It's hard to say goodbye to Kendrik.
He wasn’t a perfect guy, and let's be honest, none of us are. He had his moments, and I know we all have a story or two about a time we butted heads with him. But for every one of those times, there was a moment where he’d get that huge, goofy grin on his face, lost in a great story, and that’s the image I'll always keep. What really defined Kendrik, for me, was his humanity. He was the guy who would always try to do the right thing. He wasn't a classic hero with a cape, but he tried to do right by people. He was always there to listen, even if he didn’t know what to say, and his presence was a comfort. That, more than anything, is the kind of man I want to remember.
Kendrik had a unique way of reminding us that what truly matters isn't the big accomplishments, but the small, meaningful connections we make. He was a living example of how connecting with people isn’t a transaction; it's a spark that moves through us and out into the world.
As many of you know, Kendrik was a massive fan of comic book characters like Static Shock. He could talk your ear off about the origin story of every hero and villain. He wasn’t just in it for the flashy fights and special effects. He was fascinated by how a hero's trauma shaped their strength, or how a villain’s sad backstory explained their pain. He appreciated that even the most powerful characters were flawed and complex. In his own way, Kendrik was heroic. He didn't wear a mask, but he had a quiet strength that was just as powerful. He was brave in his compassion, a champion for his friends, and always ready to lend a hand, just like the characters he so admired.
There's a quote from the philosopher Alan Watts that reminds me of how Kendrik lived. Watts said, "I would rather have a short life that is full of what I love doing, than a long life spent in a miserable way." Kendrik took that to heart. He didn't play it safe—not with his friendships, and certainly not with his dreams. He knew that the best things in life were waiting just beyond the comfort zone.
His absence leaves a hole that words can't fill, but his memory, his legacy of courage, is a light that will continue to guide us. Let’s not try to fill the void, but instead, let us carry on his legacy. Let's be a little more present, a little more willing to take a chance, and a little more forgiving of each other’s flaws, just as he was. Let’s honor Kendrik Branch by living a life we truly want to live, and in doing so, we keep a piece of his special heart alive.