Kent Palmer
March 30, 1964 - November 28, 2011
Obituary
MADISON-Kent David Palmer was born in Chicago, Ill., on March 30, 1964, to David and Marilyn J. (Erickson) Palmer. He died on Monday, Nov. 28, 2011, in his home, from complications of diabetes. Kent attended Oak Park-River Forest High School where he graduated with honors and was a member of a state championship baseball team. He then attended the University of Illinois-Circle Campus, and graduated with honors in 1986. During his college years, Kent worked as a Green Peace team leader, helping them raise money to support environmental issues. He moved to Madison where he started a “Green” landscaping business before “being Green” was popular. Kent became an alderman for the city of Madison, a post he held for four years. He loved music. Kent played guitar and was the lead vocalist in a three piece band from the time he arrived in Madison until 2010, when complications from diabetes handicapped his functioning. Kent was briefly employed by the State of Wisconsin, Department of Justice. While in Madison, Kent became the circulation manager for Madison Magazine. His passion for beer led him to start a beer blog for the magazine. He loved to suggest pairing specialty beers with food. Kent started playing baseball in peewee leagues in Oak Park and continued to play after his college years in a league in the Madison area. He loved all aspects of the game. Kent married twice, first to his college sweetheart, Cathy (Sapyta) Palmer, and then to Cindy (Parmer) Palmer of Cambridge. He is survived by his mother, Marilyn Palmer of Oak Park, Ill; father, David Palmer of Belvidere, Ill; and brother, Christopher Palmer of Oak Park, Ill. A memorial service will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 3, 2011. Visitation will be at the funeral home from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Saturday. Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Drive (608) 221-5420 www.gundersonfh.com
Visitation will be at the funeral home from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Saturday.
A memorial service will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 3, 2011.
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Memories
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Astrid Newenhouse
Other •
Kent's family, I am so sorry for your loss. I really enjoyed being Kent's friend and seeing his happy smile and exuberance for life. He was devoted to sustainable living long before it was popular. A bunch of us worked on community gardening issues in the late 1990's, early 2000's, and Kent was very dedicated. I remember working on his first campaign for alder and how he walked to every single house in his district to introduce himself and shake hands. We lost contact in recent years and I am sad to hear of his passing. My thoughts are with you. Astrid Newenhouse
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Tamara
Other •
To the family and friends of Kent Palmer, We just recently, here at Greenpeace, learned the sad news and on behalf of Greenpeace, we offer our sincerest condolences to you. While I (and other current staff) may not have known Kent personally when he worked here, we do recognize, admire and honor him and those before us who fought and worked hard to give our Earth a voice (and all that depends on it) and hope that we continue to carry on what he believed in and supported. We are honored and grateful to have had him as a staff member/alumni. Respectfully, Tamara (Greenpeace Member & Staff person)