Kevin John Christner

Kevin’s love of learning began with a solid foundation in reading at Holy Family School. He always prefaced nightly book-time with, “Don’t forget the author and illustrator”. His education continued at Jamestown High where he was a member of the JHS Indoor/Outdoor Track and Cross-Country teams, and Mock Trial. Graduating near the top of his class, Kevin went on to Denison University, Granville, Ohio where he earned a degree with high honors in Economics and History.

Kevin’s inquisitiveness and keen intellect drove all of his pursuits. Whatever he did, he was all in. Flying glider airplanes before he could drive a car, he went on to earn a single engine land rating before graduating from high school. A member of the Civil Air Patrol TAK Composite Squadron (Tonawanda) throughout high school, he worked his way through the ranks, earning their second highest award. An altar server at St. Peter and Paul Parish (Jamestown) through the 11th grade, he was awarded ‘Altar Server of the Year’.

Annual family vacations to destinations covering forty-six of the fifty states and several European countries, fueled Kevin’s passion to explore and learn more. Whatever historical events or ‘notable sites’ he studied in school in any given year, that’s where he longed to visit’ and so we did. Kevin grew up a ‘Curious George’, and like a sponge, he soaked it all in. A race car enthusiast from a very young age, he found his way to Watkins Glen and Laguna Seca, made the yearly trek to Indianapolis for the Indy 500, and spent Sunday mornings tuned-in to Formula One.

Following college, Kevin’s life and his career in finance led him to Buffalo where he found his second home, along with his second family’ the Saturn Club. A member since 2008, he became an avid squash player and was proud to be the club’s historian and archivist for many years. His love of Buffalo’s rich history, interest and participation in ‘start-ups’, and profound desire to become a part of Buffalo’s ‘come-back’ became key. When others doubted, it was Kevin who found a way. He was laser focused on becoming part of something bigger than himself, and his vision for Buffalo’s brighter future will someday be enjoyed by those also proud to call Buffalo ‘home’.

Kevin is survived by his parents, Don and Sue, his most precious gift to us, his son, Orson, along with many loving and supportive aunts, uncles and cousins. No service or visitation will be held; however, a future Celebration of Life is being planned.

Arrangements by NORMAN E. GANNON & SONS, Inc. FUNERAL HOME, 1075 Ridge Rd.; Lackawanna (716-824-4000).

Kevin’s unquenchable thirst for knowledge throughout his life led him to spend his spare time researching topics of interest and reading for pleasure. He valued education and looked forward to watching, encouraging and participating in his son’s academic growth and educational journey. To fulfill this wish and honor his legacy, an educational trust fund is being established for Orrie. Contributions can be made in Kevin’s memory payable to: Orson F Christner UTMA, Raymond James, 1207 Delaware Ave., Suite 108, Buffalo, NY 14209.

Online condolences may be shared at www. GANNONFUNERAL .com