Kent Petre Obituary

I am old and have meet many people through the years, and it is true that I say that I never met a better, kinder man

Papa,
When I think of you, I think about family. I think about the memories you have given us. I think about the places we have been together, the movies we've seen, the food we've eaten, the witty banter from across tables, and most of all your incredible hugs. You devoted yourself to your family in a way most children dream about. You served and gave and smiled and laughed and you made our family whole. Every Christmas for the past 20 years minus maybe 2 have been spent with you and countless vacations to Hawaii, Mexico, Canada, Lake Powell, and Glenwood Springs have given me memories I will cherish for the rest of my life.

You showed us how important family was not just by words but by deed. You showed us how important each and every one of us was to you in every possible way. I felt like a treasure when I was with you. I felt more important than kings or presidents because of the way you smiled at me. You believed in me and my dreams and I appreciate that so much.

Thank you for being the best grandfather in the entire world and for showing me how to love my family. I am proud to bear your name in mine as Nicolas Kent Petre and I will never hesitate to tell others of what an incredible man you were. If men were measured by honesty, love, and serving hearts, I think they would need a bigger set of scales for you.

I miss you so much Papa.
You have truly blessed my life and I love you

Your grandson,
Nicolas Kent Petre

Papa,

No amount of words can describe the memories I have with you. For the 18 years I was blessed to have you in my life I laughed, learned, and smiled more then any other grandson has with their grandpa.

You were always more then a grandpa to me. You were a friend that always made me laugh wether it was your not so graceful swan dive into the Tennessee hotel pool, or teasing your other grandchildren. You were a fishing buddy who shared your passion with me and made me fall in love with the water and a fishing pole. You were a teacher and mentor who taught me to work with my hands. You not only taught me, but showed me, how other people should be treated. Respect, kindness, thoughtfulness, and generosity were just some of the amazing traits you demonstrated in everyday life and passed onto me.

In 18 years of spending time with you Papa, I never once heard a complaint come out of your mouth. Never a complaint. You would be out shoveling the snow, packing the car, getting the boat ready, or doing the dishes. Up early every morning to provide for your family. You worked extremely hard to make sure no one else had to. And you did it all without complaining. That is just one of the many things I will remember about you and hope that I can copy.

Papa, I will miss the great family vacations and adventures we had. I will miss the holiday celebrations. I will miss the family dinners. I will miss seeing you on the sideline at every sports game. I will miss hearing your voice and your laugh. Nothing will be the same without you.

Thank you for blessing me with so much. I will live my life knowing you're up there smiling down and watching me. I credit who I am as a man today, the blessed life I live today, my incredible past, and exciting future to you.

Thank you for being my Papa.

I love you with all my heart.

Your grandson,
Sawyer

We sure miss you Kent. We think of you each and everyday. Our thoughts go out to you Chris ans all of your family. We love you and may God be with you in theses hard times. Life will never be the same without Mr. Petre. Dan and Janice Winings

Chris, you are both wonderful people and Kent will truly be missed, your family will now be your strength, you are in our thoughts and prayer and may the Lord be with you all in these hard times. Peggy & Colleen Potter

Chris, Kirk and all the Petres: Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you. My Chris and I have fond memories which we shall cherish of fishing weekends in the mountains and of the many Kent Sports events, all with Kent and Kirk. Jim Cunningham

Chris, You got it right when you chose Kent, and thank you for introducing him to us. Kent set the example when it comes to how to treat others, making them feel good and creating win win situations. We will miss him, please keep in touch. Much Love
Bill & Patty Shirley

Chris, Kirk, Petres all, Please know that I am thinking and praying for you all. WE have good memories. I am sad that I didn't know in time to attend his service. Much love............

All the best wishes, prayers and sympathies Chris, Kelly, Syd and Kirk. We are so sorry to hear the news. Kent was one of a kind. Best, Chris and Margaret and family.

