Khent Paul Haupt

Born Jordan Haupt on January 8, 1922, Khent showed early signs of rebellion and an independent spirit by choosing his unique name when he was 7. '''''''''''''''''''' Khent was born in Chicago to Eugene and Carolyne Haupt. His father was a successful advertising executive who turned to Eastern religions and moved his family to Santa Monica after losing their fortune in the Depression.''Khent credits his father'?s diverse philosophies and his grandfather, whom he described as a Bolshevik, for his unconventional points of view.'''''''''''''''''''''' His first job was as a colorist for Disney Animation, who sent him to study at Chouinard Art Institute. But he joined the famous strike against Disney in 1941 and enlisted in the war effort soon thereafter.'''''''''''''''''''''' Khent got his radio operator's license and shipped out as a Merchant Marine just as WWII began. ''Even though he was fully contributing to the war and is a documented veteran, he applied for and received a Conscientious Objector status because it amused him to offend people. ''His ships plied back and forth to England until the Axis capitulated. He then transferred to the Pacific Theater.'''''''''''''''''''''' After the war Khent worked as a public relations executive for Esso/Standard Oil in Europe, North Africa and Latin America, and fully reveled in the adventure and excitement of racing around Europe for the world'?s largest corporation. In Italy he showed up at the Ferrari plant and was given a personal tour by Enzio himself. When he was transferred back to NYC, Standard Oil offered to send him to college in order to further enhance his value to the company. ''But he had artistic aspirations. ''He moved to L.A.'''''''''''''''''''''' In Los Angeles he became known for his talent in finely crafted furniture and stained glass. His designs were inspired by the contemporary modernists: Le Corbusier, Nakashima, Calder and Mondrian, to name a few. He also began building boats. He built his first sailboat, 19 feet "Kainoa", which he sailed twice to Hawaii solo. He lived on Main Street in Santa Monica and rubbed shoulders with the likes of Richard Diebenkorn. He was a journeyman carpenter, most notably at the Getty Museum in Malibu. He retired to Avila Beach in 1991 and continued his work creating beautiful things.'''''''''''''''''''''''' In 1995 Khent was offered the opportunity to create a bridge for the gardens at the new Getty Center in Los Angeles. But he declined.''He was preparing another boat to sail in to the sunset.'''''''''''''''''''''' Khent never followed the path set before him by others. His ambitions were simple: '''never worry, never hurry''?.'''''''''''''''''''''''' He was politically progressive and an advocate of the working class. He was an avid supporter of the arts, feminism and one of the first members of NOW. He was eternally curious, an insatiable reader, encouraged creative endeavors (especially in the youth) and freely dispensed sage wisdom. '''Look at the doughnut, not at the hole''? was one of his favorite sayings. He was an iconoclast.'''''''''''''''''''''' He left a legacy of beautiful and useful objects that will be appreciated for generations. He was building his 8th boat when he died on December 2. Khent is survived by everyone he has befriended, mentored and influenced.''''Arrangements under the direction of Smart Cremation, Santa Barbara, CA.