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Kent Clyde Martin

Kent Martin Obituary

Kent Clyde Martin, 46, formerly of Mission Hills, KS passed away August 31, 2005 in Sacramento, CA after a short battle with cancer. Kent, a 1977 graduate of Pembroke Country Day School, attended Boston University. He was active in local community theatre and was an employee of H & R Block. Kent was preceded in death by his mother, Barbara J. Martin of Fairway, KS. Survivors include his father, Clyde V. Martin, M.D. and sister, Kristin Lucero both of Fairfield, CA, brother, Kyle Martin of Walnut Creek, CA and sister, Kerry Cosgrove of Kansas City, KS. Memorial service will be held Tuesday, September 6 in Fairfield.

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Published by Kansas City Star on Sep. 4, 2005.

Memories and Condolences
for Kent Martin

22 Entries

Rick Novy

September 14, 2005

Kent, my friend, I miss you already.

I met Kent during the brief time he owned a game store in Raytown, MO. My first impression was with the sheer size of the man. He was the largest man I have ever known. But later, I learned that his physical size was nothing compared to the size of his compassion, his heart, and his intellect. He was truly a giant of a man in those respects. He was always ready to help a friend or to lend an ear.

Kent's intellect was something of which I was always in awe. He could remember facts about history that even his professors in college never knew. In literature, he had a keen sense of plot, of symbolism, and what worked.

An avid reader of SF, Kent could spar with the big names. The last time I spoke with him, he was telling me about his discussion with Larry Niven at the bar of a hotel holding a science fiction convention. Kent called Niven opinionated.

His joy in life was gaming, something his family never understood, but he was good at it. We both attended our first GenCon in 1985. He spent almost every hour awake, and won the Rookie of the Year award. It was something he was good at, and he loved it.

In politics, Kent held well defined conservative positions, and could argue them with anyone. It was fun to sit back and watch him grind a verbal opponent into the dirt. But he was never mean-spirited. His retorts were always based on fact, and he never held a grudge. After destroying his opponent, was just as fast to turn around and share a joke with the same person.

That brings me to his sense of humor. If there was one thing I was good at, it was making him laugh. I could always get at least one snort-laugh every time we talked. It was just instinct, adn I couldn't help myself. His sense of humor was at the surface, and he laughed at anything slightly funny. There was the time, a few weeks after his surgery about fifteen years ago, that he pleaded with me to stop making him laugh because it hurt his stitches. It was tickle-torture to the extreme, but I had mercy and saved the humor for another time.

I spent a lot of time with Kent, and I have a lot of memories--memories of a man who enriched my life just by being who he was.

After all that, he was also a stage actor. I would tease him about his singing because mine was a family that didn't sing, but it was a part of his family's culture. I teased him, but mostly because I was jealous. He was very talented. I never saw him act on stage, but many times I saw him improvise during a role-playing game, or even just telling a story. When he learned that I was working on a screenplay with two Hollywood writers whose work he was familiar with, he asked for a bit part. I had the perfect part planned for him, too. I'll probably keep that scene just for posterity.

Kent, I miss you. Rest in peace.

Robert Sischka

September 12, 2005

I was deeply saddened when I heard the news of Kent's passing. I spent many hours working with him and enjoyed our conversations and debates regarding everything from taxes to the latest Sci-Fi movie to political hoo-ha, to a great place to find a unique and special dining experience. He will be missed by all that truly knew him well. I remember being told of his teaching skills and decided to monitor one of his 'basic' tax classes to see for myself what kind of teacher he was. It was evident that the students looked up to him His instruction was exemplary. He truly cared for his students and you could see it in the interaction that took place during the class and as he stayed over afterwords to speak with students about whatever they pleased. This carried over into his work and he always strived for only the best when it came to his clients. He would fight tooth-and-nail to get them every tax advantage possible and took it personally if they came in with a letter from the IRS, auditing a return.

All paths lead us to where we are today; and, my path has been touched in a special way because I knew Kent. May he rest in peace with God.

Bill Bunting

September 12, 2005

I am sadden to learn of Kent's passing. I remember Kent as a kind, gentle and talented soul who was always willing to lend a helping hand. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Steven Bradley

September 12, 2005

I was saddened by the news of Kent's illness and death. Although I haven't seen Kent since our senior year at Pem-Day, I remember him well and appreciated his exceptional intelligence, sensitivity and sense of humor. It is heartening to learn that he was able to share his talents with so many people in his shortened life.

Kevan Gibbs

September 9, 2005

Clyde, Kyle, Kristin & Kerry: I just heard the shocking news of Kent's passing and am truly saddened. Through Westwood View, Cub Scouts, Pacesetters and Pembroke, Kent was a great, great friend. I am deeply sorry for your loss. Know that Kent's humor and spirit will live on through everyone whose life he touched. Keeping each of you in my thoughts and prayers.

Linda Garstang

September 9, 2005

This message is to send our deepest sympathy from all the friends made by Dr Martin during his work in Plymouth. We know how proud Dr Martin is of all his family and want you to know that we are thinking about you all at this sad time.

Linda

Joe Kessinger

September 8, 2005

I was so surprised and sorry to hear that Kent passed away and regret that I had not seen him for so long. He was a great friend to grow up with through high school. I will always remember his talent, humor and his gentle being. He was a real gentleman.

Rob Stroud

September 7, 2005

I am deeply saddened by your loss. Kent was a good friend for many years and will be remembered always with fondness.

Darlene Wells

September 6, 2005

Dear Dr. Martin and Family,

I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your son. May God comfort you and may you also be comforted by the prayers that friends are sending your way.

Clyde Tucker

September 6, 2005

Clyde, Kristin, Kerry, and Kyle; you are in my thoughts and prayers. I extend my deepest condolences to each of you.

Kelly Buckle

September 6, 2005

Kerry and Family,

I'm so sorry to hear of the loss of Kent. You all will be in my prayers.

Marlene McCraw

September 5, 2005

A very sad loss to all of us at H&R Block. Kent was an excellent teacher that influenced my life greatly. I admired his quick whit and ability to retain and recall information. He was always singing; even to the nurses in the hospital, and they loved it.

He will be missed by his coworkers and his clients that depended on him to have all the answers.

May God comfort your family as you grieve his passing.

Terry Kubicki

September 5, 2005

Our thoughts are with you and your family.

Sincerely,

Gene, Terry, Shelby, and Gracy Kubicki

Linda Walker

September 5, 2005

Wanted the entire Martin family to know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. Linda

Jack Alvord

September 5, 2005

What a loss of a great mind and gentile man whom I have always held out such high hope and expectations. I know that with various turns in his life Kent could have been a stellar achiever in the arts, literatiure or academia. He was always so impressive and yet humble and gentile in his manner. A true gentilman with courage to face a difficult hand given in him in this life. I have admired Kent from his birth and admired his family as well.

I wish the best for Kent's family and hope that he will always be remembered in a most positive light. I certainly do.

Bob and Joyce Kloehr

September 5, 2005

Really sorry to learn of your loss. I'll be sending another email directly to you, Clyde

Diane Potter, EA

September 5, 2005

Your dedication and expertise will be greatly missed at H&R Block.

Margaret Cosgrove

September 4, 2005

All of our family send our love and prayers for your family, Kent.

We will keep you in our prayers.

John, Coral & Sara Swanson

September 4, 2005

We are so very sorry for your loss.