Obituary: Kevin Michael, 1965-2023

Kevin “K-Don” Michael passed away on November 16, 2023, after
surviving a battle with COVID-19, only to succumb to severe bacterial
pneumonia. His family and friends are devastated by the tragic loss
of their beloved son, brother, uncle and dear friend.

Kevin was a powerful
force in the reggae world, spreading the roots of Rastafari, reggae
and dancehall culture throughout Vermont, Boston, Jamaica and beyond.
Kevin’s playfulness shouted “Music! Love!” He was an artist,
musician and producer whose knowledge of reggae was deep and
legendary.

Kevin’s creativity
knew no limits and was expressed publicly through visual and
performing arts, personally in his home, garden and kitchen and at
his workplace, Berklee College of Music. An incredible
conversationalist, he was enthusiastic to share his vast and diverse
interest in music, history, genealogy and documentaries.

He was an
authentic man, humble and gracious. A gifted, loving and generous
soul, Kevin cherished his brother and their inseparable bond. His
interactions with family delighted us all.

Kevin Folger Michael
was born in Concord, Mass., and spent his early years in Acton,
Mass., and teen years in beloved Vermont before moving to the Boston
area. He is survived by his mother, Gail Wheeler of South Burlington,
Vt.; his father and his wife, David and Rusty Michael, of Enfield,
N.H.; his brother, Karl Michael, his wife, Nasse’ Salhi, and his
daughter, Naila Salhi-Michael, of Burlington, Vt.; his sister, Lori
Roberts, of Colchester, Vt., her children, Matthew, Danielle and Kyle
Bombardier, and their spouses and children, all of Chittenden County,
Vt.; the Berklee College of Music family; and, of course, the global
reggae community.

A celebration of his
amazing life will be held in Vermont in the spring. In lieu of
flowers, we ask that you make a donation to your favorite charity in
Kevin’s memory.

Arrangements are in
the care of Ready Funeral & Cremation Services. To send online
condolences, please visit readyfuneral.com.

This article appears in Nov 22-28, 2023.