Celebrating the Life of our Founder, Kent Aldrich

SALEM, OR., JUNE 8, 2023—We are deeply saddened to share that Kent Aldrich, our founder, passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 4, 2023. Please join us in keeping Kent‘s family, friends, and all who worked with him throughout the years in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

“All of the people at Aldrich and clients of Aldrich are beneficiaries of the legacy that Kent established,” shared John Lauseng, Partner + CEO. “Kent created Aldrich to be different—different in the lives of our people and a place where people could achieve success in their lives and careers, and in turn deliver exceptional service to our clients. We are now stewards of the lessons Kent taught us, and the values he instilled. Kent will be missed but his legacy will be honored at Aldrich.”

Claudia and Kent Aldrich attending an Aldrich employee event.

Founding Aldrich in 1973, Kent‘s vision and entrepreneurial spirit are woven into the fabric of the firm. After working for one of the biggest accounting firms in the world, Kent intentionally started one of the smallest in Salem, Oregon in order to offer local expertise, exceptional service, and a superior employee experience. At the time, Kent was also an adjunct professor at Linfield College where he met a young accounting student, Steve Tatone. While many students were considering careers with large firms, Kent maintained that a smaller firm would offer greater advantages and opportunities to impact the lives of others. Steve joined the firm in November of 1974.

“Kent loved to help and empower people. He took great joy in watching our people grow and succeed. He was the driving force behind our mission statement of ‘Helping our clients achieve their goals’. His impact in our firm, the lives of our people, and the Salem Community has been significant. He was a great friend and mentor, and will be greatly missed,” effused Steve Tatone, Partner Emeritus.

Kent is survived by his wife, Claudia, two children, Cheryl and Mitch, and multiple grandchildren. His family resides in Salem and the Portland metro area, and are active members of their communities. On June 16, a funeral service will be held at Salem’s Virgil T Golden at 3:00 pm with a reception at 4:00 pm at the Illahe Hills Country Club. In lieu of flowers, the Aldrich family asks for any honorary gifts to be made to the Boys and Girls Club of Salem or St. Francis Family Housing.

The Aldrich Group of Companies includes a Top 100 Accounting Firm nationally providing tax, advisory, and consulting services to businesses and individuals. Working closely with businesses, business owners, and individuals, The Aldrich Group of Companies manages financial, wealth, tax, technology, benefits, and business transition strategies. We serve clients with deep industry expertise in construction, manufacturing, healthcare, nonprofit, telecommunications, utilities, professional services, food processing, agribusiness, real estate, and a variety of privately held companies and individual clients. The Aldrich Group includes the following professional services firms: Aldrich CPAs + Advisors LLP, Aldrich Wealth LP, Aldrich Benefits LP, Aldrich Technology LLC, and Aldrich Capital LP.