Larry Kent, a senior district manager with Halliburton, has been honored for his contributions to the energy industry in Western Colorado.

The West Slope Colorado Oil & Gas Association presented Kent with its Pioneer of the Piceance Award during its annual meeting in Grand Junction. Kent was honored for his role in natural gas development as well as his community service.

“Mr. Kent’s service to the industry has spanned many decades, and he has helped chart a path forward in the energy industry for the next generation of professional and energy entrepreneurs,” said Michael Rynearson, vice president of operations for Caerus Piceance. Caerus Operating was the awards ceremony underwriter.

Chuck Shear, a WSCOGA member and previous Pioneer of the Piceance Award winner, also praised the latest winner. “Larry Kent is a good friend to the industry, but an even better friend to the community,”

Kent founded a charity golf tournament that has since raised more than $1 million dollars for college scholarships and local students. Kent also served on the board of Community Hospital and has coached youth sports while remaining active in his local church.

Kent joins Shear as well as William Barrett, Scott Brady, Rod Christ, Walter Fees and Max Krey as award winners.

“The future is unknown, but the past is set in stone. So we can learn a lot by looking back at those who came before us, and that’s the whole point of the Pioneer of the Piceance Award,” said Chris Clark, president of the WSCOGA.