I have used this hiking guide since it was first published. I have found it to be invaluable. It is treasured part of my 55 years of joy I found in the Estes Park and RMNP area.

My name is Annie Gaddy and I live in Lafayette. I never met Kent, but have carried this poster of him everywhere I've lived since I purchased it at Outdoor World in 1972 or so. I was sad to hear of his death.

I did not know Kent; or, perhaps I did through his hiking guides.  I have a 4th and 9th edition of his Rocky Mountain Hiking Trails books.  The first book I have is all rugged looking as I took it countless times with me in Rocky Mountain National Park in my 20s.  One time, I read aloud the story "Lightning:  One Strike and You're Out!" to my two very young daughters (4 and 6).  They were mesmerized of the tail; eyes wide open and most importantly, learning through the story.  While not as exciting as that story, they also learned the chapter of "Hikers as Caretakers".  I'm proud that they in they are both in their late 30s now and have those stories of respecting nature and taking care of nature embedded with them.  They are telling those same learnings to their children.  Accordingly, Kent Dannen impacts not just me in my 20s, but two generations beyond.  God Bless Kent.  I now Estes Park, rest of my days basking in the Glory of God here in the Rockies.  Rest in Peace; and blessing to the Family.

Sympathy and Caring Thoughts From Chapter FL of the P.E.O. Sisterhood in St. Joseph, Missouri.  Mary Ellen, Dwight and their family were important to us.  Memories bring us comfort.

Debbie and Curt I am so sorry to learn of your brother’s passing. His obituary caught my eye when it mentioned St. Joe and then I saw your names listed as family. My thoughts are with you through this most difficult of times. We are out of town later this week and will miss his service. I trust the staff has served your family well. 

Fondly, 

Rick Allnutt

I can say I “grew up with Kent”, as our families were members of the Wyatt Park Christian Church in St. Joseph, Mo.  We sang in the Church Choir together, went on to become co-editors of the Central High School newspaper, the OUTLOOK.  Then on to St. Joseph Junior College where, again, we were co-editors of that school newspaper.  I always enjoyed Kent’s company whether it be for pleasure or working on the newspapers together.  My thoughts and prayers are with his family.  Billie Pumphrey, Tucson, Arizona

I was so sorry to hear bout Kent's passing.  I knew him in high school as we had many many classes together.  His obituary didn't mention all of the activities he was involved in during high school.    I remember him fondly from his staring role in the All-School Play.   When he was editor-in chief of the Outlook, the high school newspaper, I was on his staff, and I learned so much from him.   Being chosen for National Honor Society as a junior, was such an honor.  I remember Kent fondly.

I can still see Kent at the Samoyed Club of America specialty show leaning this way and that ringside, his thin lanky figure changing the camera angle just so, to perfectly capture some wonderful competing Samoyed with his camera lens.  What a loss.

I didn't know Kent well but I will be forever grateful to him.  We were at SCA in Maryland  as spectators and I had Sadie a Briard at ringside.  He asked if he could take some pictures of her and of course I said yes. This was probably about 2001 or 2002. He took the most beautiful pictures and 1 ended up on the cover of Briards 2003 calendar.  It is my favorite picture of Ch Meilleur Memory of Jennie.  It hangs in my bedroom and every time I see it, I remember Kent and my beloved Sadie. Rest easily, Kent, thank you..

OBITUARY

Kent Engel Dannen

August 27, 1946 – January 23, 2025

Allnutt Funeral Service – Estes Park Chapel

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