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ROBERT KENT
It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Robert (Bob) Howard Kent, 76, of Winnipeg. Despite his unexpected departure, we know that Robert would want us to celebrate his life with laughter and joy, just as he did when he was with us. He was a master of puns, dad jokes, and witty one-liners, and could always be counted on to lighten the mood with his infectious sense of humour.
Born in Winnipeg on September 12, 1946, he was the second son of Charles Edgar (Ted) and Doris Kent. He spent his early childhood in Ottawa and then moved back to Winnipeg where he graduated from Kelvin High School in 1964. Passionate about education, he completed a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Manitoba, a computer science degree from the University of Toronto, an MBA from the University of Manitoba and finally his PhD in Organizational Psychology from the University of British Columbia in 1974. Dr. Bob began his working career as a Lecturer at the University of Regina before taking on the role of Special Advisor to an Executive Management Committee with the Provincial Government in Winnipeg. He went on to be a successful entrepreneur, starting his own management consulting firm, Mansis Development Corporation. Bob loved to volunteer his time, sitting on various Provincial and Federal Boards for example the Heart and Stroke Foundation and Scouts Canada, for which he received a Provincial Golden Jubilee Medal from the Governor General of Canada. Bob ended his working career teaching as a University Lecturer at the Asper School of Business at the University of Manitoba. This complimented his past teaching achievements in Canada, the United States and overseas.
Robert enjoyed reading, research, and writing - authoring several books on organizational behavior for successful businesses. He was particularly passionate about performance management within organizations and spent many hours pursuing it. He loved imparting his experience and knowledge on the subject, especially to his many students over his years teaching. Bob loved to sit and take in the views at their lakefront home, which he and Cathy had built and set down their roots, in Southdale. He also loved the occasional ice cream treat, a cold Coca-Cola and his favourite black olives!
Robert was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Cathy Kent (Oelslager); his children, Jeff (wife Becca) and Kelsey (husband Michael), and his grandchildren, Aria, Violet, and Jasmine. He is also mourned by his brother George (wife Doris), sister Patricia (husband David) and numerous nieces, nephews, brother and sisters in-law, cousins, and great friends over the years. He will be remembered for his kind heart, generous spirit, and unwavering love for his family.
A memorial service will be held at Thompson “In the Park” Funeral Home on April 29 at 10:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Deer Lodge Centre Foundation.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 08, 2023
Condolences & Memories (12 entries)
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Dear Cathy, This morning, for whatever reason, Mark started googling Southdale neighbours names and learned of Robert’s passing. We are so sorry. We have just had a great chat about our time on Chatswoth, moving into new homes, our very young children and all our neighbours. We are sorry that we have not kept in touch all these years but just want to wish you the very best during this time, Mark and Fay Stewart - Posted by: Mark and Fay Stewart (Friends and Neighbours) on: Jun 20, 2023
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I met Bob in 1977, when I moved from Saint John New Brunswick to Winnipeg to work as the corporate controller for champ food systems. Bob at that time was a vice president with Champs. We worked together for a couple years. I had not seen Bob for many years, but I will always remember his sense of humour and the sparkle in his eyes. My condolences to Cathy and his family. - Posted by: Dave Mollins (Business acquaintance ) on: May 21, 2023
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To the Kent Family, Our deepest condolences. May you treasure many fond memories of this special man. May he Rest in Peace. Rick and Mona Devion - Posted by: Mona Devion (Friend of family) on: Apr 29, 2023
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It was with great sadness that we learned of Robert’s passing. We have been long time friends with both Robert and Cathy. We met shortly after moving to Southdale in 1975. Robert was always the one with the quick wit and great one-liners. We often had memorable street parties with many of the neighbours. His love and care for Cathy in her own illness was truly amazing. We moved away to BC in 2011 but always tried to visit when we were in town. He will be missed. Our condolences to Cathy, Jeff and Kelsey and families. The Ramsays - Posted by: Val and Al Ramsay (Friends) on: Apr 15, 2023
