A message from all of us at the Summit Neighborhood Association:
On Sunday, we lost a dear friend. Kerry Kohring, a longtime Summit resident and vice president of the Summit Neighborhood Association, passed away.
We wish to share some reflections on Kerry, and the special person he was.
“Kerry was a thoughtful, wise, and cheerful man who I am thankful I had the opportunity to know. He was quietly, yet unshakably reliable; he helped carry our organization. He cared for us. He was a humble leader, manager, doer, worker, and friend. Our little corner of Providence has so much to show for his efforts. If only there were more like him in our world, we’d all be better for it.”
“I knew Kerry as a kind person and friend. He was easy and enjoyable to work with on SNA projects. Kerry cared so much for the neighborhood, not only as Vice President of the SNA Board but also as a regular neighbor. (I will miss him terribly).”
“Kerry was always so thoughtful and sweet, as well as being an invaluable SNA Board Member. We are so, so sad for his loss, and our hearts go out to Sandy.”
“Kerry worked behind the scenes, without a desire for recognition, as well as provided a diplomatic, calm, and reasonable voice at meetings.”
“I loved having the opportunity to sit with Kerry at the SNA table at events, as he always made the conversation interesting he made me feel happy in my interactions with him. He had an uplifting energy to him. I always appreciated how loving he was when he talked about his wife, Sandy; it was obvious how much they enjoyed one another, and how lucky they both are to have one another.”
“Kerry had a magical way of putting people at ease. I could feel it in myself and see it in his interactions with others.”
“I’m not sure what to say other than they really broke the mold with Kerry. He was a servant leader, always the first to volunteer for the heavy lifting part of the job. He was more comfortable behind the scenes and behind the camera lens, rather than taking any of the spotlight or credit for himself. Every single time I’ve recognized him from the podium, I scan the room to point him out and he’s in the back somewhere taking photos, manning the SNA membership table, or not in sight because he’s off managing some task to keep the event on the rails. He was the quiet production workhorse behind every event.”
“In meetings he provided fair and diplomatic feedback. He was well-balanced and reasonable always. He always spoke from the kindness in his heart, and he always had the best interest of the community in mind when he spoke.”
“As a friend, he was easy to talk with. One of those people you wanted to chat with for a long time. He didn’t judge, and he had interesting perspective. I never wanted to reach the end of a conversation with him. He had a way of making you feel good in your interactions.”
“This is a monumental loss for the organization, the community, and for anyone lucky enough to have had a personal relationship with him.”
The SNA invites all neighbors to participate in our Caroling for a Cause event on December 17th. Kerry was the creator and champion of this event, and we’ll carry it on in his honor, with all the cheer we can muster.
We also note that the Providence Newspaper Guild, another organization Kerry cared deeply for, has shared their memoriam of him at http://www.riguild.org/2017/12/kerry-kohrings-passing-is-a-great-loss-to-us-all
UPDATE [12/18/17]: The Providence Journal published Kerry’s obituary here.
Kerry’s wife, Sandy, has asked that in lieu of flowers, friends consider making a donation to the American Cancer Society or the American Heart Association. Public services have not been scheduled at this time; the family will hold a small private ceremony.
