Obituary of Sgt. Kevin A. Enox

Kevin A. Enox, a 24-year veteran of the California Highway Patrol, passed away suddenly on July 12, 2014. He was lovingly referred to by his colleagues as "Papa Bear." Kevin was born on June 23, 1967 in Mountain View CA and grew up primarily in Northern California. In May of 1990, Kevin graduated from the CHP academy. During his distinguished career with the CHP, he worked primarily in the Santa Cruz Area. He promoted to the rank of Sergeant in 1998, and was assigned to the Los Banos Area. He returned to Santa Cruz in 1999, where he served for the remainder of his career. During that time he became a Motorcycle Sergeant, and Protective Services Detail Supervisor. He coordinated and managed numerous high-profile sporting events and dignitary escorts. He was a recognized leader, both locally and statewide, and considered the backbone of the Santa Cruz Area squad. He loved his work and took great pride in every aspect and detail of the job. He was a no-nonsense leader with a huge heart and infectious laugh. Kevin's intensity for the job was indicative of his training and motivation, a leader by example! Behind his gruff exterior, Kevin was a man with a golden heart, who gave generously to others. His kind heart and spirit lead him to fundraising projects for organizations such as the "11-99 Foundation." He was lovingly referred to by his wife as "The Man", and "Papa Bear" by his friends and colleagues. He often wore a slight smirk on his face and loved playing shenanigans on his friends. Kevin was as loyal as they come, he loved to laugh and spend time with family and friends. Kevin and Deb were married for 23 years. Deb reflects, "He was an amazing, loyal, protective and caring husband. We were soul mates. Our love deepened through the challenges we faced together and will continue to deepen even in death. We loved to walk our dogs on the weekends and cycle with friends. We loved vacationing together, wine tasting and were happy just hanging out in Santa Cruz together on the weekends." A beautiful quote by Avery Martinez sums up Kevin perfectly: "Yesterday Heaven received a handsome and loving angel. Kevin Enox was such a loving and sweet guy. He might have looked a little rough on the outside (like a cactus almost) but once you got to know him, he was like the fluffiest teddy bear you could ever hug. I felt as if he was a second father to me. I know he had a huge place in his heart for not only me but my two siblings also, like we were his children. I'm in absolute shock that my mustache-y potato man is gone." Kevin, you will be greatly missed. Until we meet again. Kevin is survived by his loving wife of 23 years, Deb Enox, his father, Dan Enox, and Mother Linda Sheppard. A Memorial Service will be held at the Twin Lakes Church of Aptos on Monday, July 21, 2014 at 1 P.M. Flowers can be sent to Santa Cruz Memorial Mission Chapel, 1927 Ocean Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 -or- Twin Lakes Church, 2701 Cabrillo College Drive, Aptos, CA 95003-3103 A trust fund has also been established for the family at Bay Federal Credit Union, 4604 Scotts Valley Drive, Scotts Valley, CA. Donations can be made in the name of "FBO Sgt. Kevin Enox."