Kevin Neidorf (’13, B.A. Digital Media Production) worked hard and played harder. His friends will remember him for his general zeal for life as well as his love of mountain biking and rock climbing. His co-workers will remember him for his creative video projects and artistic approach to anything that was put in his hands. His family will remember him for all of this as well as his passion for inspiring others to exceed beyond their expectations.
During his time at FSU, Kevin participated in the Florida State University Cycling Team as Team Captain and produced several well-received videos featuring cycling competitions and various bike-related content. One notable video in particular, “The Magic Hour,” won the 2014 Pedals 4 Professionals Contest, presented by Reliance Foundry.
Kevin also penned an essay titled “Facelessbook” which earned him the James M. McCrimmon Award in 2010. It delves into his more creative side and good-natured curiosity for the world around him. “Our McCrimmon awarded essays are selected annually from a pool of teacher-nominated student projects and they serve as exemplars for students in the writing program.” says a representative from FSU’s College Composition Committee. “It is still a strong example of writing and particularly of the analysis genre. The award is a competitive one, so Kevin must have truly impressed the panel of judges to have won. We are proud to feature his work as a former winner and mourn with you all in this loss.”
On Saturday, January 19, 2019, Kevin was whitewater kayaking on the Hood River in Oregon with a group from the local outdoor community called Next Adventure when his kayak rolled over in a Class II rapid. While his fellow kayakers attempted to revive him as paramedics arrived on the scene, he had taken in too much water and his body succumbed a number of hours later at Legacy Emanuel Hospital in Portland. He was 28 years old.
“I often used Kevin’s example of connecting video production with an outside passion,” says Communication Professor Andy Opel. “In his case, bikes.”
Friend and fellow bike enthusiast Jean-Charles Lebeau remembers meeting Kevin at the FSU Mountain Bike Race in 2012. “When I got there, I met this nice guy who was making a lot of effort to get me comfortable. I actually did pretty well at that race so he invited me to all the races of the season, and we even went to nationals,” says Lebeau. When Kevin graduated the following year, he and Jean-Charles still made sure to keep in touch. They created films together, even winning a contest to go to Canada. “He was such a great person; always willing to help, so creative, very adventurous, and dedicated when he was making a film. He was so good at everything.”
Paula Neidorf, Kevin’s mother, reflects on how he made people feel in addition to his personal accomplishments. “It wasn’t just that he was talented and creative,” says Paula. “But his passion for people, living, inspiring others to think beyond the limits, and do beyond the limits, that’s I want to highlight.”
Kevin was working as the Marketing and Creative Content Director for River City Bicycles and his loss has had a deep impact on those who work there. The shop’s General Manager, Hayes Kenny, said, “Ultimately, we cherish the times we spent with Kevin, and we can take solace in the fact that Kevin built the life he wanted to live, and lived it to the fullest. We miss him immensely, and his loss is a wound that will take a long time to heal.”
To honor Kevin Neidorf, there will be a Celebration of Life ceremony on Sunday, February 24, 2019 at The Eliot Chapel at First Unitarian Church in Portland, Oregon. Guests are encouraged to share stories about Kevin, his extraordinary life, and the many ways he touched the lives of all who knew him. Join friends on a ride to Kevin’s Celebration of Life from River City Bicycles to conclude at The Eliot Chapel at First Unitarian Church, 1011 SW 12th Ave., Portland, Oregon 97205. Learn more about the event and RSVP here. If you can’t make it, the ceremony will be live-streamed through this link.
To make a gift to FSU’s College of Communication & Information in memory of Kevin, click here.
A Facebook page, Remembering Kevin Neidorf, has been created and allows friends and family to share memories and join together in their mourning while also celebrating Kevin’s life. Kevin Neidorf’s life and legacy will not end with his untimely passing. For those that knew him, his spirit will live on through the life he led that inspired others to reach their full potential.