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National Peace Corps Association > News > Polyglot > A Remembrance: Kevin O’Donnell—A True Friend of the Peace Corps
A Remembrance: Kevin O’Donnell—A True Friend of the Peace Corps
By Kevin Quigley on Wednesday, February 29th, 2012
Those who knew Kevin O’Donnell and love the Peace Corps mourn the loss of its true friend and tireless champion.
Kevin O’Donnell began his service to the Peace Corps as the first country director in Korea in 1966. His service began after a time of considerable personal and family challenges.
In his office to this day, there is a poignant portrait of his “blended” family with its eight enthusiastic children on the eve of their departure to Seoul.
After four years in Korea, where he developed a life-long love affair with that remarkable country, in 1970 Kevin was called back to Washington, DC. In 1971, he became the fourth director of the Peace Corps.
Following his leadership role at the Peace Corps, Kevin continued to enthusiastically support the Peace Corps by serving on the National Peace Corps Association’s Advisory Council, as a founder and board member of the Friends of Korea, and as an active member of the Northern Ohio Returned Volunteer Association. He also was a beloved mentor and advisor to innumerable RPCVs and Peace Corps staff.
Despite a busy professional life and a large family with enormous responsibilities, including caring for his beloved wife, Ellen, Kevin was always there whenever you called or needed him.
Sharing the same name, Kevin and I often bantered back and forth about who was the “real Kevin” and had the best claim to our ancestral homeland. There was no doubt in my mind that he was and always will be “the real Kevin.”
For Kevin, his love of the Peace Corps began a family affair—with his daughter, Megan, serving in Nepal and two granddaughters who also served in the Peace Corps.
On behalf of my board, colleagues, and the thousands of Peace Corps community members who liked and admired him, while recognizing the remarkable life he led, we express our deepest condolences to Kevin’s family.
Thank you for NPCA’s moving tribute to Kevin, who was indeed one of those rare individuals who was able to change thousands of lives forever and for the better as a Country Director, Peace Corps Director, friend, and mentor. For many of us Kevin represented the best of the world, the best of Peace Corps, and the best of life. He will be terribly missed.
Thanks, Kevin! – to both of you for Kevin ‘squared’ support of Peace Corps and NPCA
Kevin Q – Thank you for the kind statements for Kevin. He has been a such lovely man, a kind friend to so many and such a great PC supporter. Indeed we shall all greatly miss him.
Kevin Q – Thank you for the kind statements for Kevin O. He has been a such lovely man, a kind friend to so many and such a great PC supporter. He was always such a delight at Director’s Circle events and indeed we shall all greatly miss him.
As the second PC/K Country Director after Kevin, I, along with my family, have a special appreciation of the truly outstanding job Kevin and his staff did in setting up and managing the Peace Corps program in Korea. Even before we had finally decided to go to Korea, Kevin and Ellen O’Donnell invited Jane and me to their home in the DC suburbs for dinner and an evening of Koreana, complete with kimchi and a slide show. Their warmth, kindness and enthusiasm–and love of Korea and the Volunteers–were so impressive that there was no question as to what we should be doing with the next step in our lives. Once in Korea, I quickly learned of the countless decisions and actions Kevin and his staff had taken to establish a great Peace Corps program–one that had uncommonly strong ties in many facets of the Korean community and was shaped to make life in Korea as rewarding as humanly possible for the Volunteers and for the staff and their families. Over the years, my wife’s and my affection for Kevin has grown and we are deeply saddened at the passing of one of the greatest human beings we have ever known. We love you, Kevin, and like the hundreds of others whose lives you touched so deeply, you will always have a special place in our hearts.
Ed Scott (PC/K staff, 1971-73)
I want only to agree in a personal way with the final paragraph of Kevin Quigley’s wonderful tribute. I liked and admired Kevin while a volunteer in Korea, as an observer of his PC director years, and in the occasional contact I had with him through our K-IV group and FOK. He enriched my life, in small but meaningful ways, and he handled difficult challenges in Seoul and Washington with skill and courage.
