With our common interest and passion for instrument making we became friends, and two years later, Kent began a two-year apprenticeship with me. It was during this time that Gary Bennett, a dear friend of Kent’s, began his comic strip “Kent ’n’ Jeff,” which ran in the GAL Quarterly for a time.

Not only was Kent an adept student, but he brought with him a knowledge of machinery and jig making that benefited the shop — I’m primarily a hand-tool worker, so there was also something of an exchange, where the student teaches the teacher.

We kept in touch over the years, which spanned several shops for Kent. An early one was shared with fellow luthier Christopher Burt, and together they developed the Oregon Bass, a full-scale upright electric solidbody instrument, complete with an end pin. Around that time, Kent also became an authorized Martin repair center, something he took great satisfaction in.

Kent never lost his interest and love for instrument making, and in later years enjoyed teaching woodworking and the use of power tools to others, whether or not in the trade.

I’ll remember Kent most for his thoughtful, careful way of working, his calmness in all situations, his reverence for the planet and all life, and his ready sense of humor.

— Jeffrey R. Elliott