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Councilmember Pullen's Memorial Service:
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Watch Councilmembers pay tribute to Kent Pullen

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Thoughts and remembrances:
"I'm from the 39th district and I ran for the State Legislature in 2000. In the process of campaigning, I called Mr. Pullen through the Washington Taxpayers Association. Despite having never met in person up to that point, I feel that we developed a good friendship based upon our mutual beliefs. So much so that Mr. Pullen agreed to both endorse my campaign and to introduce me at my campaign kick off. We met in person for the first time at this event. Through the years since then, Kent remained a true mentor and was always helpful with advice and recommendations. I owe him a debt I will never be able to repay. As recently as four or five months ago I communicated with him by E-mail from Kuwait (I'm a WA Army National Guard member who was on active duty for eight months serving in Kuwait and Iraq). As I recall, he gave me some good advice at the time in reply to my E-mail but he did not tell me he was ill. I was devastated to receive an E-mail from my wife revealing that he had passed away. Please tell Faye that he was a special leader to this state and to his community. He will be missed." -- Dan Anderson, Arlington City Councilman

"I had the privilege of meeting Councilman Pullen during the King County Student Leadership Day, during my junior year at Kent-Meridian High School (2001). I spent the day with Councilman Pullen, one on one, and I still remember the feeling I had that day. I knew that I was in the presence of a powerful, yet compassionate and understanding person. One of my fondest memories was going to his office and looking at all of the books about medicinal treatments. He knew I was interested in going to medical school, so he reached out to me and found something he knew I would enjoy. He was a role model and I admired him for all that he stood for. Although he is gone, I will have the memories and wise words to hold on to." -- Cynthia Samanian

"Excerpt from my speech at the Memorial for Kent Pullen: 'The family asked that the public memorial for Kent Pullen be a celebration of his life ... a time for us to rejoice in recalling our own special stories about how Kent touched us professionally and personally. A preface to my remarks begins with a brief, yet revealing story. This will not surprise you, actually, yet we might not have often put this subject in juxtaposition with many of the important realms to which Kent applied his prodigious non-stop energy. Picture yourself in a gathering of the curious ... or really, an educational meeting designed to introduce both fundamental concepts as well as practical tips on a subject that was a significant driving passion in Kent Pullen. This passion was natural medicine. At that remarkable evening not long ago, Kent was introducing our local, internationally known pioneer in natural medicine, Dr. Jonathan Wright, MD. Kent said Dr. Wright would be giving the lucky attendees that evening little known, yet based in science, effective "secrets" about non-toxic natural treatments for common yet challenging chronic health problems. Then, much to everyone's surprise, instead of completing the introduction, Kent launched into what he called an overarching natural "secret treatment" that was, in his opinion, keenly important to our equanimity and good health. Was it exercise? He certainly always recommended exercise. But no, he was not talking about the importance of regular exercise. What it his famous 45 minute treatise on the value of good intestinal flora? It was not, although he had many samples of digestive enzymes and "strange creatures" readily available for us to consider adding to our meals. Was it about the value of our landmark King County Natural Medicine Clinic? A clinic that came into existence due to his creativity and willingness to step out of the box? No .. not even that, though Kent told me, of all the public policy issues that had come before him, facilitating with me the first publicly funded natural medicine clinic in the United States was the most significant accomplishment of his entire career in public office. Indeed, while in a new poignant meaning these last months we all were "Pullin' for Pullen" ... Kent Pullen was unceasingly "pullin'" for optimum health care ... he believed in combining the best of both worlds: contemporary mainstream health care and the time-tested ancient medical systems of natural medicine. So now we come at last to the question. What was that secret he delighted in surprising us with at the natural medicine educational lecture? It was the secret of love. That evening Kent Pullen spoke on the inestimable value of having love in our lives. How every cell benefits by powerful healing chemicals flooding throughout our system ... brought forth at the mere thought of our loving partners, children, family and friends. When I spoke with Kent near the end of his battle with cancer, he reiterated how incredibly important it is to have love in our lives -- how incredibly important it is to our total functioning. He said love brought him over the years a totally-satisfying life. It may be subtle in form; but the ultimate in power for our meaning. He spoke to me also of his love of his 30-year public career. Though, as his health needs escalated, he could have dropped away from his office, he chose instead to keep his focus on what he saw as his unremitting duty ... and his love of service to others. Kent explained to me he would not leave office even though he fought against the odds for his life. He stressed the healing potential and importance of meaningful activity. His meaning was his family and by extension, all of us, his larger family. We will hear stories for decades how Kent was consistently present and available to others. Able to jump into our shoes and see how we saw things, feel how we felt ... and then go to superhuman effort to help us solve the challenges that we brought to him. This is the love he spoke to me of. He knew we are constantly offered choices ... as in negotiating a dizzying maze. The path, he thought, is like a spiritual meditation enabling a conscious journey for betterment and transformation. He focused on our strengths ... he always said: we can make it so ... I believe he offers us now through our memory of him everlasting opportunity to experience love and be in peace with nature.' Love, Merrily" -- Merrily Manthey

