Just one of those things that you forget about. A bittersweet reminder.

Happy birthday, Kerry. We all still miss you very much.

When a bee first learns of God
he begins to fly
differently.

He gathers pollen
As though being
watched.

The Queen no longer matters
like she used to.
The flowers change their hues too.

His stinger? Pointless.

When a bee first learns of God
He begins to change
his tone.

He’s a different animal altogether-
another letter of the alphabet.

He is no longer
a bee.

Kerry Kack, Nov. 20th, 2002

Here is what was published:

Kerry Kack passed away unexpectedly on September 13, 2005. He was a teacher, an artist, a brother, a son, an uncle, and a beloved friend to many.

Kerry grew up in Minnesota, taught English in Tokyo for three years, and settled in San Francisco. He taught English as a second language here for the past 11 years.

Kerry was known for his keen wit and charm, his sense of fashion, but most of all for his gentle nature. He was a very talented artist who saw beauty in every day, and his love for words left lasting memories of conversations past.

He defined kindness and put loved ones before him… every time. He treated his friends and family with care, respect, and compassion. Though he’d never acknowledge it, he truly touched people’s lives, and left the world a better place.

“The song is ended, but the melody lingers on…” — Irving Berlin

I have found another obituary of Kerry:

Kerry Joseph Kack

Kerry Joseph Kack, age 38, of San Francisco, Calif., formerly of St. Leo, passed away unexpectedly due to heart failure on Sept. 13, 2005 in San Francisco.

Funeral Services will be Wednesday, Sept. 21, at 10:30 a.m. at the St. Leo Catholic Church in St. Leo with Father Tony Hesse officiating.

Visitation will be Tuesday, Sept. 20 from 4 to 8 p.m. with a Wake Service with Rosary at 7:30 p.m. at the Birk Funeral Home in Canby.

There will be a private burial with family at the St. Leo Cemetery at a later date.

Kerry Joseph Kack was born May 16, 1967, to Alvin and Irma (Bauler) Kack in Canby. He was baptized, received his First Holy Communion and confirmed at St. Leo Catholic Church. He attended Canby High School, graduating in 1985 with honors. While in high school, he was active in a number of activities and was a senior valedictorian. He earned a bachelor of science degree in art literature from St. Cloud State University in 1990 graduating Magna Cum Laude and with many honors. He was then a substitute teacher for the St. Cloud School District.

In 1991, he moved to Tokyo, Japan and worked as an English teacher at Lado International College for three years. In 1994, he moved to San Francisco, where he remained until his death. He taught at Effectiveness Training then went to the San Francisco Institute of English for six years teaching English. He took a break from teaching and worked at buzzsaw.com, Ixia Flower Shop and The Other Shop ­ a consignment store. In 2002, he went back to teaching English full time at Test Magic, where he was currently employed at the time of his death.

Throughout his teaching career, he was very dedicated to his students, showing them much patience and gentleness. Being very talented, he had a love for art and music of all kinds. He spent time with his nieces and nephews, coloring and drawing cartoons for them and also for his friends. He painted the farm scene mural at the former site of the Canby Print Shop. He also had a billboard design used for Minnesota billboards in late 1985 ­ early 1986 promoting seatbelt use.

He enjoyed spending time with friends and family, especially his nieces and nephews. He never realized how he always managed to touch the hearts of anyone he met and always left them with a smile. He will be so very much missed by many people.

Kack is survived by his siblings; Kevin (Beth) Kack of Russell; Peggy Plageman of Dawson; Pam Philipp of St. Leo; his nieces and nephews: Kyle Kack, Justin Plageman, Jaimie Plageman, Jonas Philipp, Jared Philipp, and Julia Philipp; many aunts, uncles, cousins, and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Alvin (2003), and Irma (1993); his brother, Kenny (1985); and niece Kassie Kack (1994).

I was very touched by the comments posted.

When I look in the sky and see the big white puffy clouds I think of Kerry. He loved to look at the cloud formations and often pointed them out. He saw beauty in everything. He loved the ocean, when I asked him what words he would use to describe it, the thing that comes to mind is “forever changing” like our lives are forever changing.

He loved to laugh, the laugh you have with friends when you are laughing so hard that tears come to your eyes, your stomach hurts, you try to talk and you squeak but yet you still laugh and it hurts so good. The best medicine in the whole world. I will really miss those laughs. We had many.

I felt warmth in his presense, joy in his smile, he touched the hearts of many and he touched my heart deeply.

He was loved and he will be forever missed.

Thank you keep the site going.

Here is the text of the obituary:

KACK, Kerry - Passed away unexpectedly on September 13, 2005. He lived in SF for the past 11 years and worked primarily as a teacher of English as a second language. He was also an artist, a brother, a son, an uncle and a beloved friend of many. His kind nature and keen humor will be sorely missed by all who knew him. www.kerrykack.com