In Memory of Rev. Kent McKusick (1952-2024)

We offer our condolences to the family and colleagues of the Rev. Kent McKusick who died on June 4, 2024, at the age of 72.

Kent was born on January 12, 1952, in Dover-Foxcroft, ME to Carl and Alice McKusick. He was the youngest of three children and grew up in Guilford, ME. He received his Bachelor of Arts in Speech Communication (1974) and a Master’s in Theater (1989) from the University of Maine in Orono. Kent worked as a ski instructor and white-water raft guide for ten years, in financial services and human resource management with a bank for nineteen years, and in constant theatre, acting, directing, and production for over thirty years before following his call to ministry.

After the death of his mother in 1997, Kent realized that he needed to find a spiritual community. In search of spirituality, truth, faith, and hope, he found the UU Society of Bangor, ME. After a year, he became a member (1998). He started volunteering as a lay leader and as a worship committee member. He taught adult RE classes and worked as a part-time RE admin. His lay leadership of eight years helped him mature spiritually, realizing his motivation to care for others; he felt a call to ministry. For him, being in ministry meant ministering to people as they sought to balance the struggles and joys of living in a complex world. In 2009, he graduated from Starr King School for the Ministry with his Master of Divinity.

Rev. McKusick was ordained on September 18, 2011, jointly by the UU Society of Laconia, NH, and the UU Congregation of Franklin, NH. He served his first ministry as a consulting minister at the UU Society of Laconia, NH (2010-2012). At Laconia, he facilitated and adapted an 8-week adult spirituality class, a joint endeavor with a nearby congregation, and conducted a very engaging “Time for Younger Folk” during the service. He did excellent pastoral care and counseling and initiated the first AIDS service. From 2011 to 2012, he served the UU Congregation of Franklin, NH. His leadership and ministry at the Franklin congregation enabled the committees to broaden their perspectives and clarify their purpose. In 2012, he accepted a call from the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Ames (UUFA), IA where he would serve until 2022.  He helped update the policies and procedures manual of the UUFA’s committee documents including their mission, leadership, and function, and assisted in strategic planning. He cared deeply about the youth of the church and youth education programs and participated in the youth and children’s events. He promoted and participated in the adult education program. 

Rev. McKusick valued and was deeply committed to building denominational affairs. He was a member of the executive leadership team for the Northern New England UU Ministers’ Association. He served as a guest presenter for the Prairie Group in Grafton IL. Rev. McKusick created a warm, welcoming, relaxed, and casual atmosphere which put everyone at ease. Furthermore, he was an advocate for social justice causes.

Kent liked theater. He founded and ran the Northern Lights Theater Company.  He loved music, photography, art, reading, writing, and engaging with friends. He lived for skiing. Swimming was also a major part of his life.

Kent is survived by his spouse: James Perrin; brother: John McKusick; and nieces: Amy O’Connell, Lisa Levasalmi, and Diane Wiley Czarnick. 

A memorial service was held on August 15, 2024, at the UU Society of Bangor, 120 Park St, Bangor, ME 04401.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the local theater where you live.

Notes of condolences may be sent to James Perrin at james.d.perrin@gmail.com or mailed at 5509 Wiltshire Dr, Fort Worth, TX  76135.