From: Larry Smith
Subject: HSMB: I plan to give some insight into Kurt's early teen years.

Hello: My name is Larry Smith. I am (was) Kurt's uncle by marriage. I posted on HSMB quite a while ago some memories that I had of Kurt. I have approached Onno about relating some more about Kurt. I feel that it is time to tell a little more about Kurt's early life. I don't really want to write a book at this time (I still have pangs of grief) and I feel that posting on this forum will be more fitting to what Kurt might have approved of: in essence, a smaller and more intimate group to talk to. It is hoped by me that this type of posting will preserve the dignity of Kurt, especially the Kurt that I knew for a few brief years. I think I can give you an honest rendition of how I perceived him - his ups and downs, his little mannerisms, his overall "comfortable" fit wherever he was. I think the best bet is to give you a chronological overview rather than skipping around in time. Also, it would help to receive questions from you folks, and I would try to answer them with honesty.

Let me also tell you that I am not so self-important that I would think you have to believe that my descriptions of events and perceptions of Kurt's psyche are absolutely accurate or "the final word". I can only tell you that I will do the best I can. I am 50 years old in 2 days, and so it has been 20 years since Kurt moved in with my sister and Don in Montesano. It is, however, indelible in my mind as to the kind of person Kurt was as an 11 to 17 year old. A few words might help to describe him in general: Compassionate, Idealistic, Opinionated, Temper-Tantrum, Rude, Polite, Incredibly Happy, Incredibly Angry, Genius, Ethereal. This list could go on. But, you know what? It probably describes just about each and every one of us. I had a TON of respect for Kurt, as did my 70 year old grandfather at the time. And, in many ways, he was extraordinary. But, he was just as human as all of us, with human triumphs as well as human failings. I would like to tell you folks about my perceptions of those triumphs and failings by using my memory banks to relate them to you.

Please go easy on me. I am NOT perfect in my memories. I am not doing this for any glory. If I wanted glory and money, I am sure I could just go ahead and write a book and smear all the photos I have of Kurt and my family all over the media. A book may be there someday, but that would only be with Frances' permission and with proceeds going toward her. So, I will wait until Frances is old enough to make up her own mind about that. As for the rest of the family (Courtney, Wendy, Don, etc.) I do not stay in contact with them, so I really don't want to give my opinions about them. Their names may come up in some of the things I relate, but only for emphasis of feelings that I think Kurt had about events in his life at the time.

I have read a few of the postings today, and everyone sure has opinions, to say the least! Of course, that is wonderful. Also, Onno has been very supportive of me getting back into some postings. He was respectful enough to "lay back" on getting me on here when my wife had some medical problems. For that, I have great respect for Onno. It's gotta be a measure of his dedication that he spends much time just keeping this stuff flowing.

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