Kent J. Sheets

It is indeed sad to note the passing of such a wonderful individual as Kent. He was always quick with a story and had a remarkable memory for detail. He would often compare notes with my son on recent movies they had each seen, and Kent always had something kind and personal to share. I miss him.

Rarely does a week go by that I'm not reminded of something to do with Kent. While we knew each other through work, he always had greetings for me, my wife, children and pets. Especially pets. He always had recollections of our dog Barclay, and he had a gift for remembering stories about our son, Evan. I'd receive a random email from him about something of mutual interest, and it was always a pleasure to see him at meetings. A true mensch.

It's so hard to believe Kent has been gone a year. The picture of him reminds me so much of the legacy he left us: a smiling, dedicated presence who filled us with stories and laughter, while working hard to fulfill important goals. Kent always remembered family and friends, a quality of loyalty that is all too rare. I still miss you.

(I posted this on the listserve of the national group of medical student educators for the Society of Teacher of Family Medicine. Wanted to provide a context.)

You usually heard him before you saw him. His voice amplified by the ever-present enthusiasm for the stories he had to tell. When you saw him, he was rarely alone- tucked in close to long time colleagues and former students- his hands like a metronome keeping time to the tempo of his talk. He could often be found sitting in...

Kent was probably one of the first people I met when I started attending meetings of the Society of Teachers of Family Medicine 30 + years ago. He was one of the giants of the organization and it was never officially a meeting for me until I got a chance to spend some time with Kent. He will be greatly missed.

Kent is one of the greats in Family Medicine. I know he wasnt an MD, but those of us who are in Family Medicine education across the country and beyond are grieving his passing today, and remembering his infectious laugh, his warm and generous sprit, and his tireless efforts on behalf of our programs and learners. Thank you, Kent, for all the practical information, your work to make our programs more effective, and for your friendship. Your spirit lives on in the hearts of countless...

Just read the sad news that a giant in my life and Family Medicine education passed. Kent was one of my advisors at the University of Michigan Medical School and the Family Medicine Residency. He is one of the big reasons that I went into Family Medicine. I had the fortune of catching up with him every couple years at the Society of Teachers of Family Medicine where we would talk of the U of M program and updates on faculty and graduates. He always had that big smile, big hello and was...

Sheetsy was my mentor in our academic family medicine organization, the Society of Teachers of Family Medicine. My understanding of how to be a teacher and scholar was revolutionized by his work, starting with STFM's Preceptor Education Project. I remember afterwards asking him if I could be involved in any future work, please consider me. He never let me forget that I approached him with this plea in the Men's Room.

I appreciated that he always had an opinion, and was ready to share...

Kent was a good friend and playmate as young cousins growing up. We lived in different states as youngsters, but every time we got together it was always a fun and happy time. Kent attended many of the Sheets family reunions and I will always cherish the memories of him and those occasions. My condolences to Kent's friends and family. He will be dearly missed.