TRIBUTE TO KERMIT ROCKETT
A Tribute to Kermit Rockett By : Jason Melvin , Immediate Past President
The LGCC family lost a longstanding , cherished member last week with the sudden passing of Kermit Rockett . As with any club , our members are the lifeblood of the organization , and Kermit epitomized this essence throughout his decades of leadership , dedication , and support of our club . From serving as President of the club , to numerous stints on our board , to chairing committees , to spearheading fundraising efforts for capital improvements , to building and repairing golf clubs for members , the list goes on and on when detailing his dedication and lasting impact . But , to those lucky enough to know Kermit , the importance of the impacts listed above were only secondary to the family member , friend , and golfing companion he was to so many people throughout our community . Kermit was always quick to provide a friendly embrace , eager to know how you were doing , and ready to lend a hand , if needed . If not through golf , he was excited to connect through ping pong , playing cards , ice cream ( as king of the annual Palmer Ice Cream Supper ), or one of the many other activities he enjoyed doing with and for others . Kermit knew how to bring out the best in people , how to have a good time , and in doing so created a positive impact on those lucky enough to find themselves in his path . Below , you will find numerous notes and sentiments which have been provided by friends and members in response to learning of his passing . As we celebrate a life well lived by a wonderful member of our community , please keep his wife , Marty , and the entire Rockett family in your thoughts and prayers . And , be sure to remember and appreciate the fond memories you created with Kermit along the way . Here ’ s to you , Kermit ! There will be an informal gathering at the Palmer Community Center on May 21 from 1 to3 pm in honor of Kermit .
John Anderson ( Long Time Friend and Golf Partner ) Kermit and I would always get a laugh about when I had a hole in one on # 2 but my witness { Kermit } was in the woods relieving himself !!
Jay Crawford One thing which could be covered with more emphasis is his commitment to not just the club , but also to the community at large . I always enjoyed his letters to the Editor of the local Gazette . His opinions on critical national and state political and social issues , whether you agreed with them or not , were always expressed candidly , and obviously after much thoughtful reflection , firmly and definitely not wimpy . His general evenhandedness when dealing with contentious issues caused folks to stop and reflect on the merits of more that just one position . In the process , his powers of persuasion often carried the day .
Hal Hill I have special memories of Kermit . He was the first person at LGCC that I met and played golf with . There could be no better ambassador for our club than he was . Kermit knew our course so well , and freely offered his knowledge to anyone that he played with . It was a big help to a novice like me . I will never forget the first round we
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