Tournament Committee. Front row, left to right: John Kempf, Nancy Klein, Martha Bailie, Carol Whities, Bill Whiteis. Back row, left to right: Paul Klein, Carol Panzer, Linda Edwards, Rich Bailie.
The Bill Kent Memorial Sectional was held August 26-27, Hills Community Center, Hills, Iowa,
with 23 Eight is Enough teams, 14 open pair tables, and 4 newer pair tables in play on Friday.
On Saturday 14 Swiss Teams competed in the two session event. Bonnie Settler, Unit 163
Treasurer, reported the tournament netted nearly $900 for Unit 163.
Bill died December 9, 2020, at the age of 61, leaving a bridge community greatly influenced by
his devotion to the game and its players. Obviously, Bill Kent, Grand Life Master, winner of
national and regional titles as well as many sectional tournament events, was a formidable
opponent, but he was also an Iowa City club director who provided games and became a willing
mentor to less experienced players. One of his final acts was to leave his bridge friends a gift of
$2,000 to provide for a celebration of life.
The Hills Sectional Tournament was appropriately selected to honor Bill, and his gift provided
free meals each day along with generous hospitality throughout the tournament. Linda
Edwards, a long-time friend of Bill’s, baked over 700 cookies, including Bill’s favorite, blueberry.
Martha Bailie, tournament chairperson, observed “What a tribute to Bill’s service to bridge. He
served as president of our district and unit level for three years. He ran numerous sectionals
and regionals and joined, served and chaired various committees. Many players played at least
one session just to honor Bill. Bill’s $2,000 actually gave us time to share “Bill stories” and some
laughs as we ate. His spirit was there in a room full of bridge players!”
Tournament committee members included Rich Bailie, Carol and Bill Whiteis, Paul and Nancy
Klein, Carol Panzer and John Kempf. Melissa Heston and Bonnie Settler, Unit 163 board members,
transported tables and supplies. A special thank you also to all Unit 163 Club Managers for help
in arranging partners. Bill Kent’s passion for bridge, his Iowa City players, and Unit 163 brought
us together, and the outstanding attendance at this tournament was a wonderful testament to
him.