But what many people don’t know about him is that he has a masters degree and a doctorate, he’s a comedian and a tap dancer, he hosts an annual variety show on St. Patrick’s Day, and, for the past 30 years, he’s been moonlighting as a bouncer for famous rock bands.
You’d never believe this mild-mannered, 6-foot-4 veterinarian has traversed the globe seven times with the Rolling Stones and helped keep concerts orderly for the likes of Willie Nelson, the Grateful Dead, Santana, Lynyrd Skynyrd, the Allman Brothers and Parliament Funkadelic, to name a few.
Kevin’s unconventional career path has provided him with a wealth of fascinating stories, not to mention a number of scars. But he’s not much of a talker. Instead, Kevin likes to spend what little free time he has hanging out with his countrymen at Nallen’s Irish Pub in downtown Denver. Don’t look for him bellied up to the bar however; because he’s usually in the back room, (dubbed “The Turtle Room” ) where he treats turtles in need.
A few years ago, the type of epoxy glue that Dr. Fitzgerald used to treat his turtle patients was banned at Alameda East Veterinary Hospital. So he transformed the back room of his favorite watering hole into a makeshift turtle trauma center where, amidst crates of Guinness and bustling barmaids, he patches up punctured or damaged turtle shells.
In addition to his hectic vet/showbiz/ comedy commitments, he’s also an assistant professor adjunct at the University of Denver, where he teaches Perspectives in Veterinary Medicine, is a member of the Board of Directors of the Rocky Mountain Poison and Drug Center, and a diplomat of the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners. Kevin has also published numerous papers on all things animal related.
What gives a woman/man style? Their shoes
What is your favorite restaurant? Legends in Cherry Creek. Their spinach pizza and a dinner salad is the perfect meal.
Which social event is your favorite? Seeing the band the "Young Dubliners" whenever they come to town.
Do you have any volunteer activities? I do comedy for a lot or fundraisers and benefits like the Denver Zoo, AIDS, Crohn's Disease, the Leukemia Society, Dumb Friends League, the Digit Fund, United Airlines and many more benefiting the 9-11 tragedy.
Who is the most interesting celebrity you have ever met? I shared a cab with Anthony Quinn once in New York. He was so nice, so down to earth and so unsullied by the business. We were staying in the same hotel and he invited me to dinner. So we had a great meal and he talked about his children mostly. He has tons of them.
Who is your hero and why? Mr. Rogers because he teaches you that to be a hero, you really don't have to do anything really big; it's the small stuff that counts. It's all about doing something little and doing it well.
If your life were a movie, who would play your part? Chewbacca the Wookie from Star Wars
Saturdays are likely to find you: at work
Where can you be found at midnight on a Saturday? The turtle room at Nallen's Pub.
When you move, what will your home tell its next owner, about you? He played a lot of darts, he mined for minerals in the basement, and his dog could ice skate.
What one word describes you best? Kind, I hope.
What word would you like others to use to describe you? Clean
What was your first job? Gravedigger at Fairmont cemetery
What is the trait you most deplore in yourself? Impatience
What is your greatest indulgence? Starched shirts
What is the best gift you have ever given? I listen
What is a favorite childhood memory? My Grandma eating a puzzle -- I think she thought it was popcorn. My dad letting me lick the grill, beef pot pie, and Saturday matinees where I could be somebody else for an afternoon.
What or who is the greatest love of your life? Veterinary medicine
When and where were you the happiest? In college, in Boulder, in 1969; it was like being in Baghdad. It just felt like the sky was the limit. So many changes were going on, from the music to women throwing out their bras; it was just a crazy and exciting time.
Which talent would you most like to have? I wish I could cut vegetables to look like flowers, and save money.
What do you consider your greatest achievement? Helping young people.
What is your most treasured possession? My family
What do you consider the most overrated virtue? Being tidy
Which living person do you most despise? Fanatics of any kind.
What is the quality you most like in a man? Confidence
What is the quality you most like in a woman? Confidence
What do you most value in your friends? That friends tell you the truth about yourself.
Who are your favorite writers? J.P. Donleavy, Hunter S. Thompson, P.J. O'Rourke
What is your favorite book? The Ginger Man, To Kill a Mockingbird
What is the best advice you have ever received? Don't do shots
Which historical figure do you most identify with? Albert Schweitzer
What is your favorite quote? "Its easier to be good in the country" -Oscar Wilde -
How would you like to die? With my Visa maxed out, and doing something I like.
