ROBERT D. "BOB" KENT's Obituary
ROBERT D. "BOB" KENT, 59, of L'Anse, passed away Thursday, November 9, 2006 at Marquette General Hospital. He was born in Hancock on November 29, 1946 son of Clyde and Eleanor (Chevalier) Kent. He graduated from L'Anse High School in 1967. Bob joined the US Army during the Vietnam Conflict, was a decorated veteran and received the Bronze Star for Valor. Following his discharge he returned to school at Ferris State College. Bob married the former Diane Kubit in Covington on March 15, 1969. He was a self-employed dental lab technician until he became employed in the Michigan Department of Corrections in 1985. Bob retired in 2001 due to ill health. He was an active member of the L'Anse American Legion Post 144.
"And this is His commandment, That we should believe on the name of His Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as He gave us commandment". 1 John 3:23.
Bob was a man who will be missed by all who knew him. Bob lived his life in this world by treating others with love, respect, and true kindness. Bob believed in Jesus as his personal savior. Bob treated his family and friends as his ministry. Bob was a "people person" who knew no strangers. It was common for him to strike up conversation with anyone, anywhere. Bob was able to speak to others from the Love in his heart. This is what will be truly missed by all who knew him.
Bob was a man full of passion and excitement for life. In his words shortly before he passed, "I play HARD." Bob loved playing golf, fishing, and riding his Harley. He looked forward to each deer hunting season and spending time with his Kent cousin’s and friends. Bob loved hearing jokes as well as telling them. Laughter was common when conversing with Bob. He would take time to talk to the oldest person in the group. He would make every child in his life feel special by taking them fishing, for a ride on his Harley, or speaking his Donald Duck voice to make them laugh. He was "Uncle Biker Bob" to the children in his life. He was proud to be the Godfather to his cousin Terry’s son Scott and nephew Chad Perras.
Bob also enjoyed gardening and built a waterfall and pond in his back yard, which inspired Diane to take up the hobby as well. The last year of his life Bob spent his time painting duplications of famous pieces by Picasso, Van Gough & Monet.
Bob's love for his family was always known. He expressed his Love and his family loved him back. It was easy for Bob to show love to others. And he cried when others were hurting and wanted to help fix the hurt. Bob touched each of us in a way that made you feel special and valued. His presence in all of our lives will be missed deeply.
Bob is survived by his loving wife, Diane, children, Brandon R. Kent of Escanaba, Jarod M. Kent of Marquette, and Kimberly Kent of Virginia Beach, VA., grandchild, McKayla Hojnacki of Virginia Beach, VA., mother, Eleanor Piper of Marquette, brothers, Clyde Kent of Santa Ana, CA, David (Susan) Kent of Negaunee, sister, Patti (Brian) Livengood of Nevada, MO, and his name sake uncle, Robert Kent of Hancock. Nieces and cousins also survive. He was preceded in death by his father, Clyde.
Funeral services for Bob were held at 1 p.m. Monday, November 13, 2006 at L'Anse Baptist Church with Pastor Jerry Bishop officiating. The family received friends on Sunday, November 12, 2006 at the Reid Funeral Service and Chapel from 5 until 8 p.m. and 1 hour prior to the service at church on Monday. Sunday evening Baraga County Area Veterans, under the direction of the Baraga American Legion Post 444 conducted military honors at 6 p.m. The family has entrusted the Reid Funeral Service and Chapel, L'Anse with funeral arrangements.
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