From Tim Tegge #1

Hi Buckles - I had every intention of dropping you a line while in Honolulu last week, but the simple task of getting on line wasn't at all simple, based on my schedule and location. The very sad news from Oahu is that our dear friend, Kent Ghirard, passed away on August 29th, just three days prior to his 93rd Birthday. I spoke to him only three weeks back to confirm my plans to visit him shortly after his birthday. In fact, I had already purchased my round trip ticket to arrive on September 3rd, just after I returned from Kansas City to strike my exhibit. When I got home to Baraboo from KC (on the 31st), I was greeted by the bad news. The executer of Kent's estate asked if would still consider coming over, as originally planned, so as to help sort, appraise, and gather together the items that Kent had left to me. It was somewhat of a bittersweet excursion, but since the flights had already been taken care of, off I went. Anyone who ever journeyed over to Hawaii to play dates for Paul Kaye, E.K. Fernandez, Wally Yee, Gopher Davenport, etc., or circus fans who flew over on vacation, will remember Kent fondly. He was around every Honolulu show lot often throughout the run, be it at the Blaidsdell Arena, the parking lot of Aloha Stadium, or elsewhere--taking pictures, showing off his albums, and escorting countless showpeople around the island for a more comprehensive sight-seeing tour than money could ever buy! If there was ever a problem, Kent did whatever he could to help folks straighten things out. He also often came to the financial rescue of many a performer or circus friend in distress whenever things didn't pan out quite the way they were supposed to. Such kindness was, from time-to-time, often abused and taken advantage of, but Kent took it all in stride. He was a perfect gentleman and a true friend, and he will be very sadly missed by all. The attached three photos show Kent: 1) at his home in Honolulu just this past spring. 2) On his 80th Birthday, which he celebrated with my previous wife and me on his very last trip to Baraboo and the mainland, in 1998. 3) Many years ago, presenting one of his performing trained mules. Kent was a great horse and pony lover and had several trained animals that he worked at shows, parties, and corporate events around the island for decades. I've known Kent Ghirard for thirty years. For many of them, we often corresponded via cassette taped letters. When he finished his messages, he would always sign off the same way: "Aloha, Tim-o-theee, this is the end of this tape!" So to you, dear friend... my sincerest, final "Aloha." Kent was cremated this past Wednesday. There are no survivng family members. Tim Tegge