Kevin Killian death: Kevin Killian cause of death, how poet died

Kevin Killian death: Poet Kevin Killian died peacefully and painlessly this afternoon, after a fierce battle with health issues related to his cancer/treatment.

Kevin Killian dead: Kevin Killian death

Hours before his death as he lay under sedation, Kelvin Killian’s wife, Dodie Bellamy played him Kylie Minogue songs and Jack read him Jack Spicer’s love poems.

A priest visited and read the Litany of the Saints with Dodie and two of his sisters sat at Kevin’s side.

Dodie wants to thank you all for your warm wishes and love throughout this difficult time. Details about Kevin Killian memorial services celebrations will be shared in the coming days.

Kevin Killian dead: Kevin Killian death

Kevin’s death was announced by his wife Dodie, on his Facebook page an hour ago in a post she wrote:

“Kevin passed peacefully this afternoon with Kylie playing and me and his sisters Maureen and Nancy holding him. Thanks for all your love and support.”

The poet, novelist, editor, biographer, playwright, and prolific Amazon reviewer passed away at the age of 67.

Read touching tributes from Kevin Killian loved ones:

  • From Nick Sturm:

It’s devastating that Kevin Killian has passed away. His presence, generosity, humor, & intelligence were constant & seemingly effortless. We last corresponded in March about Spicer’s tarot deck for a student project. His final note to me: “Ah, for you, anything.” That’s KK. xoxo

  • From Gabriela Jauregui:

One of the most generous, wonderful writers I have ever met just passed.
May you rest in cum, wigs, pleasure galore, alongside friends, dear #KevinKillian

  • From Steve Silberman

Rest in peace poet Kevin Killian, a constant maternal ray of sharp sense and subversive mirth in Bay Area life these past decades. In tribute, his widow, poet Dodie Bellamy, on how she fell in love and built a life with the gayest of men.

  • From City Lights Books:

So deeply sad to hear about the passing of our dear friend, Kevin Killian.

  • From Gerard Koskovich:

In memoriam Kevin Killian (1952–2019): poet, editor, novelist, playwright and biographer — an unassuming yet major figure in San Francisco’s queer arts scene, a friend and mentor to many, a man with a fine talent, a kind heart and a delicious gift for literary gossip.

Kevin’s wife, Dodie Bellamy, posted the following on his Facebook page an hour ago: “Kevin passed peacefully this afternoon with Kylie playing and me and his sisters Maureen and Nancy holding him. Thanks for all your love and support.”

I first met Kevin at least 30 years ago — and had the pleasure early on of helping him track down some Stanford-related details for the Jack Spicer biography he coauthored with Lew Ellingham.

I last saw Kevin in early February, when we bumped into each other at the Yale University Library reception at The Book Club of California. At the end of the evening, we slowly made our way down to Market Street, with Kevin passing along inside stories about a dealer’s efforts to sell apparently purloined Spicer rarities.

You will be greatly missed by so many, dear Kevin. My heart goes out to Dodie and to all who counted you as a friend, a teacher, a writer’s voice and an inspiration.

May his soul rest in perfect peace.

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