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Heart transplant recipient's visitation, funeral to be held in Victoria

Donor's family paying for funeral expenses

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  • BY J.R. ORTEGA
  • Originally published July 27, 2010 at 6:06 p.m., updated July 27, 2010 at 11:31 p.m.

  • services for Kevin NurseVISITATION

    WHERE: Rosewood Funeral Home, 3304 Mockingbird Lane

    WHEN: 6-8 p.m. Thursday

    GRAVESIDE SERVICES

    WHERE: Resurrection Cemetery, 1009 E Mockingbird Lane

    WHEN: 10 a.m. Friday

The Victoria family whose son's heart was transplanted into a local chef has honored the recipient's wishes to be buried in Victoria.

Kevin Nurse, who moved to Victoria from New York City in January to pursue his and his heart donor's dream of becoming an entrepreneur in cooking, died Friday after experiencing heart complications.

His death was hard on the donor family and his large circle of friends, said Cecilia Zarate, the mother of Daniel Zarate Jr., whose heart Nurse received four years ago.

"I hurt so much," Zarate said in a breaking sob. "Losing Kevin, I also know my son's heart also stopped."

Since the donation, Zarate and her husband, Daniel Sr., have grown close to the man who aspired to keep their son's spirit alive.

Nurse left his job as a UPS driver to become a chef and moved to Victoria to be closer to his donor family.

The Zarates have even paid for the funeral expenses because it's something they had to do, Cecilia Zarate said.

"He came to do what Daniel always dreamed about doing. He was very straightforward about what he wanted to do," he said about her son and Nurse.

Back at the Mustang Bar and Grill, the circle of friends and the bond is still broken, said Adriane Orta, friend and former co-worker.

Memories of listening to rhythm and blues music in the kitchen and the advice Nurse would give Orta still comfort her through his death.

"What will I miss about Kevin?" Orta asked. "Peeking over that square hole into the kitchen and seeing him cooking and dancing, it's not there anymore. He's not there."

The Zarates have set up a Kevin Nurse Memorial Fund through First Victoria National Bank.

Donations can be made at any one of the bank's locations.

"Kevin helped me in so many ways," Daniel Jr.'s mother said. "I'm very proud of Kevin."

Part 1: Lessons in giving

Part 2: Daughter provides will to live

Part 3: Sharing more than a heart

New York City heart recipient follows donor's heart's desire


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Comments

  • wpwentzell wpwentzell Report a ViolationReport a Violation Permalink

    I met Kevin once. We enjoyed a conversation about New York and comedians while I sipped a blueberry-flavored beer inside the Mustang, his establishment, his baby. You see, Kevin had the ability to connect with anyone that would listen to him. And fortunately for me, I had accidentally ordered a blueberry flavored beer I saw sitting in the cooler (which tasted quite repulsive, btw). This was one of Kevin's beers, he was supposed to pair it with a meal for some special guests the following Friday. He saw me drinking it an approached me, and I was captivated by his jocularity, his wit and his coolness. He struck me as more than just a food and beverage enthusiast, but someone who really knows how to eat well, but remain humble and determined.

    Kevin truly had a dream in life: to own and manage a successful, classy bar and grill. Kevin liked entertainment, and offered me his telephone number in case I knew a comedian who would perform at the Mustang. I vowed to try and find an act for him. Anything to make the place different from the trite, sleazy vibe of Cactus Canyon or the rustic, boozy staunchness of Cowgirls. He really wanted something unique, and I am glad I had the opportunity to witness his vision and his character, if for only 15 minutes.

    In only 15 minutes, Kevin's warm smile, his cool demanor, and his sense of place and purpose rubbed off on me. Thank you, Kevin. Much love.

    July 28, 2010 at 11:54 a.m.