Kevin J. Kosovich

Kevin Kosovich passed away on Dec. 3, 2015, at his home in Prescott.

Kevin was born in Billings on June 30, 1982, to Ken and Barbara Kosovich. He attended Poly Drive Elementary and graduated from Billings Central High in 2001. Kevin attended Montana State University in Bozeman and Montana State University-Billings, majoring in art.

Kevin was 6 years old when his brother and sister were babies. He was happy to go to school so he didn't have to listen to their crying and smell their stinky diapers. However, as they grew older, he took pride in being their big brother. Until his passing, he kept in touch with Matt and Courtney on a regular basis.

As a youngster, Kevin participated in all the sports that kids do. His favorite was baseball. In high school, he participated in cross-country and golf. His senior year, he placed in the top 10 at the city high school golf tournament, carding a 77. Kevin's greatest golf thrill came two years ago when he attended the Phoenix Open with his mother. As Phil Mickelson walked off the green of the famous Par 3, 16th hole, "Coliseum," he turned and tossed his golf ball into the crowd and Kevin caught it. Kevin was also an incredible skier, jumping off moguls and doing 360s in the air. His favorite sports teams were the Minnesota Vikings, Twins and the Stanford University men's basketball team. Kevin attended the 1998 Final Four with his family when Stanford played in San Antonio.

Kevin's passions included: collecting agates by the Yellowstone River, drawing and painting, swimming in rivers and lakes, skiing, golfing and providing a home for various critters, such as spiders, hamsters and frogs. His mother allowed everything but snakes. His ex-roommate in Arizona has inherited his tarantula and bullfrog, and is taking very good care of them. Kevin also loved music and attended three concerts of his favorite band in the past six months, driving all the way to Texas for one. And flying to Portland with high school friends for another.

Summer was Kevin's favorite season and often the highlight of his year. He loved spending time with Grandma and Grandpa Browne at their cabin in Minnesota, hanging out with aunts, uncles and cousins. Kevin's uncle would give him the daily Minnesota frog report, and he took it very seriously. He spent hours catching them around his grandparents' home. He also loved spending time with Grandma and Grandpa Kosovich at their home in Big Sky. Kevin and Grandpa Jerry loved fishing together, and Grandpa Jerry taught Kevin many of the finer points to catching fish.

Kevin was an artist. His art was selected to be in the employees' children's St. Vincent Calendar three years in a row. It was an honor to be chosen from the 200-plus entries. On the front page of The Billings Gazette, dated Jan. 1, 2000, his illustration of a VW beetle bug flying in outer space to a space city was featured. The illustration was connected with a story written by a Broadwater student titled, "Teen plunges into future, finds help from mom." The art pieces he created have been cherished for many years, and several are displayed in his parents' home.

Kevin's past employments include local restaurants and convenience stores. His latest employment was house manager of a private sober living home in Prescott. He treated his clients with compassion and dignity. When he landed his dream job, he called home and was ecstatic. He said, "Mom, I have worked very hard to get this job, and I know I will take good care of my guys." And he did.

Kevin will be remembered for his sense of humor, big smile, contagious laugh and kind heart. In his adult years, everyone was his friend, and he would do anything and everything in his power to make their lives better.

Kevin was looking forward to coming home for Christmas and being with family. He loved and respected his family to no ends. He recently told his Dad that when home he was going to "hug Grandma Kosovich and never let go."

Kevin struggled in his later years with mental health issues and addiction. He suffered greatly from time to time, but he is now at peace. He is in a higher place, hugging his Grandpa Jack and Grandpa Jerry, and probably talking golf.

Kevin is survived by his parents, Barbara and Ken Kosovich; his brother, Matthew; and sister, Courtney. Also surviving are his grandmothers, Vida Browne, Wadena, Minn., and Anne Kosovich, Billings; uncles and aunts, Craig and Glena Kosovich, Seattle, Jon Kosovich and Jessica Karjala, Billings, Carol and Jay Anderson, Helena, Kip Browne, Wadena, Minn., Becky and Brit Miller, Billings, Sarah and Mike Montgomery, Orinda, Calif., Jeff and Kathy Browne, Wadena, Minn. Kevin is also survived by his cousins: Ashley (Jason) Browne; Kirsten, Eric and Carlin Anderson; Caden, Jarek and Bowen Kosovich; Cam (Kira) and Erin (Erin Joy) Kelley; Sarah Courtney Browne (his loving best friend), Ryan (Monica) Browne and Marissa Browne; Wiley and Jeremy Miller; John Michael and Annie Montgomery; Andrew (Dominique) and Kelsey Browne; second cousins Fisher and Harlow Browne, and Ari Browne.

Kevin was preceded in death by his grandfathers, John M. Browne and Jerome Kosovich.

Memorials in Kevin's name can be sent to The Family Tree Center, Billings Community Crisis Center or Billings Central High Art Department.

Public visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 13, at Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary, 1001 Alderson Ave. Private family services will be held on Monday, Dec. 14.