Remembering Kevin Roe
April 10, 1962 — May 14, 2025
Kevin Roe was a beloved son, brother, husband, cousin, uncle, educator, activist, and friend. Like a comet, he blazed across the 63 years of his life with purpose, direction, courage, and light.
Kevin was gay and HIV-positive. He was out and proud and vocal. He cared deeply about the health of gay men and extended that commitment across communities, identities, and backgrounds. His ability to connect and inspire was extraordinary.
Community Organizer
In Palo Alto, San Francisco, San José, and ultimately Port Clinton, Ohio, Kevin lived his life in community, in service, and in pride. He was a Project Inform volunteer; a client advocate for Community United Against Violence; founding Community Organizer for Magnet SF (the internationally recognized gay men’s sexual health clinic); volunteer meal server with Bistro 163 and volunteer rural food delivery driver.
Educator
A public health educator by training and profession, Kevin worked as a process evaluator for HIV prevention community planning for over a decade. He taught public health at San José State University, where he was named the 2022-23 Outstanding Lecturer—one of the university’s highest academic honors.
Mentor
Inspiring, connecting, demanding, giving and forgiving, patient but with no time to lose, Kevin was always 100% authentic—and had a keen sense of humor.
Kevin was modest about his contributions, but his impact was deep and broad and lasting. His death from a sudden, massive heart attack was a shock and immeasurable loss. As we move through a world now without him, we can continue to learn from the life he left behind and celebrate those who carry on his legacy.
The Kevin Roe Legacy Fund was established to support, recognize, and amplify the contributions of queer public health students, activists, educators, and community leaders. Your donation will help grow our annual program of scholarships and awards that create healthier communities for all.