b'Presidents MessageTRIBUTE TO KEVIN GWALTNEYBill Seibert, MRCA PresidentA couple of months ago, when I sat down at my desk to write my first MR Magazine Presidential Message, I had no idea where to start or what my message was going to be. I decided to go to the archives and read what past MRCA Presidents had written before me. After reading at least 30 of them, I still didnt know what direction I wanted to go in and at that time, I decided to call one of my all-time favorite Roofing Contractors Advocates, Kevin Gwaltney, President of Diamond Roofing and our 2019 MRCA President. Because of Kevin, I knew the direction of my first Presidents Message and also the direction that I wanted to take my year as President of this great Association. What I didnt know was that it was going to be one of the last times I got to speak with one of my greatest industry friends.Kevin Dwight Gwaltney, 45, passed away after his battle with cancer on January 29, 2023, at his home in Dodge City, Kansas.As a young boy, Kevin was a spectacular athlete in football, track & field, and excelled particularly in the game of basketball.He was involved with local basketball through his teenage years and was a valuable part of his AAU Basketball team through his time in high school.After a Jayhawk Conference Championship at Dodge City Community College, Kevin went on to play NCAA Division 1 basketball for one season at Wichita State University and then two years at Fort Hay State University.His claim-to-fame in his playing career was breaking Eric Chenowiths (KU basketball) nose in an exhibition game as a Fort Hays State University Tiger; the lone highlight in an otherwise lopsided affair.Kevin went on to finish his bachelors degree in business/finance at Kansas State University.Kevin was recently inducted into the DC3 Sports Hall of Fame in 2022, an honor for which he was incredibly proud.Kevin was an avid lover of the Jayhawks, Wildcats, and Chiefs, and not to mention country music. After college, Kevin returned to Dodge City to contribute his knowledge and experience to his familys roofing business.It was here that he met Jordan and the two started their journey together in life.Kevins father Rick passed away unexpectedly in 2011 at which point Kevin took the reins of the business and has continued its success to this very day.In addition to the time and attention he devoted to his family and his business, for the past 16 years Kevin continually served in leadership roles in the Midwest Roofing Contractors Association, where he was ultimately elevated to the associations President.Most recently, Kevin served on the Board of Directors of the National Roofing Contractors Association, all the while continuing to serve the roofing industry through the MRCA in various positions. Kevin was a generous contributor to his church community, to local sports, both youth and high school, and the Dodge City Roundup Rodeo.Kevin was committed to helping his community grow and flourish and was an active member of the Dodge City Chamber of Commerce.More significant than his dedication to his work and community, was his love and devotion for his wife and daughters.Each of them will be forever blessed with lasting memories of his kindness, strong work ethic, sense of humor, and dedication to family.Kevin had an immeasurable passion for the roofing industry and the people within in and we lost one of the best advocates when he passed. I will see to it that Kevins efforts will continue and never be forgotten, and I will cherish our friendship for the rest of my life. The Roofing Industry is better because of the Big Man himself. Godspeed my friend.Bill SeibertMRCA PresidentFisher Roofing of Kearney4 www.mrca.orgMidwest Roofer'