Remembering our friend Kurt

Kurt Tyler Loveland, 71, of Morganton, NC, died peacefully on March 25, 2023. While in the hospital for evaluation, he unexpectedly went into cardiac arrest and passed away several days later. During his brief hospice stay at the facility, he was surrounded by caring friends and family members.

Kurt was born in the suburbs of Philadelphia on October 10, 1951 and was the son of J. West Loveland and Mary ‘Lee’ Loveland. He attended Penncrest High School in Media, PA and received a Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics and Physics from Drexel University in Philadelphia. He went on to receive a Ph.D. in Physics and Atmospheric Science at Drexel and taught at the University as well as other institutions. While in semi-retirement, he tutored students in a number of scientific disciplines.

He spent most of his life in Delaware County, PA but lived his last ten years in Morganton where, many would say, he truly blossomed. Kurt enjoyed a number of hobbies, such as photography, dancing and horseback riding. He cultivated many friendships and engaged in an active civic life. He was a charter member of the Morganton Humanist Alliance and was active in the community service projects and social events. Perhaps his most memorable attribute was his true joie de vivre that led so many people to gravitate toward him.

As a trained scientist, Kurt liked to do research on all manner of things from product analysis to statistics on key social and ecological issues. He had a keen interest in the weather, cloud formation and what was going on in the skies above. Many in the community had the opportunity to enjoy the sunrise and sunset photographs that he would regularly post on Facebook.

Kurt was passionate about politics and loved organizing meetings to get more voters involved in local elections. He always brought the magic and the smiles; his enthusiasm was contagious. He was delightfully uninhibited, enjoying being a ham and the life of the party. Having been born with severe hearing deficits, his early years were confining, but once he moved to Morganton and received cochlear implants, a whole new world opened up, allowing him to enjoy music and an ever expanding social network.

Kurt particularly enjoyed live music and taking videos of local bands. He was fun, eccentric and had a unique sense of style. He enjoyed wearing outfits that reflected his mood and personality. This was especially true on the dance floor where he was often the first one out there, encouraging people to get up and get moving. Kurt not only enjoyed music at the many venues in Morganton, but frequented music festivals and enjoyed what he called “Happy Hippie Camping”.

Kurt often exclaimed that he was having the time of his life in Morganton. He loved his life and loved his many friends. He was the first to help someone in need, contribute to a Go-Fund-Me or donate to a political campaign. He believed strongly in the democratic process, social justice and human rights. His heart for people was huge. He was a magnet, a shining light. He will be deeply missed.

Kurt is survived by his son, Louis Loveland, and his sister, Lori Loveland, both living in Greensboro, NC. He is preceded in death by his parents West and Lee Loveland.

Memorial contributions can be made in his memory via Paypal or mail.

A Celebration of Life is planned in Morganton to be held in early May of this year, details to be forthcoming. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family.