Words cannot express how Kent Petre touched my heart and soul. I shall forever treasure his presence in my life and I am truly grateful for the friendship
shared with Kent and Chris, and this great family. My love to all of you and
know you are in my thoughts and prayers. "death leaves a heart ache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal" Debbie Rohleder

My condolences to Chris and the Petre family. I regret not being able to attend the services as you did for Vern. I have many fond memories of Wood Brothers gatherings and the Bronco games (which I still have the tickets to and attend at least one a year.).
With deepest sympathies, Esther Messman

Kelly, Dede and children,
We understand your sadness. Our hearts are with you. As time goes by the qualities of his life that are in you and your children will bring you comfort. His impact lives on.
Love from Paul & Deidre Pierce
( Burlington, MA)

Uncle Kent, I am missing you terribly. You were a rock for this family. I don't know if you ever realized how much most of us 1st cousins admired you and looked up to you. For us you were larger than life. You always led by example. I have many fond memories of family times together that I will hold dear to my heart and treasurer forever. Gary just recently entered your life in the last couple of years and commented on what a wonderful man you were the very first time he met you. He is saddened that he will not being able to draw on your wisdom and kindness like the rest of us. We are grateful that a few months ago we got to spend a few days with you and Aunt Chris at your home. We had such a wonderful time and ohhhh the wine and laughter will be cherished forever. I too, hope to be a better person because of your presence and influence in my life. I love you. Teresa Fodge and Gary Holguin.

Jim and I are so sad for you and your family, Kelly; we hope you are able to remember all the wonderful memories during this sad holiday season..Love Always..Jim and Maureen McCartney

During this tilme of sadness, may fond memories Sooth your spirit, Comfort your soul, and Bring you peace
Lyle and Bonnie Flowers (Albuquerque, NM)

I had the privilege and pleasure of working with Kent for 10 years. I will always remember him as a caring man with integrity and an always ready smile. He took time every morning to make the rounds at the office to tell everyone "good morning". He will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and co-workers.

Kent Petre had an intuitive ability to see qualities in others, and in some cases, he saw things that we may not have seen in our own selves. He encouraged us to stretch, grow and contribute. For those of us that fish, well there was always time for a good fishing story. I am fortunate that he tapped me on the shoulder many years ago and I had the opportunity to work with Kent. I didn't talk to him much in the past several years, but am grateful that we talked very recently. He encouraged me once again, and I can still here his soft voice speaking in my ear. With a heavy heart, Pat and I extend our condolences to his family and many extended family members.

Our community has lost a kind man and a good leader. Our heartfelt condolences to all of the family.

I never had the opportunity to meet this Mr. Petre, but he and his wife raised a son in Kelly who is an exceptional person and great friend. I'm sure he did many things well, but for this one thing, I am most grateful. Our prayers are with all the family in this great loss.

I will miss you Kent! You were always so sweet and generous and I know your family will miss you dearly. Much love ~ Kathy Rosenbaum

Kent was such a special man. He was one of the kindest men I know. He was always looking after everyone else. We are so lucky to have our “American” family. We cherish so many wonderful memories of Kent and all of you at the lake with us. Having you come to the lake each summer was really one of the best highlights of our year. Canasta on the deck, lessons on fishing, stories around campfires, lots and lots of laughter, all the great food, and the best of all is being able to visit with the wonderful people! Kent will forever be in all of our hearts and thoughts. He will be greatly missed but his memory will live on with us forever. Chris, Cyd, Kirk, Becky, Kelly, Dede, Nic, Haylie, Sawyer, Sam, Mara, and Romy you are all in our thoughts and prayers at this time. We hope you are able to find some comfort in each other at this difficult time and know that we send our love across all these miles.

Dawn, Boyd, Levi, Logan and Declan Laing

I remember our family trips years ago. I have and always will associate Disneyland and the Petre Family in my happiest of memories. We love you guys!

Danny Vogel and Family

Kathi and I were blessed to have such wonderful times with Kent and Chris at Lake Powell and other social events. Kents thoughtfulness and his wonderful personality will be missed. Truly and strong family man, loving husband, father and grandfather.

