Dr. Joseph Chan Kent

1922 - 2019

Dr. Joseph Chan Kent

Mercer Island - Longtime resident of over 62 years passed away December 26, 2018. His sons, Richard, Bryan and Jeff, celebrated Christmas Day with him at his bedside. He was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Mae Song Kent, in 2015, and is also survived by four grandchildren, Jessica, Monica, Brandon and Kevin Kent.

Joe was born in January of 1922 in Victoria, BC, the 6th of 16 children. He excelled in education and aspired to become a university professor. He received his B.S. in Engineering at the University of British Columbia. He went on to complete his Master's degree at Stanford University and earned his Doctorate in Civil Engineering at the University of California, Berkley, where he met his wife, Mae.

Joe and Mae moved to Seattle where he was hired by the University of Washington. Dr. Kent quickly became a beloved Professor of Engineering with his classes exceeding capacity. He was well known for his stern lecturing style and tough, but fair, exams. He retired in 1994, after 42 years of instructing. He is also consulted for a civil engineering firm in Seattle. Some of his major projects included the Mercer Island floating bridge, Seattle Aquarium, and the Ballard Locks.

Joe built their beautiful family home on Mercer Island, taking 21/2 years to complete and doing most of the work himself. He was excellent in woodwork and created beautiful furniture for their home.

Joe loved to keep active. He excelled especially in golf and tennis. Our dad would often play with our friends and they were surprised that he beat them. He would then say with a smile, "Hit it straight, and keep the ball in play." Joe regularly played tennis and golf well into his 80's.

He stressed higher education, financial stability, and family. He set up college funds for his family. He was an extremely generous man with a positive attitude. He loved to treat family and friends to golf, social events, and meals. The family remained close with regular Sunday dinners.

Winston Churchill once said, "You make a living by what you get, you make a life by what you give." Dr. Joseph Kent embodied this spirit and was larger than life with his big heart and generosity. He will be greatly missed, but never forgotten.

Please help us celebrate his life

on January 12, 2019 at 11:30 a.m.

The service will be held at Newport Covenant Church, 12800 Coal Creek Pkwy SE, Bellevue 98006, with a luncheon reception following at Aegis of Bellevue, 148 - 102nd Ave SE, Bellevue 98004.