Firefighter Kent mourned
By Susan Stein

Our beloved David Kent passed away from us on Monday November 5, after a courageous battle with cancer, at his home in Cookstown, with his family at his bedside.

David, who was only 26 years old, was the beloved son of Paul and Ellen Kent, the cherished brother of Lisa and Michael, dear friend of Lisa's fiance Scott Shaw. He was the joy of his "Grammy" Elsie Cole, aunty Nancy Cole and dear cousin of Jennifer Kent and Lindsey Robinson.

He will be forever loved by his girlfriend Veronica Sloan.

He left behind his friends, his fellow firefighters, who will never forget David's courage, dedication at the many calls he fought fires with them.

A funeral service for our David was held at Cookstown United Church on Friday November 9.

Celebrating his life and love for him were Rev. Heather Power and Rev. Thelma Arnott, firefighters from Innisfil Fire and Rescue Service, Station 4, Cookstown 420.

As a tribute to David, Abby Marling sang the solo "On Eagles Wings'.

Tom Hunse and Harry Sharp, fellow firefighters, honoured him with the duet "Amazing Grace".

Sharing their memories with the congregation, were his friends, firefiighter Richard Elines, his brother Michael.

And what must have been a heartwrenching task, his mother's memories. Memories of our David growing up, his years at Cookstown Central Public School, his years as a teenager full of fun, of love for life, of pranks and pitfalls.

But most of all, his smile will be missed.

It was a smile so infectious, that even in his last moments he would give his loved ones comforting words.

And yes, our David, so involved in Cookstown's events, that he carried the nickname "Mr. Cookstown".

Escorted by his fellow firefighters, David was laid to rest at the Cookstown Cemetery.

Our hearfelt sorrow, our sympathy go out to the Kent family and our admiration for the fortitude with which Paul and Ellen celebrated their son's, Our David's, final rites.

After the service, everyone was invited to fellowship and a light lunch at the Cookstown firehall.