JC and Kathi Tyus

We were so lucky to have known Kent. Kent was a truly great man that showed everyone the importance of family, friends, honor, humbleness, generosity, and integrity. You wanted to be a better person just by being near him. Kent made everyone feel important and valued. You always walked away from a conversation with the feeling there was nothing better in the world than spending time with him
For the past 25 years, the highlight of Kent's "Canada family" has been the Petre family visits. We were always excited to find out who all was coming. Kent made it a priority to come see us regardless of how busy life was for him. We had endless laughs and good times. We are all better people for knowing Kent.
Mara says it best when she talks about the life lessons her Papa taught her. He was what all people should strive to be. I only hope he has an inkling of the impact he had on those that were blessed to have known him. We will all love him and miss him dearly but he will continue to live on in all of us as we act on being better human beings for having known him.
Sending lots of love to our Colorado family.
Love,
Shaun, Deb, Hailey, and Nicole

May you all find peace and comfort during this sad time. Uncle Kent was a wonderful man and we will love and miss him always!

I know Kent will be dearly missed by family and friends near and far. We will miss you in the summer at the lake. Always pitching in when help was needed, the fishing competitions, and the campfire stories. It was hard to tell if you or Sam knew the most about fishing!! It was an honor and a priveldge to know you Kent and we will cherish every memory we have of you. To Chris and your family let God watch over you and comfort you in your time of need. Love and hugs to you all.

Somebody said today that Kent Petre was the kind of person we should strive to be. It was the most accurate way to say what we felt about him. Our prayers and heartfelt condolences to Chris and the Petre family. We will always remember his smile whenever he welcomed us . . . his laugh . . . and most of all his friendship. We will miss him dearly and remember him fondly. Kevin and Kathie Walker

Losing Kent leaves a huge void in our lives, a piece of our hearts went with him. The most kind and wonderful man one could ever be so blessed to have known. Kent and his family have enriched our lives immeasurably. We are here now for all the support and love we can give in return to the Petre family. The Potter Family

Kent was a very kind and gentle man, and I know will be missed by everyone that knew him. My deepest condolences to Chris and the family!

Nothing but fond memories of a very noble manhere with us. From the distant to the immediate family our entire family has suffered a great loss. Chris, you and the kids and everyone affected, please know you are in our hearts, thoughts, and prayers. Love Linda, Lowell, and kids

Kent was a kind, wonderful, loving man whose smile could light up a room. I am so proud to be his niece and will greatly miss him.

We will greatly miss Kent's warm and thoughtful personality. Mere words do not express Chris and the Petre family's loss. We are thinking of you. Kathie and Kevin Walker

My condolences go out to the Petre family. I knew Kent through my wife, Lori, from working at Nor'wood. Kent was the type of person to whom one would develop a genuine liking right away - always cheerful, always pleasant, always concerned about the well being of others, always a gentleman.

Rest in peace, Kent.

Moufid Jibreen, Colorado Springs.

Uncle Kent was a rare soul and I'm grateful for the times I was able be around him. Through his natural kindness and gentle manner, he made us feel valued and that there was nothing he would rather be doing than chatting with you. He was a gift.

Chris and family,
With deep sympathy...
Julie (Brennicke) Goff

May God wrap his loving arms around you, Chris, and hold your family in the palm of His hand, providing comfort and peace, during this period of sorrow and grief.

Kent was a kind, considerate, unpretentious man who gave generously of himself to his family and to others, including his neighbors (like us). We shall miss that twinkle in his eye and his mischievous grin. For his family, we pray that his smile and the warm, wonderful memories of him will bring a smile to their faces and comfort to their aching hearts.

Our thoughts and prays go out to the family of a very special person, Kent will be remembered for his kind and generous way. He will be missed by all that knew him. ---- The Rice Family

Our condolences go out to Chris and family. I will always remember Kent as a life long special friend--a very thoughtful kind man.
Best Regards,
Lou and Sue Jones

So sorry for your loss, My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time.
Sandy Kelly

Uncle Kent your light of kindness and integrity still shines. We will remember you with laughter, love, and fondness. May we honor your ideals and example with our lives.

