Kevin P. Tobiason

Intelligent, highly literate, passionate for music and dance with an artistic view on perception, these were the elements of Kevin’s soul.

Kevin Tobiason was born March 24, 1955, in Denver, Colorado, fourth child of Dr. Roy and Helen Tobiason. From an early age Kevin was enchanted by creative activities: drawing with crayons, chalk and watercolors; creating outfits for his collection of trolls; listening to all genres of music, and always an intense love of reading.

During a time of suburban emphasis on sports and achievement, Kevin’s development and convictions centered elsewhere. It was not an easy journey. Fortunately, in middle school, Kevin’s creativity was encouraged. Drawing, painting, sculpting, and throwing clay were his favorite classes.In high school the dramatic arts invited his skills of graphic design. Kevin created several posters for various productions at Cherry Creek High School.

By his senior year, 1972-73, Kevin had discovered his proclivity for dance. Brilliant mentors, Al Brooks and Maxine Munt, of the Changing Scene in downtown Denver, were impressed with Kevin’s innate talent and rapid progress. In 1974 Erick Hawkins was giving a master class at the University of Denver. Kevin was invited to attend and made a strong impression on Mr. Hawkins. After speaking with Kevin’s parents, Mr. Hawkins offered Kevin an opportunity to come to New York City to study dance and join his company.

The relocation to NYC was powerful. At age 19 Kevin lived meagerly, studied modern dance, began working jobs the hours allowed, and eventually began performing with the Erick Hawkins Dance Company. In addition to dancing as a company member, Kevin also taught classes and provided choreography. The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and Carnegie Hall were prestigious highlights. During the bicentennial of 1976, funding for the arts was increased, and the Erick Hawkins Dance Company toured America. Kevin’s family enjoyed watching him perform in Cheyenne, Wyoming of that year.

The AIDS crisis had hit New York City by the mid-70’s, though it did not make national news until 1980. Kevin was acutely aware of it. He knew or learned of many acquaintances who died of AIDS in the coming years.

His time with the Hawkins Dance Company came to an end. Kevin joined his parents in Corvallis, Oregon where he courageously came out as a gay man. He made his way to Denver where he began a variety of positions in the banking industry and customer service arena. Struggling with alcohol and depression, Kevin was eventually diagnosed with a mental illness and was able to obtain disability.

He went on with his life in an organized fashion; two trips a week to the Denver Public Library, one day for opera, groceries, Jungian therapy, and enjoying books, magazines (Vanity Fair and the New Yorker), the New York Times, and films. Kevin wrote letters to the editors of the New Yorker and the Times with exceptional style and insight. His views were printed occasionally. Kevin felt pride in these acknowledgments.

Upon the death of Kevin’s father in Oregon, his beloved mother, Helen, returned to Denver. Kevin began frequent visits with his mother. Lunches at what became their favorite restaurant, bringing her library books and tapes, sharing political conversations became part of their weekly habits. Eventually Kevin began visiting Helen 4-6 days a week, helping deliver groceries/meals, driving to medical appointments, and generally challenging her mental acuity. Helen died in 2018 at over 100 years of age.

Kevin was diagnosed with esophageal cancer in late 2023. He died July 27, 2026. There was cremation, and his ashes will be distributed in the Maroon Bells of Aspen in the fall of 2026.

Kevin was predeceased by his parents, Roy Tobiason and Helen Tobiason, and his sister, Kristin Tobiason Joy. Survivors include Kathlin Tobiason MacDonnell, brother, Steven and wife Bernie Tobiason, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Donations to any LBGTQ+ cause are welcome.