Kevin Lee Gyger, age 63, of Portland, passed away on Tuesday June 9, 2026 leaving behind a legacy of unconditional love, unforgettable laughter, and a world slightly less mischievous without him. If you knew Kevin then you know how accurate this next statement is. Daaaaammnnnn this place is just not going to be the same now that he’s gone.

Born on January 28, 1963, to Shirley Ward and Richard Gyger, Kevin grew up with a wild, adventurous spirit and a fierce heart that always protected those he loved. He graduated from Portland High School and went on to work dedicatedly in the trades as an asbestos remover, a testament to his strong work ethic and willingness to take on tough jobs to provide for his family.

Kevin’s greatest joy in life was being a father. He embraced it wholeheartedly, not taking the role lightly. He chose the Easter dresses, the hunting lessons, the talks about cars, monster trucks, and Deer Man. He chose to stay, to show up, and to love his girls with a devotion that never wavered. To them, he was far more than a dad, he was their hero, their protector, and the person who chose to stay.

His love extended beyond people, too. His loyal dog, Lucky, his little companion, that he still talked about up to his last days. Kevin found peace in the outdoors, where hunting and fishing offered him a sense of calm and connection to the world around him.

Above all, Kevin was defined by his extraordinary capacity to care. His heart was generous, his presence grounding, and his love, especially for his daughters, was the truest reflection of who he was.

To know Kevin was to know his infectious sense of fun. He showed his love through laughter, often by pulling pranks on the people he cared about most. His favorite one he managed to fool many of us with, was taking unsuspecting friends and family on a good old-fashioned snipe hunt. And if you’ve never been, you really should go with someone Kevin once took; it’s an experience all its own.

He was also a master of nicknames. Some were embarrassing, some made absolutely no sense, and some were… well, let’s just say “creative.” But every single one was hilarious, and everyone knew it was his lighthearted way of bringing people closer. If you were lucky enough to earn one of Kevin’s infamous names, wear it proudly, it means you were loved.

Kevin will be remembered not just for the jokes, the pranks, or the laughter, but for the soft, steady joy he brought into the lives of everyone fortunate enough to know him. Kevin is survived by his loving daughters, Tara Gyger, Misty Gyger, Shannon Todd and her husband, Brendon Todd. He leaves behind his cherished grandchildren Alexa Todd, Tatum Todd, Dakota Gordon, Bodhi Gordon, Diesel Gyger, and Journie Abood, each of whom brought him immeasurable joy. He is also survived by his stepmother, Dorothy Gyger; his stepfather, Bud Ward; his brothers, Richard Gyger, Fred Gyger, and Michael Gyger; and his sister, Debra Polzin.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Shirley Ward; his father, Richard Gyger; his sister, Melissa Gyger; his sister‑in‑law, Diane Gyger; and his granddaughter, Ivy Todd.

Their memories now rest gently alongside his.

A memorial service celebrating Kevin’s life will be held at Lakeside Resort Campground on June 27, 2026 from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. Lakeside Resort Campground, 750 East Grand River Avenue,  Ionia, MI 48846.