being - I have never heard anything bad about Kevin Smith. People have described him as a generous, fun loving man. It's a tragic event at such an young age. My heart goes out to his family and friends but in particular his three young sons. In tribute to Kevin Smith, some time ago I created a montage for his Official Fan Club and I would like to share it here today. I have updated the montage to include my favourite photo of Kevin. God bless you Kevin and rest in peace.
You can click HERE to read 'What's New on AXIP?' MaryD has been SUPER for helping to keep us all up-to-date on what's going on in the world as well as the web! Thanks MaryD!
The Oxygen Channel did a Tribute to Kevin Smith by showing "Old Ares Had A Farm" on Wednesday, February 27th. They chose this episode by holding a poll on Ares Choice on Oxygen. They also add: "Oxygen wishes to express their deepest sympathies to the family of Kevin Smith. He lives on in Xena."
Featured Sites:
There is a Great Kevin Smith Tribute by Xenaversity where you can have a candle lit for Kevin! Their candle vigil has 2800+ Candles and Karen says, "even celebs like Hudson have lit a candle." FOREVAXENA has a Very nice Tribute page called ForevaAres! There is a lovely Kevin Smith Memorial Page by Beth Smarr! There is also a nice Kevin Smith Memorial by Xena Fans Welcome! There are some neat Ares Music Videos at CreatiVideos! Also check out ABMX-H Artists Remember: Kevin Smith Tribute Gallery!
Several Great Sites that have Artwork, Devotions or Mentions are:
Angelica Jensen's Memorial Page, AXIP XWP Kevin Smith Artwork - In Memoriam, Club Uber 2000, Darth's Xena music videos, Devoted to Smithy, The Glitter Jungle, Godspeed Kevin Smith, The Incredible Kevin Tod Smith Page, KatGyrl's Kevin Smith Resources, Katie's Kevin Smith Tribute Page, Kendaa's KEVIN SMITH - AN AUSSIE CELEBRATION, Kevin Smith Online!!!, Kevin Sorbo/Kevin Smith Retreat, Kiari's KEVIN SMITH Corner, Logomancy, Mehlaa's Tribute to Kevin Smith, Melissa's Kevin Smith Tribute, Michelle's Xena Picture Library, Mythic Designs, Newscat's Nutball Page, New Xenaland, Nio's House of Walls, Princess Moon, Remember, SimplyROC Kevin Smith Tribute, Sura's Kevin Smith Page, SYDNEY XENAPHILES Kevin Smith Memorial Page, Theatresports Tribute to Kevin Smith, ~*Xena2010*~, Xena & Gabrielle Information Page, XenaBard20 Xena and Hercules Wallpapers, Xena Online Resources, The Xena Scrolls, and one on Xenite Country!
Message Boards:
Oxygen, SF-Fandom Kevin Smith, Talking Xena, Whoosh! Xena/Hercules/RenPics
Other Languages:
In memoria di Kevin Smith is in Italian, New Xenaland is in Spanish, There is a newspaper article at VG NETT, XENA SVERIGE is a Swedish site
Online New Zealand Newspapers:
The New Zealand Herald, NZCity, nzoom.com, OneNews, STUFF, XTRA
Official Actor websites with Mentions:
Hudson Leick (Callisto), Claire Stansfield (Alti), Alexandra Tydings (Aphrodite), Adrienne Wilkinson (Eve/Livia)
Many Thanks to Tom of Tom's Xena Page for allowing me to use pictures from his site!!! It helped A LOT to have these pictures, so that I could create the different wallpaper designs and use many other pictures to help enhance my site!!!
February 15, 2002
To Kevin's Family:
First of all, let me say how deeply saddened I am to hear of Kevin's passing! He was truly a Great Guy! It's hard to know what to say as this is such a shock!
My family has been through a lot this year as my 19 year old sister has been hospitalized 4 times in 6 months and she had to undergo 2 brain surgeries. The greatest thing that helped us through that time was the love and support of our family and friends!
When I first heard of Kevin's accident, I wanted to collect cards to show you all that we all care for Kevin and were all pulling together to send good wishes his way in hopes that he would get better. Many cards and letters came in from all over the world! Kevin was so loved by everyone. It is hard to imagine that he is gone!
I lost my father 2 years ago and one of my last memories of him was us talking on the phone about Kevin and how my Dad loved the Xena TV show. My father had sent me some money for Christmas which I used to buy Convention Tickets. :) When I told him that I was going to meet Kevin, Joel Tobeck and Danielle Cormack at a convention, he laughed and said to shake Ares' hand for him as he was his favorite on the show. :)
I hope that in my small way that these cards and letters from everyone brings you a little joy in the knowledge that we all care about you and share in your loss. Our prayers and Best Wishes are with you!
Take Care!
Angela aka ALWheaties
angela.wheaton@snet.net
P.S. To the Right is my Kevin Smith Montage. I hope you like it! I chose several of my favorite pictures as well as some of my sister's favorites. : )
P.P.S. The photo below is of Kevin and I at the Creation Convention in Hartford, Connecticut from March 2000. If anyone knows the girl on the left, she might have a picture of me also...Maybe we could trade photos? : )
15 Feb 2002 19:52:52 -0800 (PST) - RIP K.T. Smith
I just want to express my sincerest sympathies to his wife, sons, and family.
He will be greatly missed by all. He was truly a great man and I am proud to have had the honor to have met him a few months ago at DearbornCon2001.
May he rest in peace and may his spirit soar.
Jennifer
15 Feb 2002 19:57:03 -0800
I'm just crushed to hear about Kevin's passing. May I add to mine:
I will never forget Kevin and his once in a lifetime portrayal of Ares. My prayers are with his family and friends. The Xenaverse will never be the same.
