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Alan Gent Obituary
Dr. Gent is survived by his extended family, including his wife, Ginger Lee; former wife, Jean Gent; three sons, Martin, Michael and Andrew; 15 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren.
Throughout his life, Dr. Gent was known for his warmth, humor and generosity. He was a devoted family man and friend to all who knew him.
Dr. Gent was born on November 11, 1927, to Harry and Gladys Gent, and raised with younger brother, David, in Leicester, England. He earned degrees in Physics and Math before receiving his Ph.D. in Science from the University of London in 1955. In 1961, he joined the faculty of The University of Akron as Professor and Assistant Director of the Institute of Rubber Research which evolved into the Maurice Morton Institute of Polymer Science and eventually became part of the College of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering. He spent the next half century as a pioneer in his field. Internationally known, Dr. Gent was widely regarded as the foremost expert on the fracture mechanics of rubber and plastics. His research yielded significant contributions to the world's understanding of the physics of adhesion and the fracture of rubbery, crystalline glassy polymers and had the potential of impacting nearly every rubber or plastic product developed today. Dr. Gent served on the 11-member National Research Council panel that oversaw the redesign of the space shuttle's solid-fuel rockets in the aftermath of the Challenger explosion. He also served as Consultant and Scientific Advisor to The Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company's Research Division for more than 50 years.
Dr. Gent's work in the fields of polymer science and rheology have been recognized around the world by the many awards he received, including the Polymer Physics Prize of the American Physical Society, the Mobay Award of the Plastics Industry, the Bingham Medal of the Society of Rheology, the Colwyn Award of the Society of Plastics Engineers, the 3M Award in Adhesion Science of the Adhesion Society, NASA Public Service Medal, the Whitby Award of the Rubber Division of the American Chemical Society, the Charles Goodyear Medal of the Rubber Division of the American Chemical Society, the Tire Technology Lifetime Achievement Award and the Tire Technology International Lifetime Achievement Award. In 1991, he was elected as a member of the National Academy of Engineering.
Dr. Gent was invited to address universities, corporations and professional society meetings around the world and served as a visiting professor at Queen Mary College at the University of London, McGill University in Canada and the University of Minnesota. He also presided over the High-Polymer Physics Division of the American Physical Society, the Society of Rheology, and was one of the co-founders of The Adhesion Society. Dr. Gent remained active in the College of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering until his passing. In honor of his international recognition, his noteworthy achievements in education and research and his distinguished service to The University of Akron, its' Board of Trustees, in May of this year, voted unanimously to change the name of the Ohio Research Scholar Professor position to the "Alan N. Gent Ohio Research Scholar Professor of Polymers."
In addition to his passion for science, Dr. Gent's hobbies included scouting, sailing and collecting books. He attained the rank of Queen Scout in England, and served for many years as scoutmaster for the Boy Scouts in both England and Silver Lake.
Visiting hours for family and friends will be held at the Church in Silver Lake, 2951 Kent Road on Thursday, October 11 from 4 to 6 p.m. (330) 928-2991. Donations in his memory may be made to the Boy Scout Great Trail Council at 1601 South Main St., Akron 44301, for use at Camp Manatoc, or the Red Cross of Summit and Portage Counties, 501 West Market St., Akron 44303.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Alan Gent
Shi-Qing Wang
September 24, 2021
I miss Alan a great deal - I wish he is around so that I can share my excitement with him, as we firmly move into the subject of chain-level mechanics of solid polymers, ranging from glassy amorphous, semicrystalline to elastomers, on which Alan made numerous contributions. What a regret I have!
Sally Bybee
September 29, 2020
Alan worked with my mother, Barbara Ward, in 1945/46 at John Bull Rubber Company in Leicester. They formed a firm friendship that lasted all lives keeping in touch by letter through the years. When Alan was awarded an honorary fellowship at Leicester University in the 1990’s, Alan & Ginger invited Barbara to join them for the awards ceremony. Mum passed away in 2016.
Barbara Field (nee Ward)
August 14, 2013
On behalf of my mother, Mrs Barbara Field of Leicester England: belated condolences to Alan's family. Mum had the privilege of working with Alan at John Bull, Leicester in 1945 where they became life-long friends and correspondents. I accidentally discovered news of Alan's death today and am very saddened to have to pass on news to my mum.
Stephan Blazka
November 21, 2012
I just read about Dr. Gent's death in CEN. I had the honor and privilege of taking his polymer physics course during my PhD studies at the institute. He was the finest teacher I ever had and he had to be to get an organic chemist to understand and enjoy polymer physics. My sympathies to his family.
Henry Schreiber
November 20, 2012
I have only just heard of Alan Gent's death and am profoundly touched by his passing. A highly respected colleague and friend, he leaves a void which cannot be filled. My sympathy to Alan's family, most particularly to Jean and Ginger.
