RIP Kevin Staff

RIP Kevin Staff

I am incredibly sad that Kevin Staff , my long time collaborator in generating science posts on G+ has passed away. Kevin was much too young to leave us. He was an extraordinarily creative artist who specialized in unique styles of gif conversion. Although we never met, I often emailed him with a link to a movie or YouTube video that caught my eye, asking if he could convert it to a gif for a science post. He unfailingly responded with generosity and patience, often redoing them until I was happy. I used to joke that his turnaround time was so rapid that it put pressure on me to write the darn text!

Please join me in celebrating his art and his generous spirit.  And in conveying our condolences to his friends and family.

Here is just a small sampling of Kevin’s work, there are too many for me to pick favorites:

Fastest spring in nature: Vorticella http://goo.gl/Jw4hQk

Walking heads: kinesin http://goo.gl/amYA3P

London calling: http://goo.gl/MbY71j

Chris Pirillo, the science experiment http://goo.gl/YMM3bI  

Originally shared by Regina Guimard

It is with sadness that I am informing you the death of Kevin Staff 

on Thursday, September 12 in Loma Linda, California. 

He was known by his unique animated gifs. On his posts,  he expressed a passion for Coffee, Photography, Arts, Architecture, Design, Science, motivational quotes and travelling. 

He will be deeply missed by his family, friends and members of his circles. 

Please join me for a moment’s thought in remembrance of a true gentleman, caring person and wonderful human being. 

#kevinstaff   #coffee   #animatedgifs   #gifs   #geek  

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78 Responses to RIP Kevin Staff


  1. sorry to hear that, condolences… 

  2. Brianne says:


    I’m so sorry Rajini Rao

  3. Condrey Jr says:


    So sorry to hear that


  4. Ufff. Sorry Rajini Rao . Really sorry

  5. Terry McNeil says:


    I’m so sorry for your loss. 😦

  6. Rajini Rao says:


    Thank you all so much for your words of sympathy. G+ is such a warm and giving family to me. 

  7. Mary T says:


    I am sorry to hear this.

  8. Met M says:


    My deepest sympathies to his family, loved ones and friends and related plussers alike


  9. It’s so sad that really good people who contribute so many seemingly little things that make your experiences enjoyable, are the ones that you often don’t hear about until it’s too late.


  10. My prayers and thoughts go out to friends and family.


    May Kevin Staff soar with Angel wings ~


    RIP


  11. Oh my.  Thank you so much for passing on this sad information and also for sharing his work with us on Google+.  Too young indeed!

  12. Chad Haney says:


    Rest in peace Kevin. My deepest condolences to his friends and family.


  13. A place to remember any G+ family *we* have lost ♥


  14. sorry to hear the news – you guys had a terrific collaboration going, and he was really talented.

  15. Rajini Rao says:


    Thank you, all.


    Allison Sekuler , #sciencesunday  won’t be as much fun without him. 

  16. Jim Donegan says:


    Really sorry to hear this.

  17. Amber Peall says:


    I didn’t know him – but I now know who is responsible for some of those remarkable images I have seen floating through my stream. My fond regards to those he has left behind, and may his works continue to reward.

  18. Bill Collins says:


    😦 Condolences to his family. 

  19. David Collin says:


    I’m sorry to hear this. But it sounds like he left a record for his family and friends to be proud of.

  20. Bill Carter says:


    Oh no! So sorry to hear this!

  21. donna arney says:


    Sooooo sorry. Just think…… he us niw in the comfirt of our savior’s healing arms!! God bless.

  22. Jane louise says:


    so sad am so sorry for your loss xxx

  23. Nick James says:


    Rajini Rao I’d never heard of Kevin, probably never would if you had not told us of his passing.  But…it is always sad to hear the loss of somebody that freely gave his time and skills to something that he believed in for the benefit, education and amusement of others.  In this case it is G+, but I’m sure there are many other people and things he helped, too.


    Rajini – I’m sure you have learnt from Kevin’s skills and enthusiasm.  We all learn from the good people we meet, no matter how it happens.  I’m certain his efforts have encouraged, improved and rubbed off on you, as shown by your works on the G+ Science pages.  Take this as his gift to you and all of us and do your best with it.  It is the most any of us can do.


    Kevin Staff – a seriously good guy, by all accounts.


  24. Sad an sorrowful news Raj, he & his ability to create such beautiful art will be missed. You also lost a partner… sending well wishes.


