LETTER: Remembering my friend, Kevin Fuhr

Kevin Fuhr will be missed. My sincere condolences to Emily, Jordan and friends and family who are sad during this time. Em and Jordan, you two will always be his No. 1 priority. He super-duper loves, loves, loves you both. His spirit is wrapped around you both. 

His smile will be missed. His jokes will be missed. His laughter will be missed. His not-a-lazy-man will be missed. 

I still remember when he was hired to take over (former Police Chief Dave) Ruffin's shoes. He was so excited to jump in and do whatever was necessary. He was big on community and community policing. He even implemented a citizens’ academy to educate the public about the roles and responsibilities of blues from local and state spectrums, MLPD, GCSO, State Troopers and the Dept of Fish & Wildlife, driving and shooting simulators and vehicles. I got caught eating a donut in the driver's seat of his patrol rig. 

He and I would always find a big quirky word to say at city council meetings as an insider code thing. It was funny to us to see people have to use their brain and learn a new word or be like, “Huh?” 

When the local kiddos wanted to do a walk to protest a social outcry, he didn't shun their voices, but rather, to ensure their safety, walked with them. He was a huge advocate for deterring juveniles from making unrealistic decisions to help them get back on the right path to success. We both attended CWU Law and Justice core track programs, and they emphasized the importance of juvenile diversion with a 90% success rate, instead of throwing kids away.    

From School Board President, to helping the Moses Lake Community Coalition, to a community dunk tank, to an individual "Hi. I see you. I care," he was always friendly and approachable.  

He never turned down responsibilities in leadership and loved having not a full plate, but an overflowing platter.  

He was big on really getting to know a person to formulate his own opinion rather than chew on gossip and hate.  

And checking his bank accounts daily.  

I used to call him Chef de la Fuhr, an insider blue name that I sparkled up with the help of our vets. It always made him light up and smile big. He was my friend, and we always agreed to agree or agreed to disagree in friendship and respect.  

One trait I admire about him, where we were super connected in parallelism, is that he was humble. He didn't do things for attention but called on it when a cause needed it, because that is how his heart beat in compassion, outreach and humanitarian care.  

I still remember when he first found out he had cancer. He was scared and confused and pulled me aside from a public event for a chat. Kev said, "Lisa, I don't cry. Not even a tear." And when I looked at him quizzically, he furthered with, "I am sick." 

 I knew something was up because he was losing a lot of weight.  

So, I gave him a direct order and sternly said, "Yep, and hurry up and get better, this world still needs you, plus I love bothering you."  

He got happy and was not confused or scared anymore, but remembered we are warriors, and so he kept fighting.  

We both loved the free lunches, and Kevin always made sure I was included, no matter what.  

I remember when people were being horrible bullies toward me. It hurt him and made him mad, having to see that, because he hates bullies. He told me, “They don’t understand.” He was a real friend.  

I didn’t cry when he retired and spoke about death a lot. I reminded him, “Yeah. Yeah. The only guarantee we have in life is one breath, because we are dying. Every breath is a gift, so go live life with every breath and beat of your heart.”  

And so, he did.  

Kevin, I am not as strong as you, but I'm trying not to cry despite the tears falling. Thanks for understanding, I am not a funeral person; too sad. Love you, my brother from another mother. Miss you. And since you are now promoted to the spirit world to continue to do God's work, keep those nasty demon spirits away from me like you always have and always will and always do have my back, like always. Okie dokie, partner. Until I see you again ... tag you are it, "Blues Clues."

God Bless,
Elisia Dallüge
Moses Lake