Donald Kent Obituary

KENTDonald Max Kent, of Pasadena, passed away on Wednesday, September 23, 2009, at age81. Born in Bingham Canyon, Utah on July 23, 1928, to Thomas and Anna Kent,his family moved to Hawthorne, CA in 1930 where he resided until moving toPasadena in 1972. He graduated Leuzinger High School in 1946 and 2 years atEl Camino College Engineering/Architecture, before serving a constructionapprenticeship in United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Jointers, graduatingfirst i n class. His career began with Lloyd R. Reeves as a carpenter, 1951-55; Foreman forFrisbee Construction Co., 1955-57; Superintendent, Crown Construction Co. ofL.A., 1957-67, projects included UCLA's Theatre Arts Building, Reiber Halldormitory, Sylmar High School, West High School in Torrance, L.A. TradeTech mechanical shop, Tehachapi Correctional Institution. Supt/projectmanager 1967-69, Bresnan Construction Co. and Grandville Black Constructionin Glendale, 1969-71. In 1971 he was hired as Clerk of th e Works for the City of Pasadena,coordinating capital improvement projects -- the Pasadena Center, PoliceHeliport, Jackie Robinson Center, Victory Park Center, Villa-Parke Centerrehabilitation. In 1976 became an independent consultant for the City andPasadena Center Operating Company