George Charles Kent

George Charles Kent obituary, Lake Oswego, OR

George Charles Kent

George Kent Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers from Jan. 25 to Feb. 2, 2023.
George Charles Kent passed away at home on December 19, 2022 at the age of 101. His battle with serious medical issues over the past year showed his courage and determination in facing life challenges with a smile. He came out a hero and stayed strong until the end.

George was born in Prague, Czechoslovakia on March 20, 1921 and immigrated to the United States when he was eighteen. He graduated from Ohio State University with a Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering and earned a Master's Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Illinois Institute of Technology. He became a US citizen and served overseas in the US Army during WWII. After the war he worked as a mechanical design engineer until he retired. He married the love of his life, Barbara Deale in 1950.

He was an active member of the Lion's Club, The American Society of Mechanical Engineers and the Czech Society of Oregon. Over the years he received numerous awards from both the Lion's Club and The American Society of Mechanical Engineers. He was a participant in The New England Centenarian Study at the time of his passing.

George was a lifelong learner who had many hobbies which included cooking, traveling (there were few countries he hadn't visited), sailing his sailboat in the San Juan Islands, downhill skiing (until he was 96), playing tennis (until he was 96), playing pickleball (until he was 99) and reading. He belonged to the West Linn Library's book club, The Sleuths for over 30 years. One of the members told us that if George recommended a book, it was almost certain to be worth reading! His nephew told us that George lived his life as if he was 20-30 years younger than he actually was. He will be sorely missed by many, but will be remembered for his inspiration, his positive outlook and zest for life, his ready smile, sense of humor, and his willingness to always help others.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 51 years, Barbara Deale Kent, his half-sister, Ann Laredo and his second wife, Roberta Pierce. He is survived by two daughters Patricia Kent and Debby Potter as well as a son-in-law, Jim Potter and a step daughter, Wendy Pierce.

A Celebration of Life will be held for him at The Lake Oswego United Methodist Church 1855 South Shore Blvd., Lake Oswego, Oregon on March 18, 2023 at 2:30 p.m. (2 days shy of what would have been his 102nd birthday).

In lieu of flowers the family asks for any donations to be made in his honor to the Oregon Lions Sight and Hearing Foundation, 1010 NW 22nd Ave. #144, Portland, Oregon 97210, 503-413-7399 or online under learn more at olshf.org

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Sign George Kent's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

February 15, 2025

Robert Rebar posted to the memorial.

March 22, 2023

Bert Diamond posted to the memorial.

March 19, 2023

Karen posted to the memorial.

Robert Rebar

February 15, 2025

I have so many memories of my interactions with George from when I was a young child to my old age. I will treasure those memories as long as I live. Bob Rebar

Bert Diamond

March 22, 2023

I knew George when he was a Lake Grove Lions Club member. I visited the club meetings for a couple years about 2015, and I really appreciated George's energy and commitment to our local community. I remember in his 92 or 90-something birthday, he attended the club meeting and said he wished he would have gone skiing instead. We all sang him a loud version of the Happy Birthday song. I think that helped.

Karen

March 19, 2023

Beautiful celebration of life yesterday!
Three woman who sang Czech songs and encouraged singing along,beautiful songs. It was amazing to hear about how active he stayed in Engineering and see his car in the parking lot.
Thank you for time on the lake, in your tree and a wonderful fig recipe. The photos and m&MS will always keep your memory fresh and sunny.

Robert Rebar

February 15, 2023

I have known George since I was a small child. I am uncertain if my mother actually knew him in Prague before they both independently immigrated to the U.S. and to Chicago. In any case, I have many fond memories of visits from George and his entire family. I also saw him several times later in life when business trips took me to OR. He truly was a wonderful and fascinating man. All of us who knew him are better for our interactions with him. I shall remember him always.

Bob Rebar
Hickory Corners, MI

Violet Anderson

February 10, 2023

George was my inspiration! I would see him mornings with his daughter in the Mt Hood Meadows locker room. I remember when he turned 90. A big deal. He was always happy to be there and loved to ski.

Rick Volpel

February 10, 2023

Sad to hear about George's passing.

His zeal for life was remarkable - always ready for the next tennis match, chess game, ski trip or sail.

He was a role model for me as a young man.

He will be missed by all who knew him.

Joan Maiers

February 7, 2023

I will miss visiting with George while grocery shopping in Lake Oswego.

Grant Lindquist

February 6, 2023

I´m so sorry to learn today of Mr Kent´s passing. I was his eye doctor for so many years and always loved our interactions. He was so well travelled and such an avid skier even into his 90´s. He was a remarkable man and so brilliant. My deepest sympathy to his family.

JOHN E VELEHRADSKY

January 31, 2023

George Kent was a friend and a dedicated member of the Czech Society of Oregon. George was willing to contribute his talents, time, and efforts to the Czech Society and its activities!

Colleen Frances Kennedy

January 30, 2023

George was a long standing volunteer with ASME-Oregon Section. He was still helping plan events in 2019. As a past Chair of the section he had good advice for the new volunteers and was a welcoming face for all new members.

David Grimes

January 28, 2023

I met George at an ASME board meeting. He instantly became my friend. I was out of work and he made me feel at ease. I miss our talks.

George W. Smith

January 28, 2023

George will be missed greatly by myself and others at the yacht club where we became such good friends. We will see you sailing the great blue yonder soon.

Dr. T P Harmon

January 27, 2023

I will miss him and will remember all the good times we had. Peter Harmon

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Sign George Kent's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

February 15, 2025

Robert Rebar posted to the memorial.

March 22, 2023

Bert Diamond posted to the memorial.

March 19, 2023

Karen posted to the memorial.