Kent "Cowboy" McIntyre

New London - Kent "Cowboy" McIntyre, passed away on Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2012, in New London, free at last of the pain and confinement of his recent years.

He was preceded in death by his father, Robert Meade McIntyre; and more recently, his mother, Lois Joan Bessette; and eldest sister, Nancy McIntyre. Kent was very close to his mother throughout his life. Even when they were both wheelchair bound and separated by 2,000 miles, they talked by telephone frequently and each looked forward to those conversations and cherished them dearly.

Kent, aka "Mac", was born on June 19, 1951 in North Kingstown, R.I., and grew up at 16 Squire St., New London, the first son of a family of nine. He graduated from New London High School, studied at Mohegan Community College, and lived most of his life in his hometown. In 1969, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and trained at the Bainbridge Naval Training Center, in Port Deposit, Md. He served as a radioman, stationed in San Diego on board the USS Prairie, and was honorably discharged. In 1973, he traveled to Italy and from there made his way to Turkey and Israel, volunteering on a kibbutz with his pal, Jonny Katzen.

He married Joan Zubres in 1982, and although their marriage ended in divorce, they have remained close friends. Kent and Joan are both very proud of their two sons, Christopher and David Michael, who are strong, independent-minded young men. Their dedication to caring for their dad in his final days took courage only available through love. The moniker "Cowboy" was earned from his poker-playing days at the Greek Club and stuck with him throughout his lifetime. His joy was poker and blackjack, cashing in on a bet, shooting pool, playing a round of golf, bending a bartender's ear and The New York Mets. He was an avid reader and quite the conversationalist.

His career path took many twists and turns, and pales in comparison to his enthusiasm for the above. He was a laborer, house painter, lab technician, steel worker, bartender, answered telephones and made calls. He was a member of the laborers' local union and employed at the Millstone Nuclear Power Plant in Waterford before being diagnosed with an adult form of muscular dystrophy at the age of 40. This painful disease eventually confined him to a wheelchair, and this dreadful confinement was greatly eased by his devoted friend, Byron Athenian, who was a bright light in Cowboy's life. Cowboy, the legend, survived into his 60th year, and now he has gone "to a better place" as he told his trusted "ace in the hole" sister Chris.

Kent is survived by his two sons, Christopher, living in New London, and David Michael, living on Fishers Island, N.Y.; and his mother's husband, Michael Bessette, of Chandler, Ariz. Kent's surviving siblings are Susan McIntyre, Peggy McKleroy and husband, Chris, Christine Kerr and husband, John, Phyllis Graham and husband, Chester, MaryAnne McIntyre, Mark McIntyre, and Andrew McIntyre and wife, Stacy, who live throughout the U.S. Cowboy has uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews, and a host of friends. All will miss him dearly.

The family would like to thank the staff of Lawrence & Memorial Hospital and Hospice of Southeastern Connecticut for their excellent care.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Tuesday in St. Joseph Church. Calling hours will be 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at the Thomas L. Neilan & Sons Funeral Home, 12 Ocean Ave., New London.

Condolence messages may be left at www.neilanfuneralhome.com