Northampton , MA – Kevin Lister Lake died on September 2, 2026 in his Northampton home with his wife Sallie, and three children Jessica Lake Giordano, Bea Deans Lake and Joseph Yale Lake by his side.
Kevin was born July 22, 1948 in Hartford, Ct.;the second child and only son of Louise Winifred Lister and Irving Yale Lake. Kevin was predeceased by his parents and younger sister, Kristin Lake Charles. Kevin is survived by his wife Sallie, his three children and their families, including his beloved grandchildren Robert and Caroline, as well as his sisters, Carroll Lake Rafaniello (Jerald Rafaniello) and Kathleen Lake Shaw (Barclay Shaw).
As a child, Kevin fell in love with the marshes, beaches and waterways of Cape Cod, and the way the land was shaped by ancient floods, powerful storms, and relentless seas. He and his sisters found a place of beauty and peace there as children, which he was grateful to be able to share with those close to him throughout his life. His fascination, curiosity, and reverent love for the natural world marked his thought and actions all his life.
A lifelong runner, Kevin lived a physically and mentally active life. He enjoyed camping trips with close friends on mountains and rivers across the northeast. He sailed his small wooden sailboat on Cape Cod Bay, where he also enjoyed early morning walks with the family’s dogs. Friends and family treasured long and nuanced conversations with Kevin about topics ranging from historical events and scientific discoveries to politics or management strategies. Kevin was always curious to learn new things, and willing, if not eager, to challenge his own perspective.
The care he showed in his professional and personal life stemmed from a deep conviction that compassion, respect, and honest communication would always lead to the most durable and satisfying outcomes. He will be remembered for his kindness, his thoughtfulness, and for his conviction that happiness comes from treating others with compassion and decency.
Kevin’s memorial service will be held in Northampton in late October. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Cooley Dickinson Hospital, or the Northampton Conservation Commission.
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