The Enduring Spirit of Kevin Dean Wheaton: A Life Measured in Laughter, Loyalty, and Love

Rancho Palos Verdes recently said goodbye to a man whose vibrant spirit, professional integrity, and infectious kindness left an indelible mark on everyone he met. Kevin Dean Wheaton, who for sixty years graced this world with his presence, passed away peacefully on January 28, 2024. And honestly, for those who knew him, the loss feels immense; it truly does.

Born in Bellflower on November 22, 1963, Kevin’s journey began with a promise of ambition and warmth. He grew up, a proud graduate of La Mirada High School’s class of 1981, before heading off to the University of Southern California — fight on! — where he earned his Bachelor’s in Business Administration in 1985. That time at USC, one could argue, really set the stage for a distinguished career and a lifelong passion for Trojan football. He was, to put it mildly, a devoted fan.

His professional life, in truth, was a testament to dedication and smarts. Kevin carved out a truly impressive career in commercial real estate, specializing in industrial properties. He started at Seeley Company, then moved to Cushman & Wakefield, eventually finding his stride and rising to Senior Vice President at CBRE. And here’s the thing: he wasn’t just good at his job; he was exceptional. Rookies looked up to him, peers admired his unwavering integrity, and clients trusted his word implicitly. He collected awards like the “Top 20” and “Rookie of the Year,” sure, but what really mattered, you could tell, was the genuine respect he earned from a community that knew him as a mentor and a true gentleman.

But to define Kevin solely by his career would be to miss the heart of the man. His world, his true north, was his family. He married his beloved Kelly in 1990, and together they built a beautiful life, raising two wonderful children, Megan and Grant. He was, by all accounts, a devoted husband and a doting father. Kevin also shared deep bonds with his parents, Gary and Jo Wheaton, and his siblings, Kari and Keith. Family wasn't just important to him; it was everything.

Beyond the office and home, Kevin embraced life with an admirable zest. He loved to travel, with Hawaii and Palm Springs being favorite haunts, places where he could unwind and truly be himself. An avid golfer, he found joy on the greens, and for someone who valued fitness, he always made time for it. Oh, and dogs? He absolutely adored them, especially his cherished golden retriever, Winston. A man who appreciated the finer things, he loved good food, fine wine, and a well-crafted cocktail, often while entertaining friends and family. Because for Kevin, life was about sharing, about laughter, about creating memories. He was, many would attest, a fantastic storyteller, capable of lighting up any room.

His kindness, generosity, and unwavering loyalty are the qualities that echo most strongly now. Kevin possessed a remarkable ability to see the best in people, and his infectious laugh and radiant smile were, frankly, unforgettable. He wasn't just a colleague, a husband, a father, or a friend; he was a truly special individual who touched countless lives with his warmth and genuine spirit.

Kevin Dean Wheaton leaves behind a profound void, yet his legacy of integrity, love, and joyous living will undoubtedly continue to inspire. He will be deeply, deeply missed by his beloved family, his vast network of friends, and his respected colleagues. A celebration of his remarkable life is scheduled for February 17, 2024, at Rolling Hills Covenant Church. And in a gesture truly reflective of his compassionate heart, the family kindly requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to either Golden Retriever Rescue (www.scgrrescue.org) or Rolling Hills Covenant Church, causes that, one imagines, would have been close to Kevin’s own heart.