Six years ago, our family heard the words we never could have imagined hearing; Kent had glioblastoma. At the time, so many people came together to support Kent and Kaylene, as they faced brain surgery, treatment, recovery, and an uncertain road ahead. What none of us could have known then was just how long and difficult that road would be or how much life, love, hope, and courage Kent and Kaylene would manage to fit into the six years that followed.

For those who had the privilege of knowing Kent before cancer, he was impossible to sum up in just a few words. He was a beloved husband, son, brother, teacher, coach, athlete, mentor, and friend. He was funny, quick-witted, kind, loyal, and someone who genuinely loved people. He was a teacher who cared deeply about his students, a coach who believed in his athletes, and a friend who could always make you laugh. He dedicated so much of his life to encouraging young people, building them up, and helping them see what they were capable of.

The original fundraiser created for Kent said something that feels just as true today as it did six years ago: “Kent spends his life lifting up others.” And he did.

When Kent was diagnosed, he and Kaylene made a choice not to allow fear to dictate what came next. Instead, they chose to pursue their dream of becoming parents. That decision gave Kent two of the greatest loves of his life: his children, Vera and Danny.

There is so much about this journey that has been incredibly unfair. Glioblastoma slowly took things from Kent that no person or family should have to lose. It changed what their days looked like, changed what Kent was able to do, and eventually changed the person that we have known for so long.

But it never changed the things that mattered most. Kent loved his family. And through every stage of this journey, Kaylene stood beside him, loving him, caring for him, raising their children, and carrying a weight that is too difficult to put into words.

Now, as we say goodbye to Kent, our hope is to once again surround this family with the same love and support that so many people have shown them throughout the last six years.

More than anything, Kent wanted to know that Kaylene, Vera, and Danny would be okay. This fund has been created with that wish at its heart. Donations will go directly toward helping Kaylene provide stability and security for Vera and Danny as they navigate life without their dad. It will help with the many needs that come with raising two young children and allow Kaylene to prepare for the years and milestones ahead. The everyday expenses, activities, education, opportunities, and all of the moments Kent should have been here to witness himself. Our hope is to give Kaylene some breathing room as she begins to navigate a life without Kent beside her.

We also want part of Kent’s legacy to be giving back to those who helped care for him and continuing the fight against the disease that changed their lives. We hope to support the Pat Roche Hospice Home in gratitude for the compassion and dignity they provided during an unimaginably difficult time. And in the years ahead, our family intends to continue participating in and supporting fundraising efforts dedicated to glioblastoma research and finding better treatments and someday a cure.

If you are able to donate, no amount is too small.

If you aren't able to give, sharing Kent's story means just as much. Tell Vera and Danny about their dad. Tell them about the teacher who believed in his students, the coach who pushed his athletes, the friend who made you laugh, his quick wit, his quirks, and the moments you'll never forget. Help them know Kent not only through photographs, but through the memories of the countless people whose lives he touched. You can tell these stories through an email created tellthetaylors333@gmail.com

Thank you for loving Kent, for loving his family, and for helping us make sure that the life he lived and the love he gave continues long after he's gone.