Kyle James Blackwood, born March 17, 1986, at Grace Hospital, passed away peacefully on August 13, 2026, after a year-long battle following a severe brain injury.

Kyle was a kind, intelligent, loving, funny, stubborn, and complicated man who carried more pain than many people could see. His life was not always easy, and his struggles were real. He fought battles within himself and faced circumstances that changed his life in ways no one could have imagined. Yet, through it all, Kyle was deeply loved by his family and those who knew him.

Kyle was the beloved husband of Candice. Their greatest love story began on May 8, 2023, when they met. It was only their third date, but something about their connection was immediate. After meeting Candice for the first time, Kyle went home and told his mother that he wanted to marry her. Only five months and five days after they met, Kyle and Candice were married on October 13, 2023. Though their time together as husband and wife was far too short, the love they shared was real and profound.

Kyle was a loving father to his son, Gabriel, who was born on May 3. He was also a stepfather to Jerry, whom he loved as part of his family. Kyle cherished his family and the memories they created together.

Kyle was the son of Susanna Merenda. He was pre deceased by his father, Christopher James and brother Matthew Joseph Deshaw, and by his stepfather, Alex Davidson.  He will also be lovingly remembered by his aunts Anna, Lisa, and Corinna, his cousins Lenny and Darcy, and the many friends and loved ones whose lives he touched.

Growing up, Kyle made many childhood friendships, including Isaac, Josh and Mike, friendships that remained important throughout the years. He carried those memories with him as he grew into adulthood.

Kyle worked hard throughout his life. His first job was at Ocean Spray, and he also spent time working on his stepfather's fishing boat. He earned his GED and took pride in the things he accomplished for himself and his family. Kyle loved motorcycles and the freedom that came with riding. On September 1, 2023, the day after he and Candice officially became engaged, Kyle got his first motorcycle.  His pride and joy was his 2023 White Pearl Sand Low Rider ST. Riding gave Kyle a sense of freedom and happiness that meant so much to him, and even after his devastating brain injury, riding remained one of the things he loved.

Kyle also had a soft, playful side. For their second wedding anniversary, he gave Candice a bunny named Meatball, a simple and memorable gift that became one of the many treasures she will carry with her. Kyle and Candice had been looking forward to celebrating their third wedding anniversary on October 13, 2026. They will never have the chance to celebrate that day together, and that loss is one of the many things his loved ones will learn to carry.

Kyle was not perfect, and neither was his life. But he was loved. He was deeply loved. He was a man who could be kind, smart, funny, loving, stubborn, and complicated. He carried pain that was sometimes greater than he knew how to bear.  Those who loved Kyle will remember his laughter, his passions, his friendships, his love for his family, and the moments when his playful spirit shone through.

His life was far too short, but the love he gave and the memories he created will remain.  Kyle will be missed beyond words and loved beyond measure.