I did not know Kevin, but I was aware of his passing. I read so many heartfelt, heartbroken messages on Facebook from his friends lamenting his loss of life. And I saw numerous photos of this man with a warm smile and a large personality.

Kevin was a popular stylist at a few different salons in Milwaukee: Malcolm of London, Beauty and Divine. He was also, clearly, a very valued friend.

Kevin passed away on Saturday.

Yesterday, one of his many friends contacted me and asked me to post something about Kevin. Of course, because I did not know him personally, I reached out to a few of his friends for their thoughts on this much-loved Milwaukeean.

My deepest sympathies to Kevin’s family and friends.

"Kevin was the ultimate hairdresser in that he encompassed not only the requisite skill set technically, but had a heart that was open to others and their lives and families as well.

"A good listener, he was the first one to volunteer advice to those struggling with myriad of problems both personal and professional. He had an unbridled joy in his work that you couldn't help but notice. He went around to other stylists' clients and would be complimentary and kind as well.

"I met him when I moved to Milwaukee in the early ‘80s and he remained a part of my life until now. He was known for his ribald sense of humor, and could take an off color joke and make it sound both funny and brilliant even if it wasn't. Though his own life had its share of mishaps and catastrophes, he found time to counsel others struggling with problems of their own with a smile and a generous bear hug. He is truly one of those people who is fondly remembered by every single person he ever met. That is the truth about this great man and the legacy he leaves us with. He didn't find the cure for cancer, or build the world's tallest building, but he did use his kindness and concern to cure the imperceptible ills that we all face every day – and make us feel that WE did it.

"I'm happy that he is remembered in this way, although he probably would have said he didn't do anything that special. I'm glad he came to me and joined Beauty when Malcolm of London closed. He knew that Tom and I would welcome him with open arms. Now heaven is doing that same thing."

– Bjorn Olaf Nasett, friend/colleague

"Kevin was one of the most important men in my life. When I started Beauty I was young. He always told me to love myself and to be proud of myself. He always had a hug and a smile for everyone. I’ve never met anyone who was so selfless. His presence lit up cities, his humbleness made you want to be his best friend and he had the best shoulders to cry on. I've never met anyone who was quicker to help out a friend. He was one of those people who truly listened, processed and then responded.

"I will truly miss his wide-tooth grin, the way he would put dirty words to songs on the radio and his Ethel Merman, which was impeccable. He lived for his clients, his family and us. He was all of our Rock. A piece of my heart will be buried with him. I have met so many people in the hair and bar industry. Lots of good and bad, but hardly do people leave such a mark on such a mass of people. He was the cream. He was above us all by being truly, truly selfless."

– Nicky Revv, friend/colleague

"The first time I met Kevin was when Liv (Mueller) and myself opened Salon Divine. We met at the shop and went to Benji's afterwards for lunch. In only a couple hours time it was like we knew each other our whole lives. That's the kind of guy he was. Kind, generous and most of all 'high-larious'! Between him and Liv and myself we could whip ourselves into frenzied laughter. His hugs were the best too! He was always making everyone feel safe and loved.

"With his talent in his 30-plus year career it was quite an honor to be in the same room with him. For real. My sincerest and deepest sympathies and condolences go out to his family and closest of friends – which we ALL were. He made you feel that way, always. The biggest heart. I will miss him dearly."

– Jen Skladanek, friend/colleague

"I would just like to say that Kevin shined very bright and always saw the potential in others to shine as well. He helped so many people emotionally, spiritually, financially and his giving knew no bounds. It was an honor to work by his side for the last eight years. He was a brother to me, in so many ways. We spoke to each other with no words, and no one can or ever will replace the best hairdresser in town, Kevin Rock."

– Liv Mueller, friend/colleague