July 5, 2022
In loving memory ~
On 5 July 2022 John William (Bill) Kent, 86 years of age and long time resident at Green lake, BC, passed away suddenly, but peacefully, in the 100 Mile Hospital from health complications associated with ongoing health issues.
Bill was an exceptional husband and father always putting his family's welfare first. He instilled his work ethic and common sense approach to life into his four independent and successful children. Professionally, Bill Kent was a teacher with the Vancouver School board where he taught such diverse classes as woodworking and math as well as timetabling for the entire David Thompson student body. He lead and influenced generations of young people; retiring in 1992.
He was a superb athlete competing with great success in badminton, and later as a distance runner; he set several Canadian age group running records (at 55 years, he ran just over 57 min for 10 miles; a Canadian record he held for many years). Bill gave freely of his time and expertise to support youth and other community activities as a meet organizer for competitive swimming, in cross country running as an organizer and participant, and on the board of the Watch Lake North Green lake Volunteer Fire department. For many years he and his wife, opened their Green lake property to support youth competitive running camps put on by their youngest son.
Throughout his life Bill enjoyed square dancing, canoeing, fishing, the great outdoors, world cruises, and avoiding Caribou winters by traveling to the southern states with his loving wife. He could turn his hand to fix just about anything, a trait he passed on to his middle son.
Bill is survived by the love of his life Pat to whom he was married for over 65 years, his sister, Shirley Hargreaves, his four children; Jack (Nora) Bonnie (Sue), Chris and Scott (Lisa), six Grand children: David (Shannon), Lisa (John Woodman), Kelly(Keifer McCarthy), Danielle, Justin (Lindsey Butterfield) and Brittany(James Kalsek), and four Great Grandchildren; Colby, Madison, Lily and Isaac.
Bill will be deeply missed by his loving wife and family. At his request there will be no formal departure ceremony. Family has and will come together to celebrate the life of this exceptional person who touched so many.
Condolences and well wishes may be passed to Pat and the rest of Bill's family through his daughter Bonnie by email at kentsbp@gmail.com.