George Charles Kent

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