K.C.
Known Since: 1986
Resides In: Arlington Heights, IL
I met K.C. just after graduating high school. K.C., meanwhile, had graduated Notre Dame, and had moved to Sacramento for a job--he was in pharmeceutical sales back then, prompting us all to joke that he was a drug dealer for a living. As a couple of Irish guys (but only one of us--him--Irish Catholic), we hit it off swell, and had lots of other interests in common. K.C. just has this strange way of networking, of meeting people from all walks of life, and I actually met some of my best friends I have today through him in one way or another. We're both into writing--K.C. being an outstanding writer--and that was a big connection as well, prompting us to help form the amateur press publication a number of my friends were part of. K.C. is Irish through and through (as you find out the minute you walk into his home and see all the Notre Dame stuff all over the place) and is probably one the most learned people I know. The man reads everything. He can talk on any topic, I swear. And he does just that, by the way, as an award-winning Toastmasters speechmeister.
K.C. works in advertising, mainly in web stuff in these latter years. He's a talented cartoonist as well, and is always doodling something if left with a pen and paper for longer than 10 seconds. His interests seem to be endless. He's a big fan of such diverse things as old serials, classic Disney collectibles, parades, holidays...and did I mention Notre Dame? K.C.'s a huge believer in family, and has a Big Fat Catholic family that I heard endless stories of for years before I met them all just a few years back. Everyone who knows K.C. loves the guy. He's a just a great person, sort of a born-too-late kind of guy that doesn't QUITE seem to be from this era, but you're sure surprised and glad that he is? K.C.'s a man of values and responsibility, integrity and fun, and is a people person to the core. We've had a lot of great times together over the years, but none more meaningful than when I stood up for him (well...you know, figuratively) at his wedding. He's a rare friend indeed, one I highly recommend trying out for yourself. Just start a conversation about turn-of-the-century railroads or Bolivian fruit flies. Go ahead. I dare you.
Random Me and K.C. Memory: All those Thursday nights he had to drive me all the way home from Roseville to Folsom before I had a van. Lots of good talks during those drives.
