GEORGE EDWARD KENT (published on December 22, 2007)
| GEORGE EDWARD KENT October 17, 1915 - December 16, 2007 George was predeceased by his loving wife, Gwen, some ten years ago, and leaves to mourn, his sons, Chris (Leslea) and granddaughter Cindy of Victoria, Tom (Patti) of Palm Springs, daughter Susan of Duncan, BC, and a legion of friends that span the four corners of the globe. George, as we all know, had two passions in life, singing and sailing. Singing began as a boy soprano in Winnipeg and led to an illustrious career that spanned almost 50 years which included many operas, recordings with the BBC (when he served with the RCAF from 1942-1945), CBC and numerous appearances with various symphony orchestras in the USA and Canada. He was once considered one of the finest tenors in Canada. His love for sailing began when he built a small Sunfish boat with planks dried out from the living room floor following the 1950 flood in Winnipeg. George suffered from two foot itus and the list of boats that he and Gwen enjoyed would fill a small book. How he and Gwen loved their cottage and sailing at Clearwater Bay, Ontario, and cruising the Gulf Islands in British Columbia and the San Juans in Washington, especially Garrison Bay. After a successful business career in Winnipeg, he and Gwen moved to Victoria. A member of Rotary International since 1954, his volunteer activities included becoming President of The Rotary Club of Victoria. Over the years, he was responsible helping raise thousands of dollars for various charities and projects, especially the Rotary choirs. His involvement in Rotary and his love for yachting eventually led to becoming International Commodore for the IYFR. He certainly was a man who gave more than he received. Special thanks go to the staff of The Wellesley, The Parkwood Court and especially to Dr. Walter Chow and staff for their care and compassion over the years. A Celebration of Life is planned for Sunday, January 13, 2008, at 1:00 p.m. at The Royal Victoria Yacht Club. In lieu of flowers, friends may donate to the The Rotary Club of Victoria Foundation, 805 Gordon St., Victoria, BC V8W 1Z6, or the Salvation Army, 4030 Douglas St., Victoria, BC V8X 5J6. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.mccallbros.com. Keep the faith! McCall's of Victoria 1-800-870-4210 |
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