Kevin Degen Remembered

Athletes with Disabilities Hall of Fame 2001 Inductee, Kevin W. Degen, 52, died suddenly August 10, 2010.

Diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy at an early age, doctors held out no hope that Kevin would live an active life, but he proved them wrong. While a student at Groves High School in Birmingham, Kevin was recognized for raising the most money in the school's candy sale. In 1975 he raised the most money for the Michigan Heart Fund Cyclathon and earned the "King of Hearts" award for raising nearly $10,000 dollars during his three year involvement with the charity. He graduated from Groves High School in 1978, as a member of the National Honor Society.

After graduating high school, Kevin maintained his fast paced lifestyle, working full time for The AlliedSignal Friction Materials, Inc, followed by a stint at Danka Services International, and ending up at Plante & Moran, LLP. During his working career, Kevin maintained his love for biking and used his passion to raise money for various charities including the Kenny Foundation for which he raised over $100,000 dollars throughout the years. In 1996, he was a torch bearer for the Olympic Games in Atlanta. In 1999, Kevin was elected Groves High School Alumnus of the Year.

Kevin received numerous awards throughout his life including the 1988 Academy Awards for the Handicapped, the Special Award from Governor Michael Dukakis, the 1993 Hometown Hardies Hero and JcPenny Golden Rule Award, the 2001 RARE Foundation Award, induction into the Class of 2001 Athletes with Disabilities Hall of Fame and the Spirit of Achievement Award by Wright & Filippis at the Greg LeMond Bike Tour & Adaptive Sports Expo in 2002.

Kevin is survived by his siblings, Brian (Jennifer) Degen, Sean (Janice) Degen, Colleen (Michael) Goodson and Maureen Degen, his aunts, Sr. Corrine Staub and Sr. Dolores Staub, and his niece and nephews, Brennan, Courtney, Dustin, Daniel and Brandon. He is preceded in death by his parents, Carolyn and Don Degen.

Funeral at Holy Name Catholic Church, 630 Harmon, Birmingham, Monday 10am. Friends may visit at church beginning at 9:30am. Visitation at Lynch & Sons Funeral Home, 1368 N. Crooks Road (between 14-15 Mile Rds.) Saturday & Sunday 2-8pm. Prayers Sunday 7pm. Interment in White Chapel Cemetery, Troy.