Remembering a local bridge builder
Michael Sentle, an early settler who helped build the infrastructure of the Kennewick-Pasco region, passes away at 77.
Michael Sentle, aged 77 years, one of the earliest pioneers of this section, died last Thursday night at St. Mary’s hospital, Walla Walla. He had been in poor health for several months and had been receiving treatment at the hospital for about three weeks. The funeral services were held in St. Patrick’s Catholic church, Walla Walla, Saturday afternoon. Mr. Sentle was a Horse Heaven homesteader and had made his home in Kennewick and Pasco for more than 30 years. He helped lay rock for the abutments of the N. P. bridge across Snake River and worked on the railroad ferry in the early days before the Kennewick-Pasco bridge was built.
“He helped lay rock for the abutments of the N. P. bridge across Snake River.”
Before modern bridges, the ferry system and rudimentary infrastructure were the literal lifelines of the Tri-Cities. Sentle's work in laying the foundations for early transit mirrors the ongoing civic debates regarding regional infrastructure and connectivity in Washington State.
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