Obituary for Robert Erik Tyler Kent
Robert Erik Tyler Kent, born April 21, 1964 in Toronto, Ontario passed away unexpectedly of natural causes on his birthday April 21, 2020 at 56 years of age near his home in Vancouver BC – in the city and near the ocean he loved.
Growing up in the small village of Kleinburg, Ontario with his younger sister, Kari who admired him so much; Rob spent much of his youth developing a love of sports from his father who coached his softball teams and taught him how to play tennis and golf; and from his mother who acted as cheerleader and chauffeur to his many tennis tournaments, skating competitions, skiing lessons and baseball games. Along with his drive and competitive spirit; Rob was a natural “ham” – and performed magic tricks at birthday parties before he landed his first summer job at Canada’s Wonderland – where he performed and sold magic tricks.
A physical education graduate of Laurentian University in Sudbury, Ontario; Rob was a sports fanatic all of his life enjoying softball and golf until his last days. Music was also a great love of Rob’s as he was known for his “mixed tapes” of 70’s and 80’s groups, the celebration of Phil Collins’ Birthday, and also his own “tinkling of the ivories” and his dabbling in songwriting.
The performance skills he learned as a child magician were put to use as he worked as a software trainer for much of his career. Providing training was his “stage” and he enjoyed teaching and engaging students while providing a little entertainment via his quick wit and charming sense of humour. While Rob grew up in a small family; he kept close friendships throughout his life; maintaining friends from high school, university; an adult beginner hockey league in Toronto (Senators), through various jobs in both Ontario and BC, as well as the WECSL softball league in Vancouver BC. His countless friendships were an extension of his family; and he was a compassionate and caring friend and colleague who supported everyone’s small triumphs and provided his support in difficult times.
Rob is reunited with his father Pentti (Eric) Kent and will be joining him on the fairways above. He was a loving son of both Pentti and Joyce Kent (Patterson); a beloved brother of Kari and brother-in law Michael McKenna, and cherished uncle of Adrianna and Kiara-Lynn. He will also be greatly missed by brother-like friends, Jim and Nelson, the WECSL family and a huge assortment of friends across the country.
Growing up in the small village of Kleinburg, Ontario with his younger sister, Kari who admired him so much; Rob spent much of his youth developing a love of sports from his father who coached his softball teams and taught him how to play tennis and golf; and from his mother who acted as cheerleader and chauffeur to his many tennis tournaments, skating competitions, skiing lessons and baseball games. Along with his drive and competitive spirit; Rob was a natural “ham” – and performed magic tricks at birthday parties before he landed his first summer job at Canada’s Wonderland – where he performed and sold magic tricks.
A physical education graduate of Laurentian University in Sudbury, Ontario; Rob was a sports fanatic all of his life enjoying softball and golf until his last days. Music was also a great love of Rob’s as he was known for his “mixed tapes” of 70’s and 80’s groups, the celebration of Phil Collins’ Birthday, and also his own “tinkling of the ivories” and his dabbling in songwriting.
The performance skills he learned as a child magician were put to use as he worked as a software trainer for much of his career. Providing training was his “stage” and he enjoyed teaching and engaging students while providing a little entertainment via his quick wit and charming sense of humour. While Rob grew up in a small family; he kept close friendships throughout his life; maintaining friends from high school, university; an adult beginner hockey league in Toronto (Senators), through various jobs in both Ontario and BC, as well as the WECSL softball league in Vancouver BC. His countless friendships were an extension of his family; and he was a compassionate and caring friend and colleague who supported everyone’s small triumphs and provided his support in difficult times.
Rob is reunited with his father Pentti (Eric) Kent and will be joining him on the fairways above. He was a loving son of both Pentti and Joyce Kent (Patterson); a beloved brother of Kari and brother-in law Michael McKenna, and cherished uncle of Adrianna and Kiara-Lynn. He will also be greatly missed by brother-like friends, Jim and Nelson, the WECSL family and a huge assortment of friends across the country.