Victoria V “Finn” Kent, 22, of Laramie, Wyoming passed November 12th, 2023. She was born on April 23rd, 2001, to Raymond and Amy (Zion) Kent in Laramie, Wyoming. She grew up known as “Tori”, “V”, “VV”, and Victoria Suzanne, although her aunt’s bribery may have been involved in adopting the Suzanne name. For the past couple of years, they preferred to be called “Finn” and go by pronouns “they/them”.
A born artist and performer, Tori was a talented musician, vocalist, actress and writer/poet. She found happiness playing viola in the orchestra and acting in Laramie High School’s drama productions during her teenage years. She attended UW Lab School, Indian Paintbrush Elementary School, Laramie Junior High and graduated from Laramie High School with honors in 2019. Following graduation, Tori entered the University of Wyoming honors program majoring in English. When Covid came upon us, she left the University to pursue causes important to her before recently returning to UW as an Office Associate with the College of Education and planning her college courses to be taken next semester.
In addition to her academics, Tori was a dedicated and passionate activist. She won the American Legion Girls State and represented Wyoming for Girls Nation in our nation’s capital. She entered politics at the age of 19, running for the Albany County school board. Although she didn’t win, she gathered many votes and ensured her voice was loudly heard at all the debates. She was a strong and vocal supporter of LGBTQ+ rights. Fighting against injustice was Tori’s true calling, and she gained brief prominence in local media when she was arrested while protesting in 2020. Family lovingly called her “a menace to society”, and loved her all the more for her strong conviction in her beliefs.
Tori was eccentric, strong willed, and opinionated. She was also sensitive, caring and brilliant. Through everything she was an advocate for animals. Perhaps inspired by her Grandma Marilyn’s habit of rescuing animals, Tori rescued all three of her cats and loved them very much. Whether human or feline she took great care of those in need and was a true friend to many. Her artistic spirit persisted past childhood and into her adult years. Her paintings, poetry, drawings and sculptures are cherished gifts to family members over many Christmases and birthdays.
Tori is preceded in death by her grandmother Marilyn Kent, grandfather Norman Kent, and great grandparents George Lane, Zenos and Bernice Zion, and Ethel and Emil Malm.
She is survived by parents Raymond and Amy Kent, brother Justin Kent and his wife Tina Mathews; sister Meghan Kent and her partner Will Dutcher; niece Ellie Mathews-Kent; great grandmother Maurine Lane; grandparents Gloria and John Hillier, and grandfather Danny Zion; numerous aunts, uncles and cousins, and her very beloved cats Pandora, Scout and Rooster. Tori’s spirit will be carried on and cherished by the many, many people who loved her.
A celebration of life will be held in the spring of 2024, around the time of her 23rd birthday.
Memorial donations may be made in her/their name to the Laramie Animal Welfare Society or Wyoming Equality.
My sincere condolences to Amy and family for this tragic loss. I am saddened by this news.
Amy, Ray, and family, we are very sorry to hear about your beloved daughter. You are all in our thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time. Our greatest sympathies, Clint and Tammy Reed
I haven’t spoken to Finn in a while. The memories growing up playing at the park close to our houses, or going to Viola lessons and playing in orchestra together will forever be in my mind. It’s so hard to see them go. My heart goes out to their family and friends.
I cherish the memories Finn and I made together in Senior Year, when I was an exchange student at Laramie High. I have always felt comfortable and safe around Finn, they were kind at heart and I loved that about them. I was in the musical theatre class with Tori/Finn and I remember how deeply I used to admire their talent and wittiness. I looked up to them, even when I was back in Germany. I wish I could've spent more time with Finn and I wish I would have told them how much they have helped me feel somewhat comfortable in a strange and new environment that wasn't home. I am thankful for having gotten to know Finn and I want to express my deepest condolences to the family. I hope you will find comfort in each other's company. I can't imagine how hard this must be, loosing Finn has left a void in this world. I'm sending all my love out to you. - Louisa
What a beautiful tribute to a beautiful soul. Tori always had a special place in my heart since she was so little. I'm so heartbroken for all of you, and for her community that she fought so hard for.
Ray, Amy and family. So sorry to hear of your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers as you go through this difficult time. 🙏
Ray and Amy and family - we’re so incredibly sorry about the loss of your beautiful daughter, Finn. She clearly left such a beautiful impact on so many and her gifts were such an incredible blessing to this world. Our love and prayers are with you guys during this heartbreaking time. May you find comfort in fond memories with her and knowing you’ll be united with her again someday. Sending so much love and prayers to you.
Amy, Ray and family, we are heart broken with you. We remember Tori growing up as a reserved, polite, wise- beyond-her-years "neighborhood kid". And then, suddenly, Finn had graduated from high school and was running for a seat on the Albany County School Board. We listened to the debate and noted that Finn was the only candidate who actually addressed the questions asked AND had concrete ideas of what they would advocate for when elected. They definitely earned our votes and renewed our respect. There are no words to express our grief at the loss of such a remarkable being, gone much too soon. There is a hole in the universe. Our deepest condolences.
