Kent was my first real student when I started out with my first job in aviation as a flight instructor at Roissen Aviation Center at the Ann Arbor Airport. I actually flew with him on my first day on the job! It was the beginning of July 1988, I was just one year senior to Kent and we hung around the airport just about everyday. Not much later Jason Lawrence also joined and soloed. Kent was then working as a fueler and line man at the Aviation Center and in between the work he took flying lessons. He must have already had a few flights in because two weeks after I started, he soloed and by the end of August he was ready for his private which he successfully passed. I remember that our boss, Marc Roissen, wanted me to help Kent fuelling aircraft and doing all kinds off other odd jobs between the flying to which Kent successfully objected stating that it would not be very professional if I, as a flight instructor, got all dirty and smelly of AV-Gas. I remember Kent as a hard worker who worked up a sweat regularly, shaking his head as me and my good friend John Sullivan(who told me about Kent’s passing) performed all kinds off crazy stunts with Johns nimble Saab Sonett drifting and burning rubber between the hangars and around the airport. After Kent passed for his private I see his name turn up frequently in my old logbook until we each took our own way’s pursuing our careers in aviation. A few years later I moved back to my native the Netherlands. Since I have been back to Ann Arbor only on very few occasions. My sincere condolences to the family. 

I wish you strength to overcome this tremendous loss. 


Dear Sylvia ….. I am so sorry for your loss.  My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Stan

I went through Initial training at Delta with Kent.  We were Sim partners as Second Officers on the 727 Panel.  He was always positive and had a smile even though we were not used to sitting 3rd wheel flipping switches....He will be missed.

Kent was a new hire classmate of mine at Delta in August of 2000. Since 2000 my classmates have scattered among several bases. Kent Detroit, me Atlanta.  For some reason Kent and I crossed each other’s path a couple times a year, which is more than I see any of my other classmates. It was always a great pleasure to visit with Kent. He always had a  big smile on his face and a great outlook on the world. I will truly miss Kent. Fair skies my friend.

I have flown with Kent on a few occasions, and though I haven’t known him for long, the time I did know him is filled with memories of his infectious smile and personality. He was a great pilot, and someone whom I wish I got to know better. He will be missed. 

With Jason Lawrence being my father I was blessed enough to have Kent around me since I was born. He was not only  just one of my dads friends, he was also one of my best friends growing up and what I consider to be my uncle. He taught me so many things about life, flying and not to mention just having my back no matter what. There’s not a time I can remember where he didn’t have a smile on his face. Heaven truly gained an angel. I love you Kent! 

Kent was one of the first people I met when I moved to Ann Arbor,  via Ann Arbor Airport. He was one of those rare individuals who immediately made you feel like you’d known him for years.  Always ready to help, always ready for something fun, and like so many of his friends, always looking up at whatever was flying over. As I’ve been thinking back about my times with Kent, in the memory there’s always a smile on his face and an easy quick laugh. He will be sorely missed. 

I was notified today that Kent had unexpectantly died. This is sad and unfortunate. The last time I saw him was at Bill Clark's retirement party.
I knew Kent way back in the day when he worked at the Aviation Center. We had some fun times. I knew a flight attendant that missed her plane and had to be in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. I didn't have an instrument rating and we all piled in a Cherokee Six with her parents and flew there and back. He bailed me out a couple of other times. Once when I had a blowout landing in a Tri-Pacer at Ann Arbor and another time when he flew the Cherokee Six to Orlando after I moved.
Kent was a great guy with a good sense of humor. I was looking forward to seeing him in Ann Arbor on the 10th.
I'm glad we crossed paths. I wish the best for his family.


OBITUARY

Kent Alan Palmquist

30 August, 1968 – 2 December, 2021

Muehlig Funeral Chapel

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