Shirley Kokidko sent these pictures of the 11.2-mile paddle on the upper Suwannee River from Turner Bridge to Cone Bridge. Thanks to her for leading. She remarked, “I didn’t take many pictures, just loved soaking up a beautiful day on the river with Joyce Ball and Steve Shaw.”

Turner Bridge to Cone Bridge, Suwannee River 2025-07-05, Thanks to Shirley Kokidko

Also, “It was perfect weather, we bobbled around in our PFD’s in the river just to make sure they are still buoyant enough to keep us afloat, talked about self rescue, assisted rescue and other fun things. Two kayak campers passed us going upstream for a couple of nights. Otherwise we were the only ones out until we got to the ramp at Cone Bridge. Lots of big bass boats with BIG motors, in and out of the water, nobody was there to fish, just river fun. Maybe it was a club, everybody very friendly. I love this Turner to Cone section. Easy shuttle and beautiful paddle. We should do it again sometime.”

See also Ken Sulak’s writeup on Turner Bridge, who built it, its lally columns, its access roads, etc.

Legacy.com, from St. Augustine Record, January 11, 2018, Edward Kent Obituary

Edward F. Kent was born Nov. 12, 1917, in Morristown, New Jersey and passed peacefully in St. Augustine on Christmas Day, Dec. 25, 2017. He served in the Army in World War II surviving a glider landing in South of France, was in a pack mule artillery outfit in the Italian Alps, and in an amphibious assault in the Aleutian Islands. Retiring as a Senior Master Sergeant from the military in 1962, he began a career with the National Park Service in St. Augustine eventually becoming the chief of maintenance in charge of all restoration at Forts Caroline, San Marcos, and Matanzas. After retiring from the NPS in 1977, he continued to contribute and was named the Volunteer of the Year for the Southeast region after amassing over 4,000 volunteer hours. Ed also became very involved in the Boy Scout program locally as an assistant scoutmaster for 50 years with Troop 345 teaching generations to love and honor the outdoors. He also helped teach hundreds of adults the Wood Badge scout leader training program, thereby reaching thousands more youth with the scouting message.

Ed loved to canoe and paddled the entire Suwannee River (240 miles) eight times. He designed a beautiful custom paddle and helped replicate over 65 for friends and relatives. He was a master craftsman whose body of work included carved birds, musical instruments, spinning wheels, and recently a wooden surfboard.

Ed was predeceased by his wife of almost 70 years, Thelma (Pat) Paddock Kent, son, Bob Kent, and an infant daughter.

He is survived by daughter, Marjorie Rowe; son, Bill Kent, daughter-in-law, Judy Kent; nine grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren; and an extended scouting family.

When asked recently how he was still so active at 100 years old, he credited his work with youth and building relationships that lasted beyond when most his age were gone. As he wished, there will not be a formal service locally. His ashes will be spread at his favorite spot on the Suwannee during a Spring canoe trip. Those wishing to may make a contribution in his honor to Troop 345.

Craig Funeral Home Crematory Memorial Park (www.craigfuneralhome.com) is in charge of the arrangements.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by St. Augustine Record on Jan. 11, 2018.

For more WWALS outings and events as they are posted, see the WWALS outings web page, https://wwals.net/outings/. WWALS members also get an upcoming list in the Tannin Times newsletter.

 -jsq, John S. Quarterman, Suwannee RIVERKEEPER®

You can help with clean, swimmable, fishable, drinkable, water in the 10,000-square-mile Suwannee River Basin in Florida and Georgia by becoming a WWALS member today!
https://wwals.net/donations

TB

Joyce Ball at Turner Bridge, 2025-07-05 –Shirley Kokidko

Pics

On the water, 2025:07:05 10:29:30, –Shirley Kokidko 30.5212472, -82.7252972

CHF –Shirley Kokidko

Clyde Hunter Farm on right bank, SRWMD on left bank, 2025:07:05 12:26:22, –Shirley Kokidko 30.4777917, -82.7020556

VG –Shirley Kokidko

Vegetated karst, 2025:07:05 13:13:37, –Shirley Kokidko 30.4606583, -82.6797028

EFK –Shirley Kokidko

Edward F. Kent (1917-2017), 2025:07:05 12:24:31 –Shirley Kokidko

 -jsq, John S. Quarterman, Suwannee RIVERKEEPER®

You can help with clean, swimmable, fishable, drinkable, water in the 10,000-square-mile Suwannee River Basin in Florida and Georgia by becoming a WWALS member today!
https://wwals.net/donations/

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