Amy, Ray and family, we are so sorry to hear of the loss of your dear Finn. Please know you are in our hearts and prayers.
A majority of my teenage years were spent with Finn. Orchestra trips, nearly every class, school dances, and spending our free time at Coal Creek for hours are only a few moments we shared and they wouldn’t have been the same without Finn. The passion they had for positively impacting the community was contagious and inspiring, and i am so thankful for the way their friendship was able to shape my perspective on the world. The moments we shared are something i will remember forever and cherish greatly. I’m sending my condolences to everyone who knew Finn, words cannot express how devastating this loss is.
I have so many wonderful memories of Finn! I felt then and now privileged that Finn shared their beautiful, amazing poetry and brilliant thoughts with me when they were in high school. Visits from Finn during my planning block would brighten my day or broaden my perspective, or we’d work together with other folks to try and make the school a little kinder, more accepting space. That’s Finn! Their compassionate heart, poetic talent, and activist spirit always inspired me and left me in awe. I will treasure and miss those conversations. I adore and respect the entire Kent family. You are all such a kind, open, and close-knit group and part of our community. We in my family are sending love and care, and you are in our thoughts. —-Nicki Bondurant
We are so sorry for your loss. May you find the support and positivity they spread in the community recieved 10 fold while navigating this grief. My little sister has nothing but fond memories of their nordic skiing adventures and was heartbroken to hear the news.
I am so absolutely sorry for your guys' loss. May you somehow find comfort in such a dark time.
Amy, Ray, Justin, Meghan, and family my deepest love and condolences to you all. The loss of a loved one whose time was far to short here on this earth is heart breaking. I have the fondest memories of our children playing together and spending time with you. Tori/Finn lit up a room whether as a small girl or young adult. Her smile and beauty carried her genuine caring heart to those she engaged with. Keeping you all in our prayers 🙏 ❤️. Love you across the miles Judy and family
Ray and Amy I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Any death is a heart break but a child is even more so. I pray for all of you. Love to you all. Loretta Fallace (Sal's wife)
Ray, Amy and Family, May God bless Victoria and hold each of you in his arms. There are no words when a beautiful child is lost. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Ray, Amy, and family. We are so sorry to hear of your loss. We always enjoyed Tori with the smiley positive attitude. Our deepest condolences to all of you. Rest in peace Tori/Finn. Morena & Tom Wroblewski
Sweet cousin. I didn’t get to see near enough of their beautiful face but I have special memories of how kind and witty they were. Wishing they were still here and sending love to you all.
Family and friends of Finn, Words cannot express how sorry I am for your loss of such a beautiful person. I haven’t spoken to Finn in a while, but the memories I have of them throughout middle school, high school and into college are memories I will cherish forever. Finn was such a lovely person to know. They were always so kind, funny, amazingly smart, compassionate and brave. They were a big part of me realizing my identity in middle school and I wish I had told them just how safe and understood they made me feel. I’ll remember Finn forever, and I’m sending all of my love to their friends and family at this time. Skylar McKinney
Ray, Amy and family, I am so sorry to hear of such a young beautiful soul leaving their family My Deepest Condolences. May they Rest in Peace!
Dear Kent Family, We are so sorry for your loss. I know there is nothing I can do or say that will help ease your pain. Just know that we are all grieving with you and for you. We wish you comfort and peace. Lisa and Ray
Finn was a good friend from theater in high school. They will be missed greatly. Condolences to their family. I am sending a lot of love and prayers your way.
Finn, beloved friend, there is nobody like you. You will be missed. I so wish things could have turned out differently. Your memory will be treasured. I love you so much.
Dear Family, I am so sorry to hear of your loss of Tori. I cannot imagine the pain and sadness you are all feeling. I know she brought so much happiness to her Grandfather; hiking, skiing, fishing and just being there. I am sure you all experienced her love equally as much. A wonderful young woman who cared for family. My prayers and love are with you. Joean Lankford
Ray, Amy and Family, I am at a loss of words to express how sorry I am am for your loss. As a parent that lost a son, your grief will shake your very soul. Work with each other to preserve your family unit. Hold each other, help each other, talk to each other about how you feel and how you are doing. May God be with you all.
I was so happy to see Finn last month at my housewarming party. We had reconnected and spoke of our future plans. There are not words for the grief losing a child and sibling causes. Finn left a positive impact on me and many other people around them, and I will remember them forever. With love, Lainie McElwee
Ray, Amy, Justin, Meghan and all family and friends, Words are inadequate to express the love, hope, and understanding that I wish the universe grant you and yours during the incomprehensibly painful and tragic passing of Finn. The loss of your dear child and sister is beyond one’s ability to comfort, but know that comfort is offered in whatever ineffective way it may be offered. With much love, Molly & Rolf