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It was with great sadness that we learned of Robert’s passing. We have been long time friends with both Robert and Cathy. We met shortly after moving to Southdale in 1975. Robert was always the one with the quick wit and great one-liners. We often had memorable street parties with many of the neighbours. His love and care for Cathy in her own illness was truly amazing. We moved away to BC in 2011 but always tried to visit when we were in town. He will be missed. Our condolences to Cathy, Jeff and Kelsey and families. The Ramsays - Posted by: Val and Al Ramsay (Friends) on: Apr 13, 2023
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I regret to say that hadn’t seen Robert for more than thirty years, but as my former brother-in-law, at one time his spirit loomed large in my life and in fact still resonates to this day. He was for me very much an older brother figure, a friend and a mentor, and his wonderful sense of humour kept me laughing throughout. Robert’s friendship, inspiration and guidance proved invaluable in helping me find my career passion and ultimately my career path. Thank you Robert, you were truly a lovely man. It was a privilege knowing you. To Cathy, Kelsey, Jeff, George, Pat and the rest of his family, please accept my sincere condolences. - Posted by: Barry Fogg (former brother-in-law) on: Apr 12, 2023
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Dear Cathy, Jeff & Kelsey, We first met Bob in my first year at St. John’s College. After a dozen years, we moved to the same neighbourhood in Southdale, and were part of the same group of friends. Our boys, Kevin & Neil, were older, and Kevin often babysat. It was I, during my involvement with Scouts Canada, who asked Bob to join the volunteers with the Manitoba Council. His dedication and knowledge were exemplary as he worked with both the Manitoba and National Councils. I was only sorry that I wasn’t able to work with him for long as we moved to BC. Our thoughts are with you at this time. Sincerely, Diane Boyd and Tom - Posted by: Diane & Tom Boyd (Neighbours in Southdale) on: Apr 12, 2023
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As a long-time friend of Cathy Kent, our visits with Cathy and Robert were always full of warmth and fun. Robert willingly shared his business and organizational development insights with another entrepreneur and visits with Robert and family were full of laughter. He will be missed. We will be thinking of the family during the difficult days ahead. All the best, Cathy, as you transition to a life without your beloved partner. - Posted by: Cheryl Powers (Friend) on: Apr 11, 2023
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Wendy and I knew Bob from our Kelvin High School days, and just wish to be remembered as "friends forever", plus ex-Winnipeggers. I last communicated with Bob 7 years ago, as we lived offshore (Hong Kong for many decades). We have just moved back to Canada, and were very saddened by Bob's passing. We also wish to pay tribute to a wonderful and significantly talented individual. David Nesbitt, and Wendy Nesbitt (Wiens, at Kelvin) - Posted by: David and Wendy Nesbitt (Long-term Friends) on: Apr 10, 2023
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Dear Cathy, Kelsey and Jeff, I am so sorry about the loss of your husband and father, I know how he has been by your side for many years. I also mourn his loss today as I have considered Bob to be one of my best friends over the years. We met in Scouts and got our Queen Scout badges at the same time, presented by his father at the Winnipeg Legislature building. I supported his run for high school president, which he won. Then on to college, where we performed together in several plays. Together, we created the Intercollegiate Drama Festival. After College, I persuaded him to be my best man at my wedding in Toronto. We even had some business ventures together. We reconnected during college reunions and the last time I visited him was for our college’s 50th reunion in 2017. Bob’s humour and support helped me to become a more responsible adult and, I think, a better person. My regret is that separated by distance we could not have shared more time together. I am sure he will be missed by many, and I am just one. Arthur Claxton - Posted by: Arthur claxton (Friend) on: Apr 10, 2023
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I had the pleasure of being the next door neighbours of the Kent family when they moved in beside us. Although I was nine years younger Bob was always open and friendly with me and my siblings. In fact Bob and my sister Lynn of Denman island were in the same circle of friends and remained so for most of the past many years albeit with years in between each coffee or lunch. To be honest I have not seen Bob for fifteen years and I know his infectious witticisms will indeed be missed but he was much more than that thus my sentiments of loss and condolences I pass along to Cathy and the children. It was an honour to have known Robert Kent and his parents. A formative memory. Michael - Posted by: Michael Stuart (Neighbour) on: Apr 09, 2023
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Kelsey, so sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing, my thoughts and prayers are with you all during this most difficult time, - Posted by: Loretta Wight (Friend) on: Apr 08, 2023
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