Kurt Jennings

Kurt Jennings

1955-12-06 2001-05-08


What an honor to say a few words about Kurt.  He was what every one of us boys at McClure Elementary back in the early 60s aspired to be:  athletic, funny, and irreverent.  I've known Kurt since preschool.  By Kindergarten he was commanding the class with his jokes and irresistable smile.   Sometime around 4th grade, Kurt bestowed nicknames upon all of us in our circle of friends around the tetherball pole.  Kenny Albright was "Kenny Copter", Matt Westfall was "Megan", and Kurt, supreme class clown, was "Bozo."  I was given the name "Billy Banana Boy" and for my 11th birthday I received a bunch of approx. 40 bananas, straight from the tree in the jungle.  During those years Kurt's dad was elected district judge: Judge Joe Jennings.  Kurt's #1 sidekick was always Burly White, his neighbor on 56th St and loyal friend.  Kurt and I were in a school play together at Nimitz, but drifted apart as we met new friends.  The last time I remember being with Kurt was at Memorial.  We attended the school musical, "Once Upon A Mattress" with Karen Yadon and Harold Sanditen in the lead roles - and we laughed and laughed.   Once again, in the presence of Bozo, I was having a wonderful time.  I've attached a photo from our preschool class at Betty Rowland Nursery School, approx. 1960-61.  Kurt is standing in the back center in the shiny shirt.  Thanks for the smiles, Bozo.

tribute by Bill Vaananen

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