  25. Sorry to hear that. My condolences.


  26. I’m sorry for your loss… Condolences to the family.

  27. Liz Quilty says:


    Oh wow, that is terrible news :/ 


  28. Dear Dr. Rao, I am so sorry for your loss and, in fact, a loss for humankind. This is the part of the Circle of Life that is difficult for the loved ones left behind to deal with. We all leave footprints as we travel this world and it is very apparent that Kevin left his footprints on your heart and soul. May these humble words comfort you.

  29. Rajini Rao says:


    Thank you so much for your thoughtful words, Vincent Peralta . They really do help. 


  30. Oh no! That’s awful, I had no idea. I’m so sorry 😦


  31. Rajini Rao please PM me if you need someone.


    I know you don’t know me, but I listen well.

  32. Rajini Rao says:


    How very generous and thoughtful, Jo Anne Thomas ! Just a sick feeling in my stomach and a sense that this is just not fair 😦


  33. Do you have family/friends with you?

  34. Rajini Rao says:


    Yes, I do thanks. Husband, daughter and son. I’ve told them, of course, but they don’t quite understand how dear my G+ world is to me. 


  35. My heartily condolences to his family and friends!!!


  36. I have lost two people this past year on G+, it is still painful at times.


    The bonds made on this social platform is like no other. I felt shock, but that was followed but tears… it was as if I lost a piece of me??


    Does that make sense,?

  37. Kawthar A says:


    Sorry for this Rajini 😦 May his soul rest in peace…take care dear ❤

  38. Rajini Rao says:


    Yes, very much so Jo Anne Thomas . The loss is very real even if we’ve never met. I’ve lost one other dear friend here too, with whom I felt a particular bond. The feeling of regret never really goes away.


  39. My condolences on the loss of a friend Rajini Rao 


  40. So sad. My deepest sympathies.

  41. Rajini Rao says:


    Thank you, dear Kawthar AL ABDALLA . Thanks, John Christopher , and Siromi Samarasinghe for stopping by. 

  42. Rajini Rao says:


    Thank you for your very kind and warm thoughts, Tom. 


  43. May his soul rest in peace ……………hope his soul gets a place in heaven ………


  44. Please accept my deepest condolence to his family, to you Rajini & everybody who knows Kevin.


  45. I don’t know him, But may the Angels who are near to him, Grant Him Eternal life and Everlasting Peace. One day we shall all rise again and be with our loved ones who have passed on into the spiritual world. There he will continue his work, just in a different way. Condolences sent. +RIP+ 😦 😥 x-(


  46. Sorry to hear about the loss of your friend.

  47. Norman M. says:


    Thanks for explaining Kevin’s work.


  48. so sorry to hear of the passing of one so young, may his spirit live on


  49. Hmmm … life ain’t fair … :-/


    So sorry to hear this Rajini Rao, yet another person in my circles that pass away far to early … 😦


    I had no closer contact with Kevin though but may he rest in peace anyhow …

  50. Rajini Rao says:


    Thank you, Magnus Fahlén for your words of compassion. 


  51. Well that was “nothing” Rajini Rao but you’re welcome of course …


    Your science posts are interesting even if they don’t have a animation but I can imagine the feeling for you to have this kind of awesome illustrations with your posts.


    I really wish for your sake that you can find another skilled, patient and generous collaborator like Kevin was !!


    ((((( Viking Hugs )))))


  52. I’m sorry to hear this news. Condolences to his family.


  53. The good die early. RIP.

  54. Robby Bowles says:


    I am so very saddened to see this Rajini Rao.  His gifs have always been the perfect addition to your rich and knowledge filled text.  While I didn’t even know who made your gifs, they made an impression, and he will be missed.

  55. Rajini Rao says:


    Thanks, Robby Bowles and Gnotic Pasta . I do appreciate your words. 


  56. May his soul rest in eternal peace. Thanks Kevin for the firing of imagination through your animated gifs. You have done your part on this planet. 

  57. Sam Mckiver says:


    Most heart felt condolences

  58. Arslan Ali says:


    what you now about science


  59. Rest in peace Kevin Staff. Your work will live on on the internet and will ignite the curiosity of someone whose time has come and lead them on to the quest for truth. You have unfailingly done your bit. Enjoy the view from top now! 


  60. I Am SORRY, That a Friend is Gone , My Prayers. Will Be With ALl

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