While as a general rule, when we write for WARPIG, the both of us try to remain impartial, just imparting the facts of either an event or a product we've reviewed. Writing of a friend who has passed away, we find we cannot remain impassive and must just simply relay the truth of his life and the indelible mark left upon us.

If you're a paintball player you are probably familiar with the Smart Parts brand, but few outside the industry and press know the name of the man responsible for its identity. Kevin Rayman joined Smart Parts in 2002, to guide the company's marketing programs. A corporate image that started with his creation of the now widely known Smart Parts crosshair logo, eventually expanded into the formation of the company's creative department, and all new visual styling applied to products from barrels and markers to jerseys and packs.

We had the good fortune of meeting Kevin in 2002 and quickly found a friend with whom we were happy to visit when we would see each other at paintball tournaments and trade shows. With a smile that seemed to be always on, Kevin was quick with a joke, obscure reference or supportive comment. His wit was unsurpassed as was his dedication to a job done right. Even if it meant butting heads with those who he was working for. We greatly admired his class, his style and his determination. He was one of the few friends that we know would remain strong friends should the paintball industry disappear entirely.

Kevin was a sports nut, both as a spectator and an avid runner. Even in the midst of a road trip to paintball's World Cup, he'd start every morning with a run. It is currently believed that he suffered from a nearly undetectable heart condition, an enlarged heart. On September 14^th,2007, he was found in his home after collapsing from fatal heart failure during a run on his treadmill.

He leaves behind a vivacious girlfriend, Lesley, his father and mother and his sister and his brother. Just this year, he enjoyed becoming an uncle to a precious baby girl named Ava. His funeral services were solemn, but packed with friends and loved ones. It is a testament to a life well lived and a love of family and friends that the funeral home was too small to contain the number of mourners who arrived.

The reality of the loss has still not sunk in and we remain ever watchful for the short phrased email or the wit to ring over the phone line. Our sorrow will continue, we're sure, as a great friend has left our lives.

Our prayers for comfort go out to his friends, family and loved ones.

Bill & Dawn Mills, Owners – WARPIG.com

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