Zeta
15 Feb 2002 20:26:16 -0800 (PST) - For Kevin's family
I am so sorry for your loss. In my eyes Kevin will always be a star.
Becky Branthoover
15 Feb 2002 21:24:39 -0500
much sorrow to you and your family
jlcolt45
15 Feb 2002 22:45:13 -0600
I just don't know what to say....only that I have lost relatives and its a very hard thing....I hope you all (KS Family) find the strength its needed for this horrible thing....
PS. We all (Xena fans) loved him and liked him....you have my support,
Karla
15 Feb 2002 23:24:31 EST
Hello, I want to offer my condolences on his passing. I saw him at a CON in New York. He was funny, cute, humble, modest and great fun. He will be surely missed. I will hold his family in my prayers.
Mary
15 Feb 2002 23:37:05 EST - Very Sad
My name is Dave Mifsud & I just found out that Kevin Smith has sadly past away from a fall in China!!! When I first read the news I thought it was a joke or something but now I am just so in shock & I don't know what to say. I'm very sorry about what has happened & I know that doesn't really help his wife & children at all but as long as they know that he was loved by a lot of people.
Dave
16 Feb 2002 00:51:20 -0500 - Condolences to Kevin Smith family
To hear of Kevin's passing today was horrendous. Of course I did not know him or his wonderful family, but I did read and hear things on the Internet as to what a wonderful human being he was. I only knew him as Ares, the God of War. A character who one could easily learn to hate because of his actions, but was IMPOSSIBLE to hate because of the man behind the role. Kevin brought a humor and humanity to that characterization, that probably no one else could. I can't pretend to know your true grief at this time, but know this my heart goes out to all of you on this time of loss. Draw strength from each other and know that he will be remembered for many, many years because of what he brought to the making of Xena, Warrior Princess. God bless you and see you through this painful time. Just a fan Nila Bailey
16 Feb 2002 04:01:28 -0700
Terribly sorry about Kevin...there's not really anything meaningful I could say, I know, but a lot of folks out here will miss him--at least the talent, humour, and skill he showed us.
I guess that's all I can say.
God bless. Thank you.
Scott Schellings
16 Feb 2002 04:40:05 - In remembrance...Kevin Smith
On behalf of Team ARGO, I wish to offer my most sincere condolences to Kevin Smith's family and friends. That includes you all.
Kevin Smith was a helluva guy. I was lucky enough to catch him 'live' at the Burbank convention oh so many years ago. The crazy fool flew 15 hours out of his way, just to say 'hi' to the fans. He was charming and self-deprecating, down-to-earth and very funny. All of those qualities (plus a LOT more), he brought to the role of Ares on Xena, Hercules AND Young Hercules.
He was a true asset to all of those shows. Not only did the character act as a driving force for the protagonists but his unflagging dedication to the "work" showed in everything he did. Renpics was lucky to have him as a valued cast member and friend. We ARE lucky to have him because as long we continue to be fans, Ares will never die. And that is the very least we owe to Kevin Smith: father, friend and talent.
Long live the God of War (and Love).
Be well all.
DdP
16 Feb 2002 04:46:24 -0800 (PST) - Condolences
To the family of Kevin Smith:
I want to give you my condolences for the loss of Kevin. He seemed like a wonderful guy and he'll be missed by millions.
Condolences,
Ashley J.
16 Feb 2002 04:55:12 -0600 - Paying Respects: Kevin Smith
To the family and friends of Kevin Smith,
My brother passed away this week, unexpectedly. One week after we were told that chemotherapy had destroyed his cancer and he had been given a good prognosis, he contracted pneumonia and was too weak to fight it off. He was a man who was still in his prime and should have had a better outcome. My brother had just turned 46 years old within days of his death.
Not that much younger than my brother, Kevin Smith was also at a time in his life when he had much to look forward to, and he should have had a much better outcome. I was privileged to see him perform both on television and on stage. He was a vibrant, talented man. With the loss of my brother being so fresh, I understand the heartbreak that you must be feeling right now over the loss of your family member and friend.
Even though the place he holds in the heart of those who, like me, can't even begin to compare with the place he has and always will hold in your hearts, please know that his passing is a loss to me and to each of us who think of him with a fond smile and a wish that things could have gone so differently for him and for those who loved him.
AJ Trumbo,
Dallas, TX
16 Feb 2002 06:43:04 -0800 (PST) - In Memory of Kevin...
From Maria:
A star just got brighter in the sky, but our world just got a bit sadder. Kevin "Ares, God of War" may you rest in peace in God's eternal Kingdom.
| Without Me... | PSALM 23 |
When tomorrow starts without me, And I'm not there to see, If the sun should rise and find your eyes All filled with tears for me;
I wish so much you wouldn't cry
I know how much you love me,
But when tomorrow starts without me,
And said my place was ready,
But as I turned to walk away,
I had so much to live for,
I thought of all the yesterdays,
If I could relive yesterday,
But then I fully realized,
And when I thought of worldly things,
But when I walked through heaven's gates,
He said,
I promise no tomorrow,
You have been so faithful,
But you have been forgiven
So when tomorrow starts without me, David M. Romano © |
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters, He restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death. I will fear no evil for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ |
16 Feb 2002 07:31:43 -0500
Hi Angela,
Please offer our sincere condolences to the Kevin Smith family.
We will miss him.
Sincerely,
Gary & Jeanine Gilbert
16 Feb 2002 07:37:54 EST
I am truly sadden by Kevin's passing.....please know that ALL my thoughts are with the family....if they need anything just let me know!
P.A. Tanner
or Go To: Get Well Kevin Page, Get Well Kevin Page 2,
Old Kevin Smith Page, ALWheaties Tube Watch
