Kent James Telford

1941 - 2023

Kent James Telford

02/13/41 ~ 09/19/23

Kent James Telford left behind a legacy of family, friendship and laughter when he peacefully passed surrounded by loved ones on 09/19/23. Born in Elko, NV on 02/13/41, he was the first of 6 children born to Jim and Gwen Telford. He was a lifelong tennis player who competed in the Huntsman World Senior Games, he loved Formula One racing and will fondly be remembered as "Papa" to his 6 kids and 18 grandkids.

Kent's childhood was spent in Millcreek, Utah. He was tall and lean and keen to look smart with fantastic outfits. He rocked the coiffed hairdo of the 1950's hot rodder, a la Travolta in Grease. Kent loved Boxer dogs. Duchess, Bridget, Max and PacMan; each found a special place in his heart.

At the age of 18 he entered Army basic training at Fort Ord in Monterey, CA and then pursued his education at the University of Utah, where he earned a bachelor's degree in business.

Kent loved cars and motor racing. He loved to tear engines apart and rebuild them. He studied Industrial Art at Utah before switching to business. After college he raised sponsorship money for Don Nichols and the Shadow racing team.

Kent had a strong, creative mind. He was a talented artist, a master of words, and a self - taught pianist. He read a book or two per week on subjects ranging from spirituality to espionage to Keynesian economics to finding Taoism in modern physics. He enjoyed friendly debates and in-depth discussions about any topic. He took an intelligence test in 1986 that showed his IQ to be in the top 1% of the population, which led him to become a very proud member of Mensa International, the oldest high IQ society in the world.

Kent married Vicky Liljenquist on November 27, 1963. During their 16-year marriage they raised four children and experienced life's ups and downs together as they built a family and moved from Salt Lake City to Columbus, Ohio and Fremont, Costa Mesa, El Toro and Corona, California.

At 6 ' 4" tall, Kent enjoyed some glory days as the reigning "Mr. Tush" at the Tall Club of Orange County in southern California. It was there that he met Patricia Ockel. They married in October 1987 and spent 3 years together in Oceanside, CA.

In winter of 1992, Kent traveled to the Philippines and fell in love with Josefa "Jo" Cataluna, a sweet, beautiful mother of two young kids, Belle and Gilbert. Jo was the oldest child of 6 in a close-knit family in Midsayap on the island of Mindanao. Kent and Jo were married on February 26, 1992 and moved to Oceanside, CA to start their new family. Words cannot adequately express the gratitude Kent felt for Jo's love and support. Nor can his children thank Jo enough for the stability and purpose she brought him.

Kent's professional endeavors were courageous and far-reaching. He leveraged his personality, intellect, and word skills in his entrepreneurial ventures in international trade and currency exchange. He excelled in sales, fundraising, and building customer relationships. He accumulated a wealth of knowledge in the fields of corporate structuring, banking, finance, risk mitigation and estate planning. He was a dedicated student of economic principles and cycles and dabbled in financial derivatives markets.

Kent had a quirky, charismatic personality. He did not expend energy worrying about what other people thought of him. His choice of 1980's beach attire, for instance; American flag Speedo, red Japanese silk robe open at the waist, Chinese conical peasant hat, Japanese wooden flip flops with dark ankle socks and gold Abacus necklace.

Kent nurtured many friendships and always appreciated the check-ins from his loyal pals. He took care of himself with his unique exercise regimen and was healthy and spry, easily passing for a man 15 years younger. He will forever be remembered for playing tennis enthusiastically (and well) with his kids and grandkids on his 80th birthday. Dad, Papa, Kent, Padre, thank you for your legacy of love and authenticity. We love you and will miss you.

Kent is survived by his wife Josefa, his children Tonia McPeak (Ken), Dana Telford (Shannon), Angie Broadhead, Jeremy Telford (Trisha), Belle Ewing, Gilbert (Jentry) Cataluna, his 18 grandkids and sisters Jeanette Workman, Diana Strong and Cindy Averett. He was preceded in death by parents Jim and Gwen Telford, sister Charlene, brother John, and brothers-in-law Jay Workman and Kees Tims.

A celebration of Kent's life will take place in St. George, Utah on Saturday, Dec. 9, 2023 from 11 am - 2 pm alongside a tennis court at a location yet to be determined. For further info, please contact a family member. In lieu of flowers, please donate to your favorite cancer fighting or tennis supporting organization.