KJ Bentley

Mr. Bentley was never my english teacher, I was never his aid, and I did not wrestle or play softball.  I should have never even known who he was.  Yet I do.

I was in his mothers 2nd grade class at Culverdale.  1 year later Westpark opened and we transferred over.  My brother was then in his wife's 1st grade class.  Who would have guessed? I think my mom found a bond is his wife after having a member of the family teach both my brother and myself.  They remained friends for several years as her children were the same age as Bobby was.

Fast forward to high school.

He was not my teacher, I can't even name any of my english teachers- If only I had Mr. Bentley maybe I would have felt different.  I can name Math teachers who touched me, as it was never a strong subject and always required additional help beyond what the hour long class had to offer. Maybe it was just that english class came easy to me, and I never paid much attention. What ever the reason, I never crossed paths with him my first 3 years of high school.

My senior year, Bobby came in as a freshman, and what seemed like immediately started wrestling on the Varsity team. His coach was KJ Bentley.  He was an amazing coach, always so kind, and patient.  Never one to lose a temper or get upset. He was a cornerstone in my brothers life and his entire family was close to ours- Jill and Katie (his daughters) were close in age to Bobby and it allowed my mom to find a close friendship in Mary (his wife).  My grandfather even drew a bond with KJ through my brothers wrestling.
It was truly an amazing connection of two families.

He was 46 years old and in what he probably thought was the best health of his life.  He was found in his classroom at lunch time by a student.  He had a heart attack and died.  I can't imagine saying goodbye to your husband in the morning, and him never coming home.  He and his wife had built a life together, raised 2 daughters, and just like that, he is gone.  He was an amazing man, who touched thousands of lives, and even though I did not know him well, he touched mine.  He is gone but will never be forgotten.

Rest in Peace Mr. Bentley.