In Memory of Kent Larson

Marine. Mentor. Fighter. Friend.

Two wonderful human beings: Kent in his Marine uniform shaking hands with one of his dear friends, Jim Walsh. Look at Kent’s defining smile. What a stud!

Kent Larson passed away yesterday, surrounded by the love of his family and the legacy of a life lived with courage, kindness, and unwavering purpose.

“Kent loved his family, his country, and his friends—and he proved that every day of his life. He encouraged others to look on the bright side, to step out of their comfort zones, and to push themselves just a little bit harder in the pursuit of becoming their most authentic, best selves,” shared Jim Walsh, one his dearest friends.

He was many things—a devoted husband and father, a loyal friend, a proud Marine, and a man who met every trial with quiet resilience and fierce competitiveness. To those who knew him, Kent’s presence was steady and uplifting. He never needed the spotlight; instead, he lit the way for others through the consistency of his care, the depth of his integrity, and the warmth of his spirit.

Born December 11, 1959, and raised in Hinsdale, Illinois, by two loving parents, Ralph and Norma, who dedicated their lives to education, Kent grew up in a home filled with books, values, woodworking, and love. As a young man, he forged lifelong friendships on the basketball courts of Hinsdale Junior High and Hinsdale Central High School. He was never the flashiest player, but always the one who had your back—cheering you on, picking you up, and doing the hard work without seeking credit. If Kent wasn’t on the basketball court, you could find him playing 16” men’s softball—another game he excelled at and loved tremendously.

It was after one of those softball games that Kent’s life changed forever. At Tracy’s Tavern, he met Kathy McGrath—and everything shifted. He was immediately smitten by her beauty, her warmth, and the ease with which she lit up a room. Soon after, he became Kathy’s date to her brother Kevin and Rita Marie’s wedding. That weekend was the beginning of a love story—one marked not by grand gestures, but by deep devotion, enduring partnership, and a shared joy in life’s simple moments.

They were married on November 20, 1990, just before Kent’s deployment to Operation Desert Storm. That first wedding was quick and practical, a promise made in the shadow of war. When he returned home safe, they celebrated again—this time with joy and family—on August 3, 1991. From that point forward, Kent had found his true teammate. Kathy wasn’t just the love of his life—she was his anchor, his confidante, and his unwavering support. In every chapter of his life, she was his center and his rock. Their marriage was a testament to what love looks like when it is built on friendship, loyalty, laughter, and mutual respect.

At the age of 27, Kent chose to serve. He joined the United States Marine Corps, where he spent two decades leading, mentoring, and living out the values of honor, courage, and commitment. He served during Operation Desert Storm, facing the harshest conditions with a calm strength that defined him. Even in the chaos of war, Kent was a stabilizing force—steady, grounded, human.

Years later, Kent would fight another battle—one he never chose. Diagnosed with stage 3b colorectal cancer in early 2012, likely linked to his Gulf War exposure, he faced the disease with the same resolve he brought to every mission in life. He endured countless treatments, surgeries, and setbacks—but never gave up. Even while suffering, he encouraged others. Even while in pain, he continued to give.

Kent’s impact extended far beyond his military service. He was a devoted husband to Kathy and a loving father to Brian and Peter. He built a respected career in IT, mentored countless colleagues and veterans, and gave selflessly to his community in Sarasota—volunteering for environmental restoration efforts, supporting local causes, and showing up wherever he was needed.

Kent was the kind of man who remembered your story, asked how you were doing—and meant it. He lived a life of presence. He made people feel seen, known, and cared for. He was a doer. He got things done and never shied away from hard work—whether that was a 10,000-burpee challenge or helping his brothers, Jay and Ned, with significant home remodeling projects, including his own.

In his final chapter, Kent showed all of us what grace looks like under pressure. He taught us that courage isn’t loud—it’s quiet, principled, and committed persistence. That service doesn’t end with a uniform; it carries on in how you love, how you lead, and how you show up—day after day.

He leaves behind not just memories, but momentum. His values live on in his sons, Brian and Peter. His laughter echoes in old friends. His strength bolsters the many who have drawn inspiration from his journey. His story reminds us that heroism is not always headline-worthy. Sometimes, it’s a smile through pain. A burpee during chemo. A hand extended, no matter how tired.

Kent Larson, we salute you.

Thank you for your service.
Thank you for your friendship.
Thank you for your life.

Semper Fi, Marine.
You are deeply loved. You are profoundly missed. And your legacy will carry forward—in every person you inspired, every life you lifted, every soul you touched.