Harrison Kent, Jr.

Harrison L. Kent Jr., age 79, of 353 Lake St., Saranac Lake, died Friday, July 16, 2010 at his home.

Born in Saranac Lake, on February 20, 1931, he was the son of Harrison and Vernetta (Green) Kent Sr.. Harrison, married the former Mary Ferguson on October 9, 1955.

Harrison joined the Saranac Lake Fire Department Fire Squad under the directon of Carl Smith in 1950 when he was a junior in high school. He was a former paid driver for seven years and was Treasurer. He worked through the ranks from Lieutenant to Captain to Assistant Chief to Chief of the Fire Fepartment. Harry joined the fire department to, in his words, "give back to the community". He was a veteran of the Korean Conflict serving in the Navy from 1954 - 1958. Harrison was employed by NYS Department of Corrections at Adirondack Correctional Facility, Ray Brook as a filter plant operator until his retirement in 1993. He enjoyed bowling in the Friday Night League, working on guide boats with Carl Hathaway and was an outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting.

He is survived by his wife: the former Mary Ferguson, two daughters: Laurie McGill and her husband Andy of Saranac Inn and Sharon Wheeler and her husband Ben of West Lebanon, NY, two sons: Eric Kent and his wife Mary of Cheyenne, WY and Wayne Kent and his wife Missie of Lake Clear, seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father Harrison Kent Sr., his mother Vernetta Green Bomyea, and his son Daniel Kent.

Calling hours will be private. A grave-side service will be held Wednesday, July 21, 2010 at 2:00 P.M., for family and friends, at Pine Ridge Cemetery, with Rev. Maggie McCarey, pastor of the First United Methodist Church, officiating.

Friends wishing to remember Harrison L. Kent Jr. may make memorial contributions to High Peaks Hospice or the Saranac Lake Fire Department in care of the funeral home. Family and friends may also share their memories and sign the online guestbook at fortune-keoughfuneralhome.com.