Robert Howard 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 12th, 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 sister in-laws, 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 29th at 10:00 am. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Deer Lodge Centre Foundation.

Rest in peace, dad. Your humour and insight will be missed, but never forgotten.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.thomsoninthepark.com for the Kent family.