"Thank you for helping me breathe easier during your tenure on the County council. 206-296-1009 will never mean the same to me. So long Councilmember Pullen. YOU WILL BE MISSED. THANK YOU." -- John Worthington

"Kent will be greatly missed by those of us who reside in South East King County. He was always willing to give advice when it was sought, even if you did not reside in his District. It was truly a privilege to have know him." --  Dave Fields, Hobart

"I will always remember Kent's positive outlook and support for North Rehabilitation Facility in Shoreline when so many of his fellow council members were against the facility staying open. He was very supportive of the programs which helped so many of the residents there. He stood up for what he believed even if it meant going against the tide. The facility did close in 2002 but my memories of his courageous efforts will always be there. He's one of my heroes. Thanks Kent." -- Barb Tiller

"I lobbied Kent Pullen for over 10 years on some very controversial issues, including frequent one on one meetings in which we drafted language and discussed political and lobbying strategies. Never once in these meetings or publicly did I hear Kent speak badly about an opposing party, never once did I hear him raise his voice or see him get mad at anyone who disagreed with him. It simply was never personal with Kent, it was always about the legislation and the underlying policies. He was able to disagree politely and with respect for the other person's viewpoint, which is unique and honorable in King County politics. We're all a little bit better for having known Kent." -- Mike Spence

"We have only lived in Mr. Pullen's district for a short time but we were impressed with his efforts in our behalf. We watch the meetings on TV and were grateful for his questioning the other members of the council on many items. He truly was for his people and not just a showy politician. We will miss him." -- Jacquelyn and Harold Wieland

"I had the pleasure of meeting Kent at the dedication of our new church, the River of Life Fellowship. Kent understood our need of being in our new building and reaching out to people. Kent was a friend to our congregation in time of our need. I salute Kent and all he stood for. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family. We will miss our friend!" -- Erick Roach

"I knew Kent through my husband, Howard, now also deceased. Kent and he shared a passionate belief in the rights of the individual, and they worked together on access to alternative health care and preserving the rights of firearms owners as well as within the Republican party structure. Kent was so bright, so centered, and so honorable a man, his influence extended far beyond the usual circles in politics. He made time for any constituent who asked, and listened with his heart as well as his intellect. He lived his beliefs, and his example was a positive model even for those who disagreed with his positions. The world will be a poorer place without him." -- Vera Risdon

"Kent Pullen’s deep commitment to his principles will serve as a model to any person considering public office. He was able to glean important points, either good or bad, in the mountains of state and county policy and communicate them to his constituents. He had the ability to shape real policy based on his conservative principles, gain the respect of even those who opposed his views and to connect personally with the people of his District. I will remember with a smile his quirky good humor and haircut, his “Kent Mobile” (what my kids called his Subaru Justy), and his frugality (he would still use his Senate stationary and cross out the address and phone). I will miss his counsel, encouragement and inspiration. I will miss a good friend, but I know he has added a smile to Lord’s face on his arrival." -- Phil Fortunato

"We first met Kent when he was running for the State House of Representatives in 1972 and were impressed with his energy and knowledge about the issues that concerned us. Kent embodied the best traits of a public servant, as well as being a kind, honest and decent person. He will be sorely missed on the political scene."
-- Anne and Vern Witte

"I will remember Councilman Pullen with much gratitude for his commitment to providing access to naturopathic medicine for underserved communities. In large measure, the first publicly funded integrated community clinic in the country was a result of Kent's influence on the King County Council. Kent's legacy lives on as the King County Natural Medicine Clinic at the Kent Community Health Center. This clinic is now in its eighth year of operation. I am also personally thankful to Kent for his advocacy of my appointment to the Board of Trustees for Harborview Medical Center. With his support, I became the first naturopathic physician on the board of a public hospital. Thank you Kent, for your vision, your integrity, and your long and dedicated service to our communities." -- Jane Guiltinan

