It was with a great sense of surprise and a greater sense of loss that I opened the Sun Journal on Tuesday, Aug. 9, to see Justin Pelletier’s article on Kevin Mills’ death. I have known, liked and respected Mills for well over 20 years, speaking with him during many athletic contests, but mostly at softball games.
Mills was the likeable and friendly reporter who covered girls’ sports in the area. He did his job with enthusiasm, a sense of fairness and with an amazing ability to report on the games without bias. He had the ability to have both teams feel that they did well.
I can recall many games where Mills would come over to me after the game and ask for a minute of my time and, also, ask to speak to one or two of my players. He wanted to know my thoughts and my reaction to the play of my team. He took the time to speak with the players to get their words into his stories.
I believe that one of his greatest attributes was that he made each coach and each team feel that they were his favorite. I know that I always felt that he believed that we had great potential, that good things were going to happen. I believe that my fellow coaches felt the same.
He will be missed. His legacy will be a guiding light for all those who will follow.
Jim Lunney, Bethel
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