Kevin Michael Gallion

Kevin Michael Gallion of Redlands, CA ascended into heaven on September 6, 2021 at age 29. He was born July 9, 1992 and sadly lost his battle to addiction. He found recovery and support with the Salvation Army Adult Rehab Center in Anaheim, CA. While living there, he made many strong supportive friends and had excellent sponsors to guide him to maintaining sobriety. The SalvationArmy ARC was an important influence in his life. Kevin was born in Loma Linda, CA to Ken and Darlene Gallion. The family moved to Redlands, where Kevin attended Redlands Schools, including RHS. In 8th grade at Cope MS he received the “Best Dressed” award. Also, he will be remembered for 8th grade prank of streaking across Cope MS campus with 2 friends on the last day of school. He told us later he wanted to be remembered! He earned his high school diploma in Arizona. He was active in Boy Scouts for many years. His father, Dr. Ken Gallion, was one of his scout leaders. Kevin had strong people skills and sales ability and one year was top BS Popcorn in Redlands district , earning him money towards college scholarship. He was talented in the arts. He could play guitar well and played at his sister Katy’s wedding. Even in first grade he received an award from Crayola Art Competition for his chalk “self portrait” and is now held in Smithsonian Museum in Washington DC. He enjoyed acting, and played the Grandpa in the play Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. Kevin was very social, personable and had a great sense of humor.He was employed mostly as a server in restaurant industry. He loved Mexican food, and enjoyed cooking for his friends. He started an intense physical weight training program with his good friend Ethan and was proud of his results. His favorite dog was, “Lil Wayne” that he rescued from a shelter and he loved very much. Kevin’s untimely death was 1 month after his father, Dr. Ken Gallion,who died on 7/28/21. He is predeceased by his Grandma, Stell Smith, 2009, who he was very close to. He is survived by his mother Darlene Gallion, sister Katy Nickell (Robert) and brother Steven Gallion (Jennifer) and 5 nieces and nephews: Taylor (13) and Gavin (7) Gallion; Lincoln (12) , Carter (10) and Tessa (8) Nickell. He also leaves behind his Grandpa Jim Smith (86) of Whittier, CA who took Kevin on first parasailing ride in Hawaii when he was 8 yrs old. He is also survived by his Uncle Wayne and Aunt Vicki of Mission Viejo. He loved spending summers on Liz’s cattle farm in MO. There he rode 4 wheelers, did target shooting and could shoot fireworks legally on July 4th! Family was important to Kevin and he enjoyed spending time skiing and going places with Aunty Donna Spero (San Diego) with his 3 cousins Noah Spero, Abel Spero and Hannah Fisher. He also enjoyed times with Aunty Kim Smith and his cousin Kendle Smith. Aunty Margie Fenger (Denver, CO) was also a part of his life. Kevin was a very giving and generous person. He always said he wanted to be an organ donor someday. His wish came to be and he was able to donate 5 organs to people waiting on the transplant list. His Legacy will live on in others and he would be happy to know he gave the gift of life to others. Kevin was a volunteer in the Pfizer Covid vaccine trials in 2020. He wanted to give back. He learned he received the vaccine, and had developed antibodies and was so happy. Kevin was a loving son, grandson, brother, uncle, nephew and cousin. He had many close friends, like Max Stohler, Ethan Jones and Chris Lawson were only a few. He is missed everyday and hopefully is with his Dad in heaven playing with his dog, “Lil Wayne”. He will be remembered always with his great smile, kindness and humor. A life that had so much potential but tragically ended too soon. The family requests donations to Salvation Army ARC (Anaheim) in Kevins Name. Address: 1300 S Lewis St. Anaheim, CA A memorial funeral service is planned for October 9, 2021 at 10:00 at the Red Shield Salvation Army Church. 1515 W. North St. Anaheim, CA. Lunch to follow service.

Kevin Michael Gallion

July 9, 1992 - September 6, 2021