Eugene Frierson Kvam, 60, of Canton, Georgia, went to be with his Savior Jesus Christ, Wednesday, October 22, 2025, his 60th birthday. Eugene was born on October 22, 1965, in Akron, Ohio to the late Roger Alden Kvam and surviving mother, Deborah Frierson Kvam. He was born with Downs Syndrome.

Eugene is survived by sister BJ Baskin (Larry), and brother Roger Kvam Jr. (Robyn). He was "favorite uncle to" Roger, (Brittany), Drew (Evin), William, and Daniel Baskin (Melissa), Lynnea Urbanowicz (Tim) Joshua Kvam (Jessica), Michael Kvam (Elise) and Zachary Kvam (Sarah). Eugene was "best uncle" to sixteen grandnieces and nephews: Kendall, Archer, and Rex Baskin; John Paul and Madeleine Baskin; Brady, Jonathan, Eliana, and Sophia Urbanowicz; Myah, Benaiah, Gianna, David, and Josiah Kvam; Mia and Coco Kvam.

When Eugene was born in the 1960's, the doctor's advice was to put him in an institution. His Dad and Mom kept Eugene. The blessing and impact of Eugene's life on people is immeasurable. He never knew a stranger. All women were "angels" and men were "pals." Eugene gave everyone a hug and was known for his sense of humor and generous outpouring of love to all. His hugs, as one of his cousins, Dr. Tom Fowler said, "were phenomenal." Eugene saw everyone as a child of God to be loved and cherished.

His mother, Debby Kvam, a trained teacher, took Eugene's special diagnosis and started a camp for other special needs children in Akron, Ohio. From 1970-1979, Kvam's Kinder Camp was a summer day camp with one volunteer counselor assigned to each camper for learning, music, art, and physical education activities. In 1980, the camp was donated to the University of Akron's education program.

Eugene was an avid Atlanta Braves fan. He was a good athlete and especially enjoyed bowling and swimming. Eugene participated in Special Olympics and went to the national Special Olympics one year as a delegate from Massachusetts. He fancied himself as a sportswriter and enjoyed writing articles and giving speeches to his family. He loved to be in front of a camera.

Eugene was the great celebrator of birthdays—any occasion to have cake. So, it was fitting his last day on earth was his 60th birthday. He took the celebration to heaven. Although we will miss him here, we know he is with his Lord and Savior, and he has been made whole.

He leaves an empty place in our hearts as he was very loved.

A memorial service is planned for early spring 2026 at the Cloudland Presbyterian Church.

Memorial donations may be made to the Special Olympics.
Special Olympics Donation page at https://support.specialolympics.org
Special Olympics
Attn: Web Gifts 2600 Virginia Ave NW, 11th Floor Washington, DC 20037