Kent Bogert Brown

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Kent Bogert Brown, DMD, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, friend, and respected professional.

Kent was born on June 7, 1947, in Dobbs Ferry, New York, to Chapman Cleaver Brown and Erma Ruth Bauer Brown. His early years were spent in Terrace Park, Ohio, just east of Cincinnati, before his family moved to Lake Forest, Illinois, where he graduated from Lake Forest High School in 1965. Summers were cherished at the family cottage on Lake Leelanau, Michigan, where Kent discovered his love for boating, water skiing, and sailing. He deepened his knowledge by reading extensively and eventually crewed on 19' Lightnings in local races.

Kent attended the University of Illinois, earning a BS in Biology with minors in Physics and Chemistry, and was a proud member of Kappa Sigma Fraternity. His college summers were spent teaching sailing, first at a boys' camp in Androscoggin, Maine, and later at the Wianno Yacht Club on Cape Cod, where he eventually became Yacht Master. Kent continued his education at the University of Kentucky College of Dentistry, graduating with his DMD degree.

Following dental school, Kent served as a Captain in the U.S. Air Force Dental Corps at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida. Captivated by the beauty of the Gulf Coast, he established a private dental practice in Fort Walton Beach, where he cared for patients for many years.

Kent's life was enriched by his family. After a first marriage blessed him with a son, Kevin, Kent married Diane Massoni in March 1983. Together they welcomed a daughter, Hilary, in April 1985, completing their family. Kent was an avid sailor and golfer, and his love for the water remained a constant throughout his life.

Kent also had a passion for preserving family history. He authored a biography of his uncle, "Indian" Joe Bauer, a decorated war hero, and documented many other family stories and events, leaving a treasured legacy for future generations.

In 2009, Kent suffered a traumatic brain injury that changed the course of his later years. Though unable to continue his dental practice, he found joy in golf, lunches with friends, and the companionship of Hilary's dogs, who brought smiles to neighbors during their daily walks.

Kent was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his beloved wife, Diane Brown; daughter Hilary DeMers and son-in-law Dillon DeMers; grandchildren Cooper and Poppy DeMers; son Kevin and his children; brother Dave Brown (Nancy); sisters Cynthia Howe (Craig), Elizabeth Huffaker (Lee), and Tracy Brown; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

Kent will be remembered for his kindness, curiosity, and love of family and the outdoors. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched and the memories shared by all who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the following organization in Kent's memory.

North Florida Medical, mobile dental outreach program which provides dental hygiene services including dental cleanings, sealants and fluoride, at no charge to Okaloosa County School children.

c/o Betty Kabel, RDH, BS Dental Outreach Director

614 Golf Course Drive

Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547

There will be no formal services. His ashes will be spread in some of his favorite locations, honoring the places he loved most.