On Wednesday, December 7, Kevin Kilcoyne passed away after a four-year battle with Alzheimer's disease.

Kevin led a very successful life, both personally and professionally. He married Shirley in 1959 and had four children, who graced him with six grandchildren. Kevin earned a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering from University of Buffalo in 1955 and went on to have a very successful career in the aerospace and opto-electronic industries. This included working for Westinghouse, Hughes, Teledyne, and Rockwell, but his true love was starting his own businesses. After retiring from Rockwell he started his final company, Optical Concepts Inc. He was joined by sons Scott and Sean in the venture and eventually sold the company to W.L. Gore and Associates of Gore-Tex fame. He then rode off into retirement indulging his passions; traveling, photography and golf.

He loved traveling the world with Shirley golfing and taking photographs of everything. His decision to move to Lompoc in 1989 was anchored by a membership in the Village Country Club, where he made many friends. Kevin also loved to sing, whether at social gatherings, like his St. Patrick's Day party, or as an avid member of the local Catholic Church where he participated in the choir.

He is survived by his wife Shirley, sons Mark, Scott, and Sean, daughter Kim, granddaughters Kaitlyn, Kelly, and Emily, grandsons Michael, Gavin, and Alex, as well as sisters Kathy, Pat, Mary, Deirdre and brothers Bob, Neil, and John.

Memorials in Kevin's honor can be sent to The Food Pantry/Catholic Charities, 903 E. Chestnut Lompoc, CA. Services are to be held in Lompoc; a vigil will be held at the Starbuck-Lind Mortuary at 6:00 pm, Friday, December 10th, and the Funeral Mass at the La Purisima Church at 10:00 am Saturday, December 11th. Interment will be in the Lompoc Evergreen Cemetery at a later date.