Kent and I had a childhood friendship that lasted throughout our adult lives. We became next door neighbors in 1949, and immediately bonded with each other. As our families moved to different areas, Kent and I kept in touch, talking often on the telephone, and visiting each other whenever we could. I will always remember the time when I accompanied Kent to Lakewood Cemetery for the burial of his wife, Renee. After we left the cemetery, we went back to our old neighborhood in Minneapolis and spent the next couple of hours walking around our old haunts and reminiscing. We went into our elementary school and walked the halls. When we stopped by the school offices the school Principal happened by and we shared with her our reason for visiting the school. She was greatly amused by Kent’s stories and his sense of humor. Kent was a.ways upbeat, and could lift my spirits just by talking with him. A few years ago I drove over from St. Paul for an over night visit with Kent. In the morning I found that Kent’s dog had chewed up my hearing aids that I had left on a side table next to a chair. Kent laughed about that and said, don’t worry, I’ll call my home owner’s insurance and put in a claim. Later that day his insurance agent called me and said they’ll cover the total replacement cost. When I asked if there would be a deductible, he said Kent already took care of that.
Kent was a special, life-long friend and I will miss him dearly. My condolences to Brad and Nichole.
Lance Teachworth
St. Paul, Mn.