To the Glory of God and in Memory of Kent Dixon Lawrence, S.T.D.

A lovely memorial service honoring Kent was held January 19, 2008 at Stone Presbyterian Church of Willow Glen.

Kent was the interim pastor here at our Presbyterian Church of Los Gatos from 1997-1999. He guided our church skillfully through those years. With his early interest in theater, he creatively directed PCLG’s first musical, The Sound of Music, opening the doors to the establishment of our Shoestring Theater.

His biography is amazing. From summers on the farm to theologian, serving and leading others always with great courtesy. For those who wish to read about his remarkable life, there is a file folder in Diane Sander’s office encompassing his varied years of service to the Presbyterian Church USA.

From his 1995 Statement of Faith the following quotation is taken: “Among many metaphors I use to describe God is the image of a River: Water which sometimes lies hidden, sometimes gushes forth into view, moves continually toward its end, is absorbed into the cosmos again to continue to sustain and nourish the earth. God is the Life Force which governs and provides for all creation.”

Kent is survived by his wife of 41 years, Lea, who is very active in Presbyterian Women, locally and nationally. Kent and Lea have two daughters, grandchildren, and countless friends.

—submitted by Bill Buckman
The Spire, March 2008

From the Pasadena Star News

Kent D. Lawrence, died December 24, 2007 at the age of 76 in Los Gatos, CA. He was a graduate of Willamette University and McCormick and San Francisco Theological Seminaries. Dr. Lawrence served two congregations in Oregon before being called to Westminster Presbyterian Church, Pasadena (1975-1995). In retirement he led churches in New Zealand and held interim positions in Los Gatos and Anaheim. He served at all levels of the Presbyterian Church (USA) in his 51 years of ordained ministry. During his ministry in Pasadena, Dr. Lawrence provided leadership to the Ecumenical Council of Pasadena Area Churches, Pasadena Educational Foundation, San Gabriel Valley Red Cross, United Way, Pasadena Dispensary Board and the Citizens Committee for Better Education in the Pasadena Public Schools. Kent is survived by his wife Lea, daughters Anne (Jim) Perry and Edie (John) Richards, grandchildren William and Julia Richards, and brother Keith Lawrence. A memorial service will be held at Stone Church of Willow Glen, San Jose on January 19 at 11 am. Memorial gifts may be made to the Janet and Dorman Leader Endowment Fund, Zephyr Point Presbyterian Conference Center, PO Box 289, Zephyr Cove, NV 89448.