Kent Leach – PANHANDLE – NEBRASKA NEWS CHANNEL
This life, his life, was lived and enjoyed with passion as he spent the majority of his time working on the family farm and ranch he loved – albeit for those he loved. The time spent was not an equivalent for the love experienced by his family. Kent proposed to Crystal (Lake) on a hot day in late July with a beautiful ring and asked, “Do you want me?” It was graciously accepted, and this marriage has spanned almost 26 years since March 23, 1996 and has built a beautiful home and family of three daughters, Courtney Lyn 24, Madeline Jo 20 and Kaylee Rae 18. As it goes her daughters have grown up, they are all part of the life, work and growth of our farm and ranch. Building fences, corrals, working cattle (a sometimes not so pleasant display of our working relationships), haying and harvesting were all special times in their lives. Kent’s eldest daughter, Courtney, has returned to full-time active farm work. Kent was grateful for Courtney’s marriage to Brodie – finally for a son (brother-in-law) and their budding relationship and the impact of their presence. Madeline and Kaylee continue their studies and work when they can and provide a valuable contribution to our family farm and ranch. Kent knew their worth, respected their time there, and therefore looked forward to their future. Particular memories and thoughts about their father include working cattle, hunting, fishing, camping, being outdoors, and being tough. They don’t remember him crying. He taught them many things with few words, including how to be better and learn from their mistakes. He was strong, happy and never gave up. He would do anything to help his daughters succeed, he and Kent’s parents helped start each daughter’s cow herd. He was loud. It was hard to drive him mad. He was a pro coyote hunter and a pro cow caller. He was strong and kind, grounded, persistent, loving, nurturing, loyal, passionate and funny. He did what he loved, no matter what other people thought. He never seemed to stop, but made time to enjoy his coffee and a meat and egg breakfast most mornings. He loved this way of life more than anyone they knew, and he fought as best he could for every ounce of everything he had. He loved his daughters as much and more than maybe they thought, but may they…
