Kent Balch

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.