Kevin David Laurent

Kevin David Laurent

December 03, 1952 – February 11, 2026

Kevin David Laurent was born on December 3rd, 1952, in Yakima, Washington to Richard (Dick) and Theresa Mae (Champoux) Laurent. Born into the rich history of French farming families in the Yakima Valley, Kevin grew up in Moxee; helping his dad tend to their hop fields, running riot with his pack of eight close-knit siblings, and making treasured memories along the way.

Kevin had a natural athletic ability that shined in competitive sports. During his high school years, he excelled at both football and wrestling but perhaps his favorite part of playing were the many lifelong friendships he made because of it.

After graduating from Carroll High School in Yakima, Kevin joined the National Guard, attended CWU and spent a couple of years working for Boeing in Seattle before making his way back to Eastern Washington.

Farming was in Kevin’s blood and his decision to get back to his roots also led to a chance meeting with a girl from Prosser named Esther Dufault who would steal his heart and change his life forever.

Kevin and Esther met in the spring of 1980. They were married by December of that same year, and they shared an incredible forty-five years together. He was, without a doubt, the sugar to her spice, they perfectly balanced and complimented each other in all the best ways.

Together they had two beautiful girls. Teresa, born in 1981 and Maureen, born in 1985. Kevin loved his girls and it showed in all he did. He was strong and gentle, patient and fun. He was there for every big moment and the little ones too.

When his girls married, he took on the role of Father-In-Law, something that meant a lot to him. He loved his relationships with Teresa’s husband Kirk and Maureen’s husband, Dan.

The arrival of grandkids meant he graduated to being called Pépé, his favorite title of all. His lap and his arms were never empty, everyone wanted to be with Pépé, whether that was in the barn, on the four-wheeler or tractor or simply sitting by the fire in the living room.

Kevin was so many things to so many people. He was a quiet teacher, an unmatched storyteller, an encourager, a cheerful spirit that pushed you to try new things and made you feel seen and loved. He greeted everyone with a genuine smile, the kind that made his eyes crease at the corners and lit up his entire face and his arms were ready with a hug that made you never want to let go.

It’s impossible to think of Kevin without also thinking of all the places that brought him joy. The mountains most of all. He loved the outdoors, whether snow skiing, water skiing, hunting or riding his beloved horses. He valued the beauty of God’s creation and not only wanted to share it with others but also never took a moment of his time enjoying it, for granted.

In November of 2025 Kevin was diagnosed with cancer and although the last several months of his life were hard and painful they were also breathtakingly beautiful too. Kevin never let it steal his sense of humor or positive attitude. The twinkle in his eyes never faded and his faith never wavered. His joyful spirit remained steadfast. He loved life and the people he got to spend it with. The constant stream of visitors and the love that surrounded him in his last weeks was a powerful thing to behold.

Kevin was preceded in death by his parents, Dick and Theresa Mae, and his brothers Doree and Adrian Laurent. He is survived by his wife Esther, daughters Teresa Grotzke (Kirk) and Maureen Gore (Dan), grandchildren Oliver, Anne Marie and Emmitt Gore and Gus Grotzke. He is also survived by his siblings, Carla Laurent, Rick Laurent, Larry Laurent, Camille Sullivan, Paul Laurent, Ceci Berry, and their spouses; as well as many treasured nieces, nephews, and friends who became family.

While we are heartbroken to have to say goodbye, we are filled with gratitude for the love he gave us and all he taught us. He was humble and kind, fun and hardworking, and a bit stubborn too. He was everything God asked him to be. What a blessing that we got to be there to see it.

Service Details

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00am, on Saturday, February 21, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Prosser, Washington.

A viewing will take place on Friday, February 20, starting at 3:00pm at the church, followed by recitation of the Rosary at 4:00pm.

All who loved Kevin are invited to attend and share in remembrance and prayer to celebrate a life well lived.

Those wishing to sign Kevin's online memorial book may do so at www.funeralhomesmith.com  

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Kevin David Laurent, please visit our floral store.