I just learned of Kent's passing in an email from Allan Briesmaster.
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Kent Bowman at the age 83, on May 7th, 2025. Beloved husband to Gay Claitman for over 45 years. Cherished father to Sabrina and Josh (Rachael) and grandfather to Noah. He will be greatly missed by his extended family and friends in California, Vancouver, and Toronto.
Kent was born in Los Angeles, California, and came to Canada as a war objector with his close friends Mick and Hugh. He completed his Master's degree at Simon Fraser University, and worked in Vocational Rehabilitation his whole life. An avid poet and musician, Kent enjoyed sharing his joy of music and poetry with his community in Toronto. Kent lived a full life with his family, pets, and friends, and he will be missed.
A family gathering will take place at a later date to celebrate Kent's wonderful life. In lieu of flowers, donations to Amnesty International, The Alzheimer's Society of Ontario, The Walrus, Scott Mission, Interval House, or a cancer charity of your choice would be greatly appreciated.
Kent was born in Los Angeles, California, and came to Canada as a war objector with his close friends Mick and Hugh. He completed his Master's degree at Simon Fraser University, and worked in Vocational Rehabilitation his whole life. An avid poet and musician, Kent enjoyed sharing his joy of music and poetry with his community in Toronto. Kent lived a full life with his family, pets, and friends, and he will be missed.
A family gathering will take place at a later date to celebrate Kent's wonderful life. In lieu of flowers, donations to Amnesty International, The Alzheimer's Society of Ontario, The Walrus, Scott Mission, Interval House, or a cancer charity of your choice would be greatly appreciated.
. . . .
Kent published this poem about my ZenRiver Gardens retreat and the PurdyFests held there from 2007 - 2014.
Zen River Memories
THUNDER BAY ONTARIO
CANADA P7C 3J9
LITERATURE RAW & RARE : BY APPOINTMENT 807-285-8309 : NO BOOK TOO OLD
"books without bite suck" art
Savouring this backroad rendezvous
North of Seven,
Filled with promise, contemplation and peace.
Escaping a world driven insane by endless reports of disaster,
I watch the river find its time laden course,
While the rest of the world Scurries towards ultimate oblivion.
From And Left a Place to Stand On:
Poems and essays on Al Purdy
Edited by Allan Briesmaster, John B. Lee, Linda Rogers and R.D. Roy
Hidden Brookk Press, 2009
Mick Burrs reads this poem for Kent at Ellingtons Cafe on YouTube. Both gone to a higher plane.
Doug and Chris tour ZenRiver Gardens video:
email from Nick Drumbolis today:
Appreciate you thinking of me Chris. Goodman Kent, a prize to all who took the time to stoke that smile. His voice ringing on in memry, unmistakable across any room. Apart from his music wch i never got to hear, he oozed mirth & warmth, a welcome soul. Too much checking out's got me down.
LETTERS BOOKSHOP
647 SIMPSON STREET
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