Kevin Godber, who never met a stranger, was born on February 17, 1969 in Lancaster, California. Early in his childhood, the family moved to Scottsdale, Arizona, and there the tall, active boy fell under the spell of outdoor pursuits. He spent many hours exploring, fishing, skiing and hiking.

The natural world sparked enormous curiosity in Kevin. Those early years ignited the passion for learning that would define his life. He earned a BS in chemical engineering from Northern Arizona University, later followed by a MS in chemistry from Missouri State University.

Throughout his brief life, Kevin was seized by a fierce desire to understand "how things work". He was handy with tools, could fix almost anything and could waltz his way through computer intricacies.

A lifelong student he was, but those mental disciplines were beautifully balanced by a gift for friendship. He was a talented conversationalist with people of all ages. Like everything about Kevin, his interest in others was genuine. Kevin loved laughter and politics, and was skilled in bringing that bonhomie into discussions that otherwise might have been difficult. He could talk to a rock and do so with a good-natured manner.

He loved his family and is survived by his wife Geri; his mother and stepfather Mary Beth and Chuck Petritz; as well as his father and stepmother Kirby and Karen Godber. Kevin had two sisters: Courtney Taylor and her husband Roy and Penny Labriola; nieces and nephews, Colton and Lexi Taylor, Ashley Davis, and Tanner Labriola; aunt and uncle Ken and Sue Godber; cousins, Austin Godber and Jessica Graham. In recent years he had become Uncle Kevin to his wife's five nieces and nephews. All of Kevin's nieces and nephews adored spending time with their Uncle Kev.

Kevin died suddenly during the most joyful season of his life, adored by his beautiful wife, Geri, and their two round pugs, with whom they tenderly shared their home.

Visitation will be held from 6 to 7:00 p.m., Friday, August 12, 2016 at Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home. Memorial service will follow at 7:00 p.m. in the funeral home.

Should you wish to make a gift in Kevin Godber's name, please do so to the National Parks Foundation, or to National Public Radio.