Kal Kassel Obituary

In a state of immense sadness and shock, the family of Kal Kassel announces his passing on Sunday, May 18th, from a sudden brain stroke. He lived on Pawleys Island, S.C. with his great dogs, Doge and Lexi and his cherished cat, Tahoe. Kal passed peacefully under the care of an excellent team at the Comprehensive Stroke and Cerebrovascular Center at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) in Charleston, surrounded by loving family and many of his friends. Kal was known everywhere locally, from the pickleball courts to the golf course to the board room. He was a businessman and accomplished entrepreneur in commercial real estate and a friend to all. When he moved from New York to Pawleys Island in the 90s, he and his best friend Kristen opened Thyme Out, the first gourmet deli/gas station in the state. Countless novel business ventures followed. He will mostly be remembered for his kindness to others and willingness to stand up for those who needed help. His high school friend Ira had this to say; "Without fear, Kal would stand up to any bully, defend someone being taken advantage of and come to the rescue of those in need." He always put others before himself. Kal also was a wonderful supporter of animal rescues and offered both financial and emotional support to the local McNeal Veterinary Hospital. His tremendous humor and superbly sharp wit came with a captivating smile usually followed by joyous laughter. He was physically active, regularly enjoying tennis and golf. Kal loved taking long walks with Doge and Lexi. His recent passion was pickleball. He made his mark at the local club as a competitive player, always throwing in his natural heartening sense of humor. Born in 1955 in Roslyn, N.Y., Kal is the son of Doris and Alvin Kassel. He learned generosity from his doting and caring father - and how to stand up for the weak and for his beliefs from his strong-willed mother. He was an excellent student and active member of the high school tennis team. Kal went on to study at the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania where he graduated in 1978. He is survived by his sister Bonnie Kassel and her partner Tony Romeo, his sister Kim Kassel Diethelm and brother-in-law Markus Diethelm, his two nieces Kira and Amelina Diethelm, his beloved second family Kristen Brown together with her children Logan and Peyton, and Kaiden Daniels, who Kal took under his wing and mentored since the age of two. After Kal passed, it seemed as if everyone told us a new Kal story. When we called Candi, the veterinarian, she said it was not just his pets he cared for. Just recently, Kal came in with a dog to help on behalf of a young couple low on funds. Logan also recounted how Kal searched countless pages on eBay to find the one giant replica of her childhood purple Tinky Winky Teletubby and mailed it to her across the country after she broke her leg. She, of course, broke out in tears. Please treasure all your own Kal stories. The world seems much less bright without the presence of this rare and delicate soul. The blessing of his memory inspires us to cherish every day, to be thankful for each of our own blessings and to be uplifted by his shining example of generosity and love. Kal, whatever we all were to each other, we are still. Condolences may be made at www.burroughsfh.com Burroughs Funeral Home and Cremation Services (843.651.1440) of Murrells Inlet is assisting the family with arrangements. To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.