Kent Balch, beloved father, grandfather, brother and uncle, passed away at the age of 60 in Olympia, WA on Sunday, September 19th, 2010.
Kent was born July 18, 1950 in San Gabriel, CA, to Frank and Della Balch. He was the youngest of four siblings, Bobby Jennings, Mertie Walker and Frank Balch.
The circumstances of Kent's life did not allow him much time for childhood. The childhood memories he did have were of spending time with his nieces and nephews (There was 18 years difference between his oldest sister and Kent) and the many friends he made in Santa Cruz, Greg Bishop, Jake Moran, John Bishop, to mention a few.
Kent was recognized from the beginning for his intellect, insatiable wit, and ability to weave sarcasm into an art form. He was an avid reader, debater and always in the know.
Kent was married to Janice McNutt Balch for 35 years. Kent and Janice met first at Laurel Elementary School, where Kent often said he originally thought Janice was a teacher because she was so much taller than him back then. It wasn't until Santa Cruz High and a growth spurt for Kent that Janice and Kent started to date.
After attending Santa Cruz High, Kent attended Cabrillo College and then UCSC where he studied German Literature and earned a Bachelor's Degree. Kent worked for Couch Distributing for most of his career. Starting out as a route driver then moving into Sales and Marketing Management.
In 1967 Kent became the father to twins, Hollie and Heather.
During his life Kent lived in many places throughout California, Washington and New Mexico. The majority of his life was however spent in Santa Cruz. He considered Santa Cruz his home and as the place he grew up, met the love of his life, raised a family, had a career, enjoyed fishing in the bay on his boat the Patty Lou and living life.
He came to deeply regret divorcing Janice in the last few years of his life.
Kent is survived by his soul mate Janice McNutt Balch, daughters Hollie Locatelli husband James Locatelli of Santa Cruz, and Heather Morotti David Morotti of Olympia, WA, grandchildren, Nathaniel Kent Morotti, Jacob Morotti and Emily Locatelli. He is also survived by his sisters Bobbie Jennings of El Dorado, CA and Mertie Walker, of Santa Maria, CA, niece and nephews Linni Tovli Simiryan, Mike Jennings and Mark Jennings, Jeff Walker and Darrell Walker. He was preceded in death by his brother, Frank Balch.
A celebration of Kent's life will be held October 16, 2010 in Soquel at his former residence. Please call 831 247-4744 for more information. A private scattering of ashes will take place at a later date.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Vern Burditt
September 22, 2022
It's been 12 years buddy since we last spoke. You have been missed by many. I am sorry you missed what would have been your favorite President and the lifely conversations we would of had about him. Look down and laugh with us from time to time as
life moves on and remember us fondly as we remember you!
Nels Enemark
October 15, 2010
My condolences to all. I miss him, but will always have good memories of our times together. Fish-on Spongy!
Juventino G Villarreal
October 14, 2010
I am sorry for your loss. God is with him. My prayers are with him and the family. May God bless him and the family.
Joe V -74
Terry Meehan
October 7, 2010
Janice, Heather & Holly - My condolences for your loss. I expect the tears shed for his departure to be met double by the laughs Kent planted in our memories.
auf Wiedersehen Herr Scrine!
October 1, 2010
HE HAD A HEART FULL OF LOVE FOR HIS GIRLS. ALWAYS KNOW HOW VERY MUCH YOUR DAD LOVED AND CHERISHED YOU. HOW SPECIAL TO HAVE A RELATIONSHIP LIKE THIS. YOU WERE BLESSED......
Cherry Sinclair
September 30, 2010
So very sorry about Kent's premature death. I am sure he will be sorely missed.
Don Fassio
September 30, 2010
Janice, Holly and Heather I am sorry for your loss. I always enjoyed working and fishing with Kent, as he made both fun with his wit and humor.It was great to see him last Thanksgiving as usual there were lots of laughs that day.He will be missed.
September 30, 2010
My thoughts,prayers,and condolences are with him and his loved ones...We will all miss him dearly. May God Bless his Soul and his entire family.
SHALOM,
RGV
Diana Balch
September 30, 2010
The legacy Kent has left was that he could care for more than one person. I am saddened at his death and my condolences go to his family. I will remember getting him up on one of the horses and how he didn't know what to do with the reins. I will only remember the good times.
Connie Braverman-McNair
September 29, 2010
I am so sorry. It seems like I just chatted with him the other day of Facebook and he was so full of life. I feel deeply for the family and pray that they are held up during this difficult time.
Connie Braverman-McNair
Craig Bauman
September 29, 2010
Rest Peacefully Kent. Boogaloo Brother!
Louie Pieracci
September 29, 2010
Janice,Heather and Hollie My condolences for your loss. Kent was truly one of a kind. We were very good friends for many years and I had the pleasure of working with him for his entire career at Couch Distributing. He had a lot to do with our success.
I have great memories of all of our fishing days on the bay as well.
We are going to miss you KB
Nancy Bengston Emerson
September 29, 2010
So sorry to read the news on Steve Hartman's fb page this morning. I remember Kent as such a good guy. My sincere condolences.
Steve Hartman
September 28, 2010
Oh No-o! Janice, I am so sorry for your great loss! And, I guess, to our loss as well. I always think of Kent as "Smiling Guy" as he zipped past in the hallways of SCHS. On the other hand, a smiling Kent is a treasure to remember. My thoughts and prayers for you and yours, Janice.
ian huxtable
September 28, 2010
Deeply sorry for your loss,he must have been a great man and father.
September 28, 2010
So very sad to read of this young mans passing. To know deep in his heart he had great love for the mother of his girls...and the special love a father has for his girls must bring you a blessing. Things in life may not work out as we would like, but love for our family remains intact and strong forever. Take comfort in knowing he loved each of you so.
Yosif and Linnie Simiryan
September 28, 2010
Old Man River! We will miss you forever! love, your niece!
Roni Roy Bitonti
September 28, 2010
Janice,
I was so sad to read of your loss. You guys were together for so long. My prayers are with you and your family.
Eddie Ermoian
September 28, 2010
Great Loss, worked for me for 16 years
Jack Wilkins
September 28, 2010
I'm so sorry to hear of Kent's passing, I knew him through my younger brother Greg. My mother took him in as a foster child in the early 60's. I remember him as being a happy and funny guy with beautiful twin daughters. My condolences to all his friends and family.
Shelly Mesa
September 28, 2010
Kent was a great man. He always was full of love and smiles. My prayers are with you Heather and Hollie... Your dad will be missed but always in your hearts
Steven Mendoza
September 28, 2010
My deep condolences,
Kent was a great guy, he was a classmate at SCHS and fellow football player that made a difference on
our championship team.
He was just too young to leave this earth.
My sincere thoughts are with you Janice, along with your family members. God's blessings and His comfort to you all.
Vernon Burditt
September 28, 2010
My sincere condolence for this sad lost. Kent was a special person and a good friend who always spoke his mind. I will surely miss his wit and his strong outlook on life!
Robert Borelli
September 28, 2010
Kent was so mush fun to be around,we spent alot of time together and time you just dont forget.My heart goes out to the family
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