Kate, the first child of Bridget and Lary Kuhns, was born July 13, 1981, in Columbus, Ohio. In April 1982 she moved to Homer with her parents, living first in Anchor Point and then Homer in 1983. She was the older sister to brothers Wes and Ben and sister Lauren.

Kate attended Paul Banks Elementary School, Homer Middle School and Homer High School, graduating in May 1999. She attended the University of Northern Colorado, where she was a member of the swim team.

As an athlete in high school, Kate participated in swimming and running competitions, and established several school records that still stand today. She qualified several times for the state swimming finals, and enjoyed the time spent as part of a team, as well as creating lifelong friendships.

For Kate, material things held considerably less value than friendship. She was known to help anyone at any time, and to share whatever she had with others. This unwavering compassion continued even after her death. As an organ donor, one of her last gifts helped save the life of an infant. This latest gift helped ease the pain felt in many hearts, and would surely bring a smile to her lips in knowing she had set others at ease in their own time of need.

Kate loved the simple things that life had to offer: walks on the beach, coffee with her friends, and time spent with those she cared most about. She loved the sound of the wind and the waves as they played out on the beaches of Kachemak Bay. She loved winter sunsets viewed from Diamond Ridge, as the alpenglow worked its magic on the mountains across the bay.

The tempo of Kate's life, as well as how she viewed it, was different from that of many. Yet she always took the time to listen to others, and respected what they had to say. She enjoyed teaching, and loved children, especially her little sister, Lauren. She truly loved her brothers, Wes and Ben, and was their mentor in many lessons in life.

Kate emulated her mother, Bridget, and said that one day she hoped to be like her. She and her mother spent many hours together working at the Homer pool, as well as walking and talking their way across Diamond Ridge and Skyline Drive. The time they spent together always seemed precious, and each wished they would be able to enjoy each other's company for many years to come.

Kate and her father, Lary, enjoyed a very special bond. Unlike many father-daughter relationships, Kate felt free to confide in him her deepest secrets, and ask the hardest questions about life. Together they worked through many of life's challenges, with each gaining more respect and appreciation for the other. They shared a unique and beautiful relationship that few fathers have ever experienced.

Her family said, "Kate was a truly beautiful and kind soul. No one who has ever know her sense of playfulness, seen her quick smile, or looked into her bright and telling eyes will be untouched by her passing. Our lives will simply be the poorer for it. But for those of us fortunate enough to have spent time with Kate, we know that part of her will live on in our own hearts, until we meet again, just beyond the horizon."

Kate is survived by her grandparents, Jake and Doris Kuhns and Walter and Beverly Cooper, all of Plain City, Ohio; her parents, Bridget and Lary Kuhns; her brothers and sister, Wes, Ben and Lauren; and many uncles and aunts of Ohio, Florida and Canada.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Kate Kuhns Scholarship Fund, Wells Fargo Bank.