Uncle Kent you were a treasure. Your light has not gone out- we will remember you with love and fondness.

To: Papa
From: Mara


Doomsday is approaching, and they say the end of the world is near.
You hear the stories of those doomsday preppers
The ones who take extreme measures
So that they are prepared for the end
But there's nothing that could have been done
Nothing that could have been said to prepare us for this
All of our lives came to a sudden stop when you left
To all of us it felt as though the end of the world had finally come

You used to ask me,
“How come you never wanna do anything I wanna do?”
Well, Papa it is because I am you.
Slightly stubborn and difficult
What can I say? I am my grandfather's granddaughter

At one of my gymnastics meets,
Parents were making announcements to encourage the gymnasts.
Most of them went a little something like this,
To Grace, From Mom: “Good luck Gracie you'll do great”
or
To Hannah, From Mom and Dad: “We believe in you sweetie, you'll do awesome”
This is the one I got…
To Mara, From Papa: “Do it like I taught you honey.”
It is not until now, that I will do it like you taught me
I will be kind, giving, loving, respectful, and supportive
I will show others respect, even if they do not deserve it
I will give to those around me, to my loved ones and to those who I do not know
I will never stop supporting my family and friends
And I will unconditionally love those that are part of my life

Everything in my life, I owe to you
Every memory was made because of you
The family vacations to Mexico
The road trips to Canada
Our Tennessee adventures
And many memorable holidays well spent
Some of my greatest memories in life are because of you

You used to ask me a question
“Mara, do they know who I am?”
To which I would respond with a sarcastic and slightly annoyed, “Nooo, Papa.”
Come to think of it,
With the majority of questions my grandfather asked me that was usually the response.
“Mara, do you want me to sing?”
“Do you want me to dance?”
“Isn't this song purdy, you know I wrote it?”
“Do you want me to do your homework for you?”
And “Your Papa is just too funny.”

But to finally answer your question Papa, (sorry that it took 16 years)
They do know who you are
Everyone who had the honor of meeting you knows you and remembers you,
You are a memorable human being
It is not because of your fluffy white hair
Or your extensive collection of baseball hats
It is because of your larger-than-life personality
It is because of your laughter, your smile, your generosity
You have left quite an impact on all of us
One that will never be forgotten

And I hope that one day, people will care as much about me as they do you
I hope that people respect and admire me like they do you
But for right now all I can say is Papa, you mean the world to all of us
And my life would not have the joy that it has without you.

I know that as time passes,
The pain that I am feeling will lessen a little more day by day
But never fully go away
The hole in my heart will shrink, little by little
But never fully go away
The one thing that I am sure will never lessen or shrink is my love for you
I love you so much
And I will continue to love you
Until my hairs are grey with age
I will love you for eternity.
I pray for the day that we can be together again,
But before that happens I wish to live a life like yours:
Without regrets
With my loved ones surrounding me
With the respect of those around me
With the admiration of others

I can only hope that during my lifetime I can achieve half of what you achieved
And I know that through my lifetime,
You will be there, cheering me on every step of the way
Just like you used to, and always will do

For now, I love you to the moon and back
No one can ever replace you in our hearts
I only have one question, “Papa, do they know who I am?”
What can I say? I am my grandfather's granddaughter.

-All of my love,
Mara

Kirk, Becky, Sawyer and Sam,

We are deeply saddened for your loss!! Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your entire family, Kent was a wonderful man and will be greatly missed.

John and Estrey Schabacker

Kent Petre is one of a kind and a very special man. He treated the whole family as very special people. It will be a long time before there is another like Kent. We all loved him. I am proud to be his brother in law.

Thank you for everthing Kent, you will be dearly missed. The world lost a great man. May the Lord be with your family and friends in this tough time.