Kevin A. Enox, a 24-year veteran of the California Highway Patrol, was on a bicycle ride outside Watsonville when he suffered a medical problem, according to the CHP. Other riders tried to revive him and he was transported to Watsonville Community Hospital where he was pronounced dead on July 12, 2014. He was 47. Enox exercised daily and often bicycled, coworkers said.
Lovingly referred to by his colleagues as “Papa Bear,” Kevin was born on June 23, 1967 in Mountain View CA. He was raised in Mountain View and graduated from Edison High School in Stockton. Kevin attended San Joaquin Delta College in Stockton and in May of 1990, he graduated from the CHP academy.
During his distinguished career with the CHP, he worked largely 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.
A mentor to many, Kevin was also called “bulletproof” after surviving a gunshot wound in the hip from a suspect who attacked him during a Live Oak traffic stop in 1998. He often served on protection assignments for dignitaries who visited Santa Cruz County.
Kevin and Deb were married for 23 years and lived in Boulder Creek. 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 is survived by his loving wife of 23 years, Debra Enox, his 29-year-old daughter, Kassie Enox; his father, Dan Enox of Stockton and Mother Linda Sheppard.
A trust fund has 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.”
A Memorial Service was held at the Twin Lakes Church of Aptos on Monday, July 21, 2014 at 1 P.M.