Obituary of Edwin Kent

The children of Edwin Kent announce the passing of our dearly loved, 95 year-old father, on April 20, 2023. Dad died peacefully in his sleep at Gilmore Lodge in Fort Erie where he has resided for the last 2 years. To Dad, "Family", and getting along with others was important. He was a loving and faithful husband of 66 years to his wife Marlene (nee Flynn), and a humble, and soft-spoken model of upstanding integrity. Dad thought nothing of helping a neighbour or stranger in need. We remember growing up with Dad as a father who played with us. We knew we were loved. Dad was always interested in knowing how we and our children were doing. We were blessed by his faith, his affirmation and encouragement. He was creative and loved solving puzzles. We believed he could fix anything. Dad loved working with wood, especially oak, and made many beautiful pieces of furniture. We miss Dad beyond words. But even in grief we also rejoice knowing Dad fought the good fight and is with his Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, for eternity.

Born in Fort Erie on February 4, 1928 to his parents, Esther Kent (nee Bown) and Walter Kent who was a constable on the Fort Erie Police force 1930 - 1960. Dad served as a cross-bearer for many years in his youth at St. Paul's Anglican Church where 3 generations of his ancestors were members. One of the existing stained glass windows in the church was contributed by his great-grandparents, Enoch and Esther Bown.

Dad was a senior at Fort Erie Highschool when Marlene Flynn approached him to be her date for a prom. Not long later Dad was smitten with Marlene's red hair and easy laugh. They married and raised 5 children who then blessed them with 12 grandkids and 18 great-grandkids. Time spent with their family was a highlight in their lives. They also were seasoned travelers to many parts of North America, Great Britain and Europe often traveling with Ernie and Pat Hutton, or Garrie and Ellen Kent also of Fort Erie. Dad seemed to always be busy doing something - canning preserves, pulling taffy at Christmas time, building train tables in the basement and cages for our pet rats, guinea pigs and butterflies. He was forever improving features in our home, to Mom’s delight. We often had missionary guests at our home and learned much about the people of Bolivia and parts of Africa. We recall Dad tirelessly helping us as kids with homework, calling us from our beds half asleep to go outside to see fire flies, whistling with 2 fingers to signal it was time to come home. Dad was a man who listened well and spoke through his actions. He was one who didn’t complain and always saw the bright side of things. He believed "if you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all."

Dad worked for the Peace Bridge Authority, Buffalo, for 32 years before retiring in 1979. He and Mom with our youngest sibling Stephen, moved to Vancouver, BC, where Dad enjoyed renovating their home, only to sell it and find another house to renovate. In 2004 Dad and Mom returned to Fort Erie where they lived the rest of their lives active in their church and serving in the community. For several years Dad volunteered with daughter Deb and son-in-law Steve by keeping score for a bowling club for young adults with developmental challenges. He enjoyed making bird houses for various fund-raisers. Where help was needed, Dad was there.

Dad was predeceased by his wife Marlene and his son Edwin (Eddie). He is survived by his sister-in-law Ellen Kent, (wife of his brother Garrie), 4 of his 5 children, Sheila Kent, Debora Bradt Roerick (Steve Roerick), Carol Sateren (Corey), Stephen Kent (Paula), and by his daughter-in-law (Eddie’s wife) Goretta Kent, and Dad's brothers-in-law Jerry and Frank Flynn.

We wish to express our gratitude to the caregivers and Dr. Henry at Gilmore Lodge who took such good care of Dad, as well as to Father Dan of St. Paul's Anglican Church. There are so many others we could list to whom we are grateful. A Celebration of Life service will be held at St. Paul's Anglican Church in Fort Erie on April 28 at 2 pm. The internment will follow at the Church cemetery. Everyone is invited to a gathering at the Bridgewater Country Club, 700 Gilmore Road, Fort Erie, at 4 PM. In lieu of flowers we suggest donations be made to Friends of Gilmore Lodge