"If I had to sum up Kent Pullen in one word, the word would be 'gentleman.' Kent Pullen was a gentleman in the truest sense of the word." -- Doug Eglington

"An uncommon man for the common man." -- Bob Minnott

"South King County has lost it's champion. No other council member has an understanding of what the rural area of South King County wants or needs. Mr. Pullen truly listened and represented us whenever we called on him. His integrity was beyond politics, a trait that is not commonly found within his peer group. He will be sorely missed by those whose lives were touched by his leadership. My heartfelt condolences to his wife, Fay, and children." -- Janet Devlin

"Kent will certainly be missed not only by his constituents but the whole of King County as well. He had a great wit, an incredible mind and a persona that was wonderful. Just to simply say we all will miss him doesn't say enough for a wonderful human being. Our most sincere condolences to his family." -- Jim and Jan Washington

"It was good to have an advocate for staff at the jail... we will miss him very much." --Glenn McGloughlin

"I never met Mr. Pullen personally, but I would see him occasionally at the Kent Post Office applying stamps to his constituent mailings which I would receive at my home the next day. Mr. Pullen represented our district well. Even though I did not always agree with his politics when I would see him on CTV, he was a champion for the people and a man of his word. He will be missed." -- Marty Blair

"I'm a lifelong Democrat, a real old fashioned Kennedy-era Liberal. Yet, Kent Pullen was a good friend, and a man I greatly respected and agreed with more often than not. I used to tease him by suggesting he would be more at home if he switched parties, to which he would always offer some clever rejoinder. If only our other politicians and leaders had his forebearance and respect for the views and opinions of others. Alas, this was a man whose level of service and talent will never again be duplicated or replaced, and our county and state is now bereft of much political knowledge and talent due to his most untimely departure. Rest In Peace, Kent." -- David Sprau  

"Kent was the type of representative we are thirsting for as citizens. He cared about what was right for the average person, and did not sacrifice his principles in the process of seeking fairness and truth for all. The following quote best describes Kent: "The superior man thinks always of virtue; the common man thinks of comfort (Confucius)." Kent was definitely a superior man. God bless him and his family. He will be sorely missed." -- David Larson  

"When Kent moved up from New Mexico and was working for Boeing he became involved in the local chess scene which I was serving as state tournament director. We lived fairly close together and I worked on his first campaign for the House writing some press releases. Sid Morrison and Bill Polk met with us in Kent's living room and after they shared their experienced wisdom, Kent thanked them politely and allowed as how he planned to run his campaign his way (Knocking on every door in the district). Many years later Sid Morrison was the speaker at my Rotary Club and I reminded him of our prior meeting. He smiled and said he remembered, and that as he and Bill Polk walked down the driveway, it was observed that "There's another one we'll never hear of again." But the "Pullin for Pullen" campaign launched a long and illustrious career." -- Buz Eddy  

"We will miss you Kent. You were noble in Life, long live our memory of you!" -- SPEEA E-10 Member

"A true representative, always thinking of the people he represented, listening to all (even the whiners), and always doing his best to promote our community's best interest. His leadership and example will be sorely missed, but luckily for us he was a mentor to many, so his legacy will continue in our hearts, minds, and hopefully in our representation. I personally will miss him, and as a citizen and active community advocate will feel his absence, but will always benefit from having known him. My best wishes and condolences to his family." -- Doug Geiger - Lake Sawyer Community Club, Black Diamond PCO

"Kent was a really great person who will be missed greatly. I will miss him. He is a really great person and one of the really great Councilman who really cared for everyone and also who was very caring. Thank you Kent." -- Stacie

"When I was introduced to Councilmember Pullen in 1994, he immediately understood the mission and vision of my organization, It Plays in Peoria Productions. He understood the need to respond to issues at a ROOT level, not in the band-aid approach that seems to be the hallmark of our culture. He also made sure we got resources at a critical time in my organization's existence and we likely owe our existence in part to his vision and the action with which he backed it up. The fact that prominent Republicans AND Democrats are singing his praises is a testament to the fact that he EMBODIED his principles, a quality all too rare in elected officials. To say he will be missed is an extraordinary understatement. I still cannot believe he is gone. Knowing him and seeing him in action enriched my life." -- Paul Nelson