L. Kent Hollister – May 15, 1939 -Jan. 18, 2007

L. Kent Hollister was born in Milwaukee, WI on May 15, 1939. On
Jan. 18, at 67, he passed away in Santa Rosa. In high school Kent
played the base horn and participated in state competitions before
graduating Washington High School in Wisconsin. He continued his
education at the University of Wisconsin, Classical Art Studio.
After moving to San Francisco in 1959, Kent painted Victorian
houses while attending the San Francisco Art Institute.
In addition to designing and creating ballroom and concert
posters, Kent’s artistic talents enabled him to design record album
covers for several well-known musical groups of the time,
including; &#8220It’s a Beautiful Day,” &#8220Shady Grove,”
&#8220Happy Trails” and the &#8220Charlatans.” His artistic
talents expanded into drawing portraits. &#8220He could create
from mere photographs incredible life-likenesses of families and
individuals. What was a static photograph came alive with his
portraits,” quoted a fax received from Eggen & Lance Chapel,
Santa Rosa Mortuary.
In the 1970s Kent journeyed the Russian River West County area,
where the River area especially became a significant source of
personal and spiritual growth for him. His creative inspiration for
the area is shown in his prolific landscape paintings, which
capture the infinite beauty of the reflective water and redwood
tree landscapes of the Russian River. His passion for the area
caused him to remain living near the river, until his passing. Kent
was a landscape painter and portrait artist for more than 25 years.
He was a man of courage, integrity and forthrightness. Oftentimes
he would encourage and inspire people who were down and out.
Kent especially liked music of the 1960s genre as well as
classical music. He loved the outdoors and had immediate access to
hiking and rowing while at the River. He also enjoyed climbing the
hills and mountains in search of firewood he could chop.
At the River, Kent met his long-time companion and wife of more
than 20 years, Romy Minton Hollister. They enjoyed camping at
Wright’s Beach and rowing along the River all the way to the
River’s mouth at Jenner in a wooden boat 100 years old, which was
named &#8220Ro-mance.” Kent is survived by Romy and his four
children, Jason, Jamison, Sarah and Jesse, as well as his four
grandchildren. He found great joy in spending time with all his
beloved children and grandchildren. He also leaves behind his
friends of 25 plus years, Bill Wilson and Dr. Bob.
Friends and family are invited to attend a memorial service
Saturday, Feb. 17, 2 p.m. at Santa Rosa Mortuary, Eggen & Lance
Chapel, 1540 Mendocino Ave., Santa Rosa; 707-545-3747.