Deputy Kevin J. Link, 51, of Portland died unexpectedly Wednesday afternoon, October 19, 2016 in the Town of Portland. He was born March 13, 1965 in Dunkirk, the son of the late Robert and Joan (Dillenkofer) Link.
An area resident for most of his life, Kevin was a graduate of Fredonia High School, Class of 1983. He served in the United States Army from 1983-1986 as a helicopter crew chief as part of the 227 Aviation 1st Cav Division. He was stationed at Fort Hood, TX and was deployed to Honduras and El Salvador during their civil war. Upon leaving the service, Kevin served in the United States Army Reserves as a Combat Engineer from March 1998 to March 2000.
Kevin spent nine years near Albany, NY, where he was a Corrections Officer and then a Deputy Sheriff with the Albany County Sheriff's Department. It is while he was working in Albany that he met his wife, Kelly.
Upon his return to Chautauqua County, Kevin continued his law enforcement career as a deputy sheriff with the Chautauqua County Sheriff's Office. He also served as a member of the Chautauqua County SWAT Team, Dive Team, and was a certified EMT. Kevin also worked part time as an EMT for the ALSTAR Ambulance Service. He served as a school resource officer at Cassadaga Central Schools, BOCES - LoGuidice Center, and most recently, Kevin served as the School Resource Officer for Silver Creek Schools, where his passion to help each student reach their fullest potential was his ultimate goal.
Kevin was a member of the Portland Congregational Church and the Westfield Fish and Game Club.
Kevin enjoyed duck and goose hunting, along with spending time with his family and friends.
Survivors include his wife, Kelly (Northway) Link, whom he married May 1997; one brother, Robert (Rena) Link of Dunkirk; one sister, Maggie (Doug) Owen of Dunkirk; three nieces, Kyleigh Link, Cassandra Link and Miranda Owen; one nephew, Nicholas Link, and one sister-in-law Megan Northway of Charlotte. He is also survived by his faithful companions and hunting buddies, Luci-Lu and Ethan.
Funeral services will be held Monday, October 24 at 11:00 AM in the First Baptist Church, 19 Union Street, Westfield. The Rev. R. Gordon Spiller will officiate. Military Honors will be accorded by the John W. Dill American Legion Post #434, Brocton. Calling hours will be held Sunday, October 23 from 4:00-8:00 PM at the McGraw-Kowal Funeral Home.
Memorials may be made to Dogs on Deployment, PO Box 710286, Santee, CA 92072. Call (619) 800-3631. www.dogsondeployment.org.
Obituary from the Observer
