Celebration of life Saturday for Kyle ‘Kemo’ Tovar, 1982-2023

Family and friends will gather Saturday to celebrate the life of Kyle “Kemo” Tovar. Here’s the remembrance they’re sharing:

Kyle “Kemo” Tovar
Born November 21st, 1982
Died on October Friday the 13th 2023 at the age of 40.

Those who knew Kyle “Kemo” knew how much of an impact he made on the people around him. He cared deeply about family and taking a stand against injustice or lending a helping hand. He was a creative person, often drawing or building things. He was also an ardent dog lover and patient teacher to his four-legged friends. He was loved and will be missed dearly by everyone.

A special thank you to the Native Communities that welcomed him in their homes and hearts as part of their own family. Charlie and Ben Sittingbull and their children were especially dear to him.

Kyle was preceded in death by his dear friend Ben.

He is survived by his mother Mary Stence, father Moses Tovar, sister Emily Stence, brother Ian Tovar, his three sons (from eldest to youngest): Kyle Jr, Ryden Sol and Joseph Tovar, and our dog Thor.

Kyle’s family would like to encourage those who are troubled to reach out and seek help!

Those who are able, please consider thoughtful support (financial or through power of the vote) programs that help with mental health and drug and alcohol addiction.

Information for Memorial Services are in the photo above.

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries and memorial announcements by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to westseattleblog@gmail.com)

Karen Wang November 15, 2023 (9:36 am)

I am so sad to hear this- I am out of town on the day of the memorial- but would love to contact his family and the Native Communities he lived with and donate to a cause he believed in. Is there any more contact information ? Kyle was my patient- I have not heard from him in a very long time but want to express my condolences and share some love.

Kt November 15, 2023 (10:26 am)

Karen, the email address for the Daystar Center is info@unitedindians.org. They likely can connect you with his family.

Brian November 15, 2023 (11:00 am)

If you do just a cursory web search for this guy you find a huge wealth of people extolling his commitment to mutual aid and looking out for houseless people. What a giant of a human being gone too soon.

B November 15, 2023 (12:05 pm)

What a beautiful tribute to Kemo. Extending love to his family, and to everyone who misses him.

Fiddlesticks November 15, 2023 (4:16 pm)

This is sad to hear. Kemo was there for me at a low point. I’ve thought about him over the years. Unfortunately it’s been awhile since we last talked. Well wishes to his family, friends and loving and supportive native communities.

a friend November 16, 2023 (6:58 am)

True meaning in life comes from helping and being there for others. I wish he knew how much he was that guy. Rest in peace, Kyle, and much strength and peace to his family.

a friend November 16, 2023 (7:20 am)

True meaning in life comes from helping and being there for others. I wish he knew he was that guy. Rest in peace, Kyle, and much strength and peace to his family.