Kent Setty

Kent Ellis Setty, born Nov. 19, 1944, in Burbank, Calif., to Ray Ellis and Florence (Coe) Setty, died Aug. 14, 2021 in Hayden, Idaho. Kent grew up in San Fernando Valley, Calif., when there were still orange orchards and dirt streets. He graduated from James Monroe High School in 1962.

After graduation, Kent spent three years in the U.S. Army from October 1964 to October 1967, and was assigned to the 902nd Intelligence Corps Group where he worked primarily in the Pentagon and met his wife, Rio Mabrey Setty. They were married June 25, 1966, and after his discharge, returned to California where he became a Los Angeles Police Officer in 1968. Kent graduated from Moorpark Community College in 1972 with an AS in Police Science.

Kent had various interesting assignments during his law enforcement career but always cherished his last ones in the Venice Division (Pacific Area) where he was a Watch Commander in patrol, OIC of Oakwood Taskforce and later Detective Watch Commander. During his time on LAPD he participated in several Police Olympics in bicycle racing, track and Hobie Cat sailing, winning various medals. To celebrate his 40th birthday in 1984, he ran the Santa Barbara Marathon in 3:33.

He retired in July 1994 as a lieutenant after his first treatment for prostate cancer. He and Rio moved to Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, where they made their home, eventually ending up in Hayden, Idaho.

During his time in Idaho, Kent was involved in a variety of clubs and activities. He was a volunteer with Idaho Department of Fish and Game for nearly 20 years; he facilitated a “Man to Man" group of prostate cancer survivors at Kootenai Health for 17 years; he was a member of North Idaho Fly Casters (NIFC) for over 20 years including being president, treasurer, newsletter editor, trustee and quartermaster; he joined Panhandle Kiwanis in 1996 and served with Kiwanis for nearly 25 years, serving as president twice, treasurer, board member and various committee chairs, and was a member of Gideons International Couer d'Alene for many years, giving out thousands of Bibles.

Kent continued to work for several years after retiring from the LAPD. He worked for the American Cancer Society as area director for North Idaho for three years, then went to work for the Idaho Department of Labor for more than five years, retiring in 2004. Later he worked part-time with Ted McCaffree in the remodeling business.

Always an avid fly fisherman, he started building wooden fly fishing nets in 1998, holding classes for NIFC members and eventually building nets for sale at craft shows, which he and Rio did until 2014. Kent's last and most loved job after retiring was working at the Kroc Center. He never met a stranger and loved each and every person he met and worked with. The day he resigned from the Kroc Center was a very sad day for him and so many others.

Camping was a huge part of Kent and Rio's life. They started camping with a tent trailer in 1967 and have "RV'd” ever since. They ended their adventures in 2016 with an 11-month tour of the USA, visiting 37 states. All in all, they camped or visited 46 states in their various RVs.

Kent fought a long and brave battle with prostate cancer which included surgery, radiation, hormone treatment, immunotherapy and chemotherapy. He wants to thank the Kootenai Cancer Center, including Dr. Kim and all of the wonderful cancer center nurses.

Kent is survived by his wife of 55 years, Rio; his children: Dr. Deanne (Setty) Kirby and Christopher Setty and their spouses (Glenn and Marnee); his six grandchildren: Sharaya, Taylor, Hunter, Cody, Mason and Ty; and his brother and sister and their spouses: Brent Setty and Karen Jackson; as well as many dear friends and family.

Throughout his life, Kent was a man of faith. He served in each church he attended as Sunday School teacher, life group leader, elder, deacon or greeter. Rarely did he and Rio miss a Sunday, even when they were traveling.

A celebration of life will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 25, at the Kroc Center, 1765 Golf Course Road, Coeur d'Alene, 83815. Flowers may be sent to the Kroc Center at the above address.

If you wish to donate in lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Salvation Army Ray and Joan Kroc Center.