Shing-Chung Wong
October 12, 2012
Dr. Gent was a great mentor, a giant with exceptional humility, and a role model for scientists.
Brian Keller
October 9, 2012
Our family had the pleasure of friendship with Dr. Gent and his family over many decades. We remember many lovely afternoons of our two young and growing families sharing the day and sometimes sailing at Lake Atwood. Dr Gent signed my Masters Thesis as Dean of Graduate Studies & Research years ago.
It is sad to see our loved ones pass but the joy and appreciation of what is created will endure.
Special thanks and condolences to Jean, our lifelong friend and the Gent family.
With heartfelt love,
The Roger F. and Arline S. Keller family,
written by Brian, their son, as they would have wanted.
Oon Hock Yeoh
October 4, 2012
I went to Akron seeking a good teacher. In Alan Gent, I found a friend and mentor too. With fond memories and gratitude,
Nita Sahai
Nita Sahai
October 4, 2012
I am sorry to hear of the loss of Dr. Gent. I met him only once last year when I was a new professor at UAkron and it turned our that he had kindly vacated his emeritus office for my arrival at UAkron. We had a very nice conversation and I am grateful for his kindness. My condolences are with the Gent family. Sincerely, Nita Sahai
David Speth
October 4, 2012
I met Alan when I joined the Adhesion Society 30 years ago. At the time I was aware of his work and I was honored to meet him. To my amazement, he liked me and we went on to have many glorious conversations about polymers and the joys of life.
As a scientist and teacher Alan had the great gift of being able to think about problems enough to develop a clear understanding of both the problem and the answer. He was then able to transmit that knowledge to the rest of us in a way that convinced us we understood the science as well as he did (even if we did not).
We have lost a good scientist and a great friend.
October 3, 2012
Dr. Gent was a true gentleman! He had an office in our Goodyear Polymer Center for years after he retired and I always looked forward to his stopping and talking with me. Not only was he a joy to be around, he possessed a great sense of humor and was a very humble person. It was an honor to be considered his friend. I miss seeing him and conversing with him. A bright light in my life, and many others as well, is gone! Dr. Gent will be greatly missed by all.
Plese accept my deepest and most heartfelt sympathy. May God bless all of his loved ones.
Rosemary Franklin Kolton - UA - Akron
Darrell Reneker
October 3, 2012
Alan's technical lectures always contained one "laugh line" that the audience responded to. He made the sophisticated science of rubber elasticity accessible at every level. I hope his speaking style will inspire future teachers.
Susan Dollinger
October 3, 2012
I am honored to have known Alan, as a great leader in the field of rubber and adhesion science. And further to his credit, he was a kind and witty gentleman, who was willing to help anyone better understand rubber mechanics. Even as his health declined, he continued to answer questions and teach me through email exchanges. He was a true “rubber gent.”
October 2, 2012
As a relatively new faculty member in the Department of Polymer Science for the past two years, I met Alan on a number of occasions at the University and we shared various stories -- academic and social -- of our respective histories. I was extremely impressed by him -- knowledgeable and elegant in his explanations of science, wonderfully humorous and entertaining of some of his escapades, humble and completely charming in character. I'll miss this worldly scholar and gentleman who was so kind to me and who contributed so much to my University colleagues over many years. Bill Landis
Alamgir Karim
October 2, 2012
I did not know Alan very well, but I knew about his work as having an impact on the entire polymers community. He seemed a real gentleman in addition to being an excellent scientist. He will be missed not only by us but also the entire polymers community at large.
Lori Yahner
October 2, 2012
I worked with Dr. Gent for over 20 years, first in Polymer Engineering then in Polymer Science (after he retired). His sense of humor will be what I miss the most, along with our conversations. We used to confuse people because his accent became more American and mine became more British!
All my heartfelt sympathies to his family and loved ones. He will be forever in my heart.
Will Mars
October 2, 2012
Alan, I will miss you. You inspired so many of us with your penetrating insight, compelling ideas, and gentle way.
Judit Puskas
October 2, 2012
I have known Alan for over 30 years. He was a great scientist and will be missed. He was able to simplify difficult concepts so he was a great teacher as well. Alan, your spirit will stay with us in the polymer building!
Li Jia
October 2, 2012
Alan told me a couple of things about rubber in our Starbucks meetings. I completely understood half and had no idea about half of what he was saying. That got me interested in rubber.
Sadhan Jana
October 2, 2012
Alan was a great educator. I admired his ability to simplify the physics and present elegant solutions of seemingly complicated problems.
Shi-Qing Wang
October 2, 2012
Alan is greatly missed. He is a true scientist, always passionate and curious about the physical world. I had great times showing him our progress in pursuit of a better understanding of polymer physics. His passing is a big loss to our community. My world is lonelier because he is no longer present.
Mark Koehler
October 2, 2012
Alan was a good friend. I always enjoyed our conversations.
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