Son, life partner, bon vivant, colleague, and above all else, friend, Kevin Troy Dossett passed away suddenly and peacefully at home on May 3, 2022. Kevin was born June 18, 1966, to Nora (Lee) Dossett and Daniel Dossett in Morgan City, LA.  He was destined to change the world or, to him, do his best to change the world of those he knew in many subtle ways.  He leaves behind the love of his life, partner and fiancé, Terra Peterson. Our burden is large without Kevin but hers is immeasurable.

Kevin was a proud descendant of Cajun blood and many well-tended roux. He energetically regaled his listeners, and there were many through the years, of his town, friends, and endless adventures he had growing up on the Atchafalaya. His fondest memories were of his grandfather, Herbert Lee. "Mr. Lee" taught Kevin life lessons as they spent countless hours in a boat fishing and trapping.  Those who knew Kevin later in his life could easily see the origins of the man Kevin became in the stories he told of his time on the bayous and shell roads of his youth. Self-reliance, hard work, love of nature, the importance of character and promises made, and to be kept at all costs, appreciating his family and friends, all had roots in a boat, a fish camp, and a little boy following along next to his grandfather.

Kevin had a story about every friend who made up his formative years and memories.  He told those stories with a deep joy, appreciation and affection for each of those friends. Later in his life, after a few friendly drinks to open his memory chest, he would tell stories of his formative years with a joyful smile and loving admiration. He cherished his roots and those he knew in youth.

Kevin looked back on the passage of time with awe and appreciation. Conversations with a friend often segued into comments like….'twenty years ago today we were still in High school' with Kevin continuing to reminisce about days gone past. In his way, Kevin foretold the melancholy that surrounds us today as we realize we have no more time with him; not another drink or meal, not another raucous story, or joyous laugh together. His subtle but now crystal-clear message was, always, cherish those who populate your life as it all moves blindingly fast.

Kevin attended Central Catholic High School in Morgan City and was a proud member of the class of 1984. For Kevin, the 80's were unquestionably the best era for music. He would not hear any argument otherwise. He played on the football team at Central High, and, while he noted that he was not actually Catholic, he was always the Nuns' favorite. He attended LSU until he decided that the world had a few more lessons to teach him down the bayou. He returned to work in the oilfield with his mother's second family, Transocean in Morgan City.

Kevin finished his education at Nicholls State University, graduating in 1992, whereupon he entered the study of Law at the University of Mississippi School of Law, to him always "Ole Miss", as it should be . He was a proud member of the Federalist Society, Editor of the Journal of National Security Law, a member of the Law Review and enthusiastic patron of public establishments in Oxford.  Graduating in 1996, Kevin went back to the bayou, attending Tulane University School of Law where he earned an LLM in maritime law. He was always thrilled to show his friend, and the author of this remembrance, his valued entertainment venues of New Orleans.  (Thanks Kevin, keep a seat open for me.)

Kevin began his legal career in Houston in 1998 with Stepp and Sullivan where he immediately impressed colleagues with his knowledge of and commitment to his profession. He practiced maritime law and general litigation in Houston for 24 years. Most recently he was Of Counsel with the firm Wilson Elser in Houston. During his career Kevin met and worked with colleagues who admired and respected his intelligence and professionalism. Many were also drawn to his good nature and character and become part of his ever-expanding universe of respected friends. He was a consummate litigator and attorney. He loved the practice of law and genuinely valued a good deposition battle, preparing questions and vigorously representing his client.

Kevin finally found the love of his life, Terra. He said that waiting so long to settle down was intentional. He wanted to ensure that when the right woman came into his life, he would recognize it and make the most of it. He did. All those that knew Kevin agree; Terra was unquestionably the right partner and he reveled in her.

Kevin and Terra were the proud dog parents of Magnum and Sydney, their four pawed pride and joy.  Kevin, our tough exterior/tender interior friend, once saw a news story that someone had cruelly discarded his little Sydney on a street. As soon as she was released from the vet, he was there to take her home and assure her that nobody would hurt her again. Kids, his friends and dogs; Kevin's heart knew no limits for all three.

An intensely private man, Kevin did not want a memorial service and no tears. No regrets. To honor our friend Terra requests in lieu of flowers or other kindness sent to her a donation to a canine rescue of your choosing be made in memory of Kevin Dossett.

Kevin Dossett was preceded in his journey through this world by his grandparents and his mother, Nora.  We have no doubt that he and his beloved grandfather are once again on the waters of a south Louisiana bayou.

One of his good friends can tell you endless stories of the countless movies that Kevin could quote and loved.  Perhaps he knew that friend would one day have to draw on one of his favorite movies and the words of Norman Maclean to explain who Kevin was, and how he was to all of us---"We can love completely what we cannot completely understand"

Thanks Dossett

"Eventually, all things merge into one, and a river runs through it."