Final fatal fire victim laid to rest

New Canaan, Conn. (WTNH) - The last of the three young people killed in a fire near Marist College was laid to rest on Friday.

Kevin Johnson of New Canaan was just two weeks shy of his 22nd birthday when he lost his life.

The young man, who friends affectionately called KJ, was remembered for his outgoing personality and zest for life.         
          
The outpouring of love left no doubt that Johnson touched many lives in a positive way in his 21 years.       

"Kev, if you hear me I love you," said Yana Kerch. "I'll miss you forever, everyday."

Johnson's remains were laid to rest Friday following a service at St. Aloysius Church in New Canaan.

Johnson, 21-year-old Eva Block of Woodbridge and another young woman from Long Island were killed in a fire at a house near the Marist College campus in Poughkeepsie, New York.

"The world's not gonna be the same. Not a day when it's gonna be sunny out. We're good skateboard buddies," said Brent Rodney. "It's gonna be hard not to call his phone or hang out with him and go to the park."

Johnson was a student at Duchess Community College in Poughkepsie.

Among those who came to pay tribute to him today were friends who had known him since middle school.

"He was kind, patient and had a big heart," said Kerch.

"I don't think there was one person in the high school who didn't know his name," said Katie Sigg. "He was very well known'

The Johnson family has asked that any donations should be sent to either the Marist College Fund or SmileTrain.org in Kevin's name.