I will carry warm memories of Kevin, and send special condolences to his nephew Patrick, also an acquaintance. Finally, a sincere thank you to Maura for responding to messages during the difficult past few weeks.
As a member of that first group of PCV’s to go to Korea in the Fall of 1966, I remember Kevin as the “rock” who was always there for us volunteers. A stern but compassionate leader who was a sounding board for our insecurities and a cheer leader for our successes. I have also been honored to have been a Member of the Board of the Friends of Korea along with Kevin. His leadership and friendship have been truly inspirational throughout the years. Thank you, Kevin, for your friendship and wisdom. You shall truly be missed by so many people whom you have known and mentored over the years.
Kevin O’Donnell is the only former PC Director I recall coming to each of the NPCA Anniversary Reunions, beginning with the 20th in 1981. He has always been so approachable and totally committed to Peace Corps. He will be sorely missed. But he is obviously in a better place now.
Rest in peace and love, Kevin.
Kevin was my rock when I was on the NPCA board and I have nothing but respect for — and fond memories of — this fine man.
I am so sad to hear this news and send my thoughts to his family. Kevin was a true champion of Peace Corps and such a kind man. He opened his home to RPCVs and prospective volunteers and was always willing to lend a hand when asked. He will be missed by those whose lives he has touched.
I recall a meeting either either in Hawaii before we (K-1) flew out, or in Seoul before we went to our assignments, when most of us were a little nervous about what it would be like to live in Korea. Perhaps sensing a certain apprehensiveness, Kevin made a statement that certainly lifted my spirits, saying “We’re going to have fun in Korea, too!” It wasn’t always fun, of course. We all faced challenges in our work and our daily lives, and even greater concerns when the Pueblo was seized, and when a North Korean assassination team came within a few hundred yards of the Blue House. In those times, it was a great comfort to know that Kevin was there to look out for us. Although I had no contact with Kevin after 1969, when I finished my Peace Corps service, I have always remembered him with the greatest respect, admiration and appreciation. I am very sad at his passing and proud to have known and served under him.
I had the honor of working with Kevin O’Donnell on several projects over the years when I served on the NPCA board and during my term as board chair. Kevin was indispensable and a tireless volunteer in getting Friends of Korea established. I appreciated all of his hard work and advice when we worked together to create FOK.
Kevin had a great love for his family, for the Peace Corps, for Peace Corps/Korea, for FOK, the Korean people, and for the ideals of Peace Corps which he exhibited in everything he took on. Everyone who knew Kevin was touched and inspired by him. I know that many others, like me, will miss him terribly.
I was a PCV in Korea from 1973-75 but was lucky enough to meet Kevin at a reunion in Korea 5 years ago and a second time at the first Korea Visit reunion. He is truly one of the most remarkable people I ever met. I believe Kevin set the tone for Peace Corps/Korea and many, many volunteers, as well as many, many Koreans, benefitted from his vision.
Thank you for the lovely story, Kevin. I am very blessed and proud to be one of those granddaughters and a part of the legacy inspired by Kevin O’Donnell.
I met Kevin in 2008 in Korea at a revisit for peace corps volunteers to Korea. Instantly I felt that he was a friend I have always know. His enthusiasm for Korea and the Peace Corps was still so strong. Speaking with him about the early days of peace corps in korea was fascinating and something I will always treasure. He was truly a remarkable man, Korea and Peace Corps has lost a true friend. Kevin I will miss you.
Kevin was a man who blended marvelous gifts of exuberance and dedication, confidence and competence. His commitment to the Peace Corps and to life was inspiring. He was a great encourager to me and to all. If I had played baseball he would have been my coach!
My condolences to his wonderful and large family and to his many friends.
We love you, Kevin.
Rest in peace and joy.
John
Thank you Kevin Quigley for the fitting tribute you share with us. Kevin O’Donnell will be remembered for the outstanding guidance and leadership he provided to PCVs serving in Korea. As we volunteers observed the treasure of family life in Korea, Kevin was there to offer a fine example of the American counterpart.