Kent R. Kammerer

Kent R. KAMMERER A longtime Seattle Resident, Kent Kammerer, 78, passed away after a short illness. Survived by his wife Sonja of 55 years; daughters Britt Kammerer, and Lile (Eric) Ellefsen; and beloved grandchildren Evan and Annalise. The only child of Forrest and Marian (Dryden) Kammerer, he enjoyed his early childhood exploring the fields and streams of Iowa with his dog Rover. In addition to exploring his outside world, his natural curiosity also manifested itself in a fascination with fixing and creating things. He learned all he could about mechanics, electronics and woodworking. This inquisitive nature was the hallmark of the incredible person he would become. He moved to Lakewood WA with his family in the 1940's, graduated from Clover Park HS, then went on to attend Seattle University where he obtained a degree in Education. He began his teaching career in 1957 at Hamilton JHS, where he would teach art for the next 25 years. In 1971 he transferred to Lincoln HS where he taught ceramics and photography. He built the school's first darkroom, fixed equipment when it broke, made benches when he needed more seating, and begged supplies from local photography shops. He also served as advisor to the Lincoln Annual staff, coached cross country, and developed a school hiking club. An avid hiker and climber, he was able to introduce many students to the beauty of the outdoors, some for the first time ever. But his primary focus was always with the students and he will kindly be remembered. Kids were drawn to his kindness, patience and knew that he would listen and provide support when necessary; not only to the best of them, but also those who struggled in life. He was also an artist with a passion for photography. Rarely seen without a camera, he photographed the simple beauty of his beloved mountains as well as the more gritty urban landscape of Seattle. He spent his summers traveling with his family across the western states in one of the campers he built by hand. Retirement from teaching merely meant changing careers. He started a handyman business where he returned to his first love of creating and fixing things, supervised of course, by his beloved dogs Shastin and Molly. In his later years he focused on community activism, something he'd always done, but on a grander scale. He helped develop and lead the Seattle Neighborhood Coalition. Inviting local leaders from politics to CEO's to talk to representatives from many communities throughout Seattle. A bit of an agitator who occasionally made city officials uncomfortable, his goal was to keep local government open, responsive and accountable. He loved democracy and encouraged people to speak out and make a difference. He wrote countless letters and articles, many appearing in Crosscut and other publications. As an avid reader he surrounded himself with books and continued to learn as well as teach. "I have never been bored in my entire life" he said more than once. There is so much to learn and do in this life and he never stopped doing things. In accordance with his wishes, his family and friends are a celebration of his life. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions in time or money be made in the areas of education, the arts or community civic interests. Share your experience with Kent on www.legacy.com.