I am so saddened by the passing of my treasured friend Kent that I feel the need to tell a little story about this wonderful and giving person and what a difference he made in my life and how he guided my path. 

Way back in the (80S) he met me, a struggling florist with a lot of health problems. I needed to quit my job and attend to my health.

I also needed to find a solution to this situation, but how? Eventually I could go back to my $ 5.00 an hour, no-benefits, florist-job, or I could change my career altogether and go back to school. I could learn office procedures, computer and typing and find a position in an office.

That was it! Going back to school was the solution, but what if I would run out of money in the middle of it? Lots of "buts" and all my scary thoughts I shared with Kent.

Everybody knowing Kent can already guess what's coming next... Kent offered a loan, a monthly supplement of my SSDI income so I could concentrate on my goals without all the worries about finances. 

You are not really surprised by that, are you? Just the knowledge that there was a person as giving, supportive and caring like Kent behind me gave me the courage to make this carreer change and go forward.

Luckily, I never had to ask Kent for the financial help, but at one point I almost had too. It turned out to be much more difficult to learn how to type than to make flower arrangements. (It took me 9 months before I finally passed the 40 word a minute typing test.) 

I graduated, down to my last $ 100, but with a certification in my pocket and with LOTS of cheering on from Kent, I entered my first office position as a customer service clerk.

I am ever so very grateful to Kent for his support, believing in me and for the push he gave me onto the path I needed to be on. 

Today I am a business owner, flowers are my passion and guess what, I still can't type.

Thank you Kent ... I will always miss you and keep you in my heart forever. 
Karele Smith

This memorial site will be expanding. If you would like to send something to share, please click this link. He meant a lot to a lot of people, probably more than any of us can realize. Photos are a welcome addition.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent in Kent's memory to Canine Companions for Independence or Pleasant Grove Community Church, his 2 favorite charities.