May 16, 1943 - October 01, 2012
Gary L. Kent Obituary
(Age 69)
Gary was born on May 16, 1943 in Vancouver, WA. He died peacefully on
October 1, 2012, with his family and close friends by his side. His family
moved to Spokane in 1948 and he had resided here the rest of his life. He
graduated from Lewis and Clark High School in 1961. He thoroughly enjoyed
life to the fullest and kept many of his high school friendships throughout
the years. A special tribute to the "Fearsome Foursome" friendships of Larry
Blandy, Dave Cerenzia and Mike Nicholson. Gary loved people and always said
"a stranger is just a friend that I haven't met yet". He had a special gift
of connecting to almost everyone he met. Gary had a 44 year career at Kaiser
Aluminum/Mead Works. He did a variety of jobs within the plant, but hands
down his favorite position was working in the chemistry lab. After retiring
from Kaiser, Gary started working at Durham School Services driving school
bus. He especially enjoyed driving the special needs routes and had a tender
place in his heart for each and every student. Gary was an exceptional
athlete and enjoyed and excelled in all sports. He loved all water sports,
all sports that were associated with a ball, and especially passionate about
golf. He had bragging rights for making an honest "hole in one". What he
enjoyed even more was watching his beloved children and grandchildren share
an equal enthusiasm for sports. He never missed any of their games. Gary's
love of other people was evidenced through his missionary work in Mexico.
APUMC sponsored him 5 years in a row to build
houses and minister to the people of Chewawa City, Mexico. Gary touched the
lives of countless people and gave complete credit for this to God and to
the program of Alcoholics Anonymous. With 27 years of sobriety he truly left
this world happy, joyous and free! There was nothing more important to Gary
than his family. He is survived by his loving wife of 24 years Judy Kent and
daughter Stacey Kent. Former wife Gene Ann Kent, and son Troy Kent, daughter
Jamie (Brian) Parisotto, his grandchildren Gage and Koby Kent and Desmond
and Bradee Parisotto. Brothers Frank Kent (Barb), Don Kent and sisters
Brenda Via (Bo), Kathy Bacon (John) all of Spokane and numerous nieces,
nephews and cousins as well as a huge family of friends of Bill W. He was
preceded in death by his parents Floyd and Elsie Kent. We would like to
extend sincere and heartfelt thanks for the excellent and compassionate care
given to Gary throughout his illness to: Daniel Randolph, M.D./Columbia
Medical Associates, the entire staff of DaVita Dialysis Center/North
Spokane, Dr. Nelson Chow/Kidney Care Spokane, Dr. Stephen Anthony, Shanna
Majors and the entire staff of Evergreen Hematology & Oncology, Sacred Heart
Medical Center with special thanks to the wonderful staff of 8 South and the
gift of life given through the many blood donations given in Gary's name.
There will be two celebrations for Gary's life:
First, A Friends of Bill W., potluck and Memorial Services will be held on
Saturday, October 13 from 4 to 7 pm at Center Pointe located at 1408 North
Washington Street.
Second, A Church Memorial Service for Gary will be held on Sunday, October
14 at 3:00 pm at Audubon Park United Methodist Church located at 3908 N.
Driscoll Blvd. Memorial contributions can be made to either Worley Community
Church, located at 30203 South 1st street, Worley, ID 83876 or Audubon Park
United Methodist Church (address above), to be used as needed in the service
of others.
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