Local Legend Passes Away, Leaving Legacy of Selflessness and Automotive Assistance
A photo of Kevin Struzan that was taken just days before his passing. Contributed photo.
By Cole Goodwin
The Dalles, OR, July 10, 2023– The community mourns the sudden loss of Kevin Struzan, owner of All Foreign and Domestic Used Auto Parts, who passed away on Sunday, July 2nd, at the age of 66 due to a massive stroke that occurred while he was at a u-pull wrecking yard in Portland, pulling parts for his customers in The Dalles.
Kevin Struzan. Contributed photo.
Known for his unwavering kindness and selflessness, Kevin touched the lives of many throughout his lifetime.
Kevin's untimely departure has left his family and friends devastated, but they are determined to honor his memory by celebrating his remarkable life. In an effort to cover any medical expenses and organize a fitting celebration, his siblings, along with his three adult children and grandchildren, have launched a fundraising campaign.
"Kevin had a heart of gold and would help anyone without asking for anything in return," expressed Kevin’s ex-wife Allyson Struzan. Known for his tireless work ethic, Kevin dedicated himself to his business, All Foreign and Domestic Used Auto Parts (AFD), working seven days a week in his shop kitty corner from Wahtonka High School on 10th Street. He was always willing to go the extra mile to assist others in finding the parts they needed, putting their needs ahead of his own.
With such big blue suede shoes to fill it seems unlikely that anyone will be able to take over Kevin’s business and legacy. Contributed photo.
“He would help the homeless fix up their cars when no one else would,” said Allyson.
“I lived with Kevin because he was nice enough to give me a place to live,” said Patricia Green, in a comment on Facebook. “Otherwise I would be homeless. I got to know him quite well, and he was an absolutely outstanding and great man.”
Contributed photo.
The impact of Kevin's generosity extends far into the community. He was a beacon of hope and support for those facing automotive woes, including the CCCNews team, who sought his expertise on multiple occasions. Kevin's willingness to assist with their various old car troubles, especially their beloved vintage Subarus, earned him a special place in their hearts.
"He was always such a pleasure to work with," shared Robin Denning from the CCCNews team, reflecting on the times Kevin lent his expertise. The engines provided by Kevin continue to power the journalists as they rush to cover various news events throughout the city, a testament to his enduring legacy.
Kevin also had a sense of humor and was quick to light up a room with his smile or a joke that would brighten people’s day.
“Lots of people would stop by the shop just to visit,” said Allyson. “He loved his friends.”
“He could make you laugh even if you were having a bad day,” said Carl Tyler in a comment on Facebook.
He was also an Elvis impersonator and a frequent visitor to karaoke with his friend Paul, together they were known as the ‘Cigar Boys.’ Kevin was well known for his love of cigars.
“He was very likable and lovable, had a great sense of humor and did the best, the best impersonation of Elvis Presley that I have ever known or seen or heard. My deepest condolences to his family,” said Green.
Cigar Boys. Contributed Photo.
Allyson shared that Kevin was an organ donor and that his organs had gone to help save others’ lives. To honor him, nurses played a CD of Kevin singing Blue Suede Shoes in the operating room.
“He’s still helping people, even though he’s gone,” said Allyson tearfully. “And heaven’s gained another angel.”
Kevin also extended his generosity to the neighborhood’s stray cats.
“He loved cats…he’d feed the kitty’s that came around so they wouldn’t go hungry,” said Allyson.
Kevin always had cats and adopted Soxx, as a baby. After finding a litter of kittens in some tires at his wrecking yard in The Dalles, while the rest of the litter didn’t make it, Soxx found a new home that day in Kevin.
The passing of Kevin Struzan has left a void in the hearts of many, but the community at large remains grateful for the countless lives he touched. Plans are underway to hold a celebration of Kevin's life, where family, friends, and community members can gather to honor his memory and share stories of his generosity on August 27th, at the pavilion at Oaks Park, 7805 SE Oaks Park Way, Portland, OR 97202 from 3 to 9 p.m.
Kevin's family has launched a fundraising campaign to help pay for Kevin’s medical expenses and his celebration of life. So far the GoFundMe has raised $1,940 of it’s $3,000 goal. The hope is that the campaign will ease some of the financial burden brought about by this sudden tragedy and ensure a fitting tribute to his life.
To donate to Kevin’s family visit their GoFundMe page at: https://gofund.me/d40b4de1.
The family expressed deep gratitude for any support, emphasizing that every penny counts.
As The Dalles says goodbye to a remarkable soul, they unite in gratitude for the impact Kevin had on the community at large. His selflessness, dedication, and automotive assistance will be remembered as a true testament to the power of kindness. Kevin Struzan's legacy will continue to inspire acts of generosity for years to come.
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