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BORN
1935
DIED
2018
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Ivan Kent Obituary
Appleton - Ivan Thomas Kent ("Pete" to many friends), age 82, died at home surrounded by his wife and children on 5 January, 2018.
Ivan is survived by his wife and best friend of 59 years Margaret "Peg", son Ivan (Zuzana), daughter Theresa, daughter Adrienne (Chad) and grandson Ivan. He is also survived by his sister and brother-in-law Peter and Brenda Angus, and their children Tracey (Keith) and Peter in Derbyshire, England.
Ivan was born and raised in Derby, England. He claimed to have been on his way to Australia by sea (aboard the RMS Saxonia), but ran out of money when he got to Canada in 1956. After working in Toronto for 2 years, he attended the University of Waterloo, where his landlady introduced him to the indomitable Peggy Gibson, fresh off the prop plane from Glasgow, Scotland in 1958. It was love at first fight and they went on to be the best of friends and verbal sparring partners. They married on June 23, 1962 in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada. Ivan graduated from the University of Waterloo in 1963 and began working for Kimberly-Clark Corporation in Toronto. They welcomed their 3 children into the world in Canada. The family moved to Winnipeg, Manitoba, for 2 ½ years before being transferred by Kimberly-Clark in 1979 to Appleton, WI. Ivan retired from K-C in 1999, after over 40 years of service and much overseas travel. (So he eventually did get to Australia.)
Ivan retired to a quiet life of doting on his grandson and building model ships in the "shipyard" (basement). Mostly doting on his grandson. He will be remembered for his dry wit, his kind and steady presence, his love of English murder mysteries and his enduring generosity to his family, of whom he was so proud.
A Memorial Mass will take place at 11:30 am on Saturday, January 20, 2018 at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 500 W. Marquette St., Appleton, WI. Friends may visit the church from 9-11:00 am. Ivan's son will address family and friends at 11 am in the north narthex with family memories and stories. The mass will follow.
In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to:
St. Elizabeth Hospital Foundation, 1506 S. Oneida St., Appleton, WI 54915-1397 or you may also contact the foundation at (920) 831-1475.
The family would like to extend their sincere appreciation to the fine staff at St. Elizabeth's hospital.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Ivan Kent
Sponsored by Valley Funeral Home - Appleton.
January 21, 2018
Hello Peggy,
It's been many years since our days at Rexdale.
So sad to read of Ivan's passing. Know that my thoughts are with you and that we have many memories to cherish - a time to have the good support of family and friends.
John Ito
January 19, 2018
Peggy and family, we both worked for Ivan at one time or another. He was a good man to work for. His humor was unique. He was always a kind and caring individual. For both of us, Ivan represents some of our best times at Kimberly Clark. David and Lynn LeMahieu
January 18, 2018
My condolences to Ivan's family. I knew Ivan throughout my years at K-C, and count the opportunities I had to work for him as some of my favorites. He was a thoughtful and caring boss and mentor.
Paula Rosch
Sherwood, WI
January 18, 2018
My condolences to Ivan's family. I knew Ivan throughout my years at K-C, and count the opportunities I had to work for him as some of my favorites. He was a thoughtful and caring boss and mentor.
vicki stanke
January 16, 2018
I did not personally know Ivan, however I did know his son Ike. He and I worked at the Fullerton Mill together and after knowing Ike it is easy to see what an exceptional man Ivan was. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Kent family .
Bernie Kressner
January 15, 2018
My sincerest condolences to family and friends on Ivan's passing. I knew him well from Kimberly-Clark. He was always a gentleman and a patient person. Memory Eternal!
=================
Don Luker
January 15, 2018
Peggy,
Our condolences upon your great loss.
Always enjoyed working with Ivan at K-C, admired his leadership of the Infant Care research team and support of our project work in both expanding capacity and upgrading products during an exciting and fast paced time.
Don and Lynne.
Mike Veith
January 14, 2018
Ivan was cool.
I worked for him and was at first totally intimidated by him. He asked me , Why do you smile so much?. I think I asked him why don't you smile more?
He did more for me than any other leader at KC. He was a truly honest person.
If there is an afterlife I hope I can see him again.
Mike Veith
Debby Sharkey
January 14, 2018
Peg and family,
My condolences to you all. May you find comfort in your faith, in each other, and in the memories you share.
Debby Sharkey from St. Pius X
Cassandra Chaney
January 14, 2018
I knew Mr. Kent most of my life. We lived on one end of the block and the Kents lived on the other end. He most definitely had a dry wit, which I appreciated more the older I got. And he was the only person my Mom would let smoke in the house. That says a lot on how good friends Mr. & Mrs. Kent are/were to my parents. He also had the best July 4th birthday parties. You will be greatly missed, Mr. Kent.
Mark Heath
January 13, 2018
I worked for him at KC and thought very highly of him. He was fun to work for.
M C
January 11, 2018
Im Sorry for your Loss. My warmest condolences go out to the family and friends of Ivan. May you find Comport from the encouraging words found at 1 Thessalonians 4:14
January 11, 2018
Peg and family,
May God comfort you during your time of need. Pete lived a great life and now lives on in God's kingdom. Blessings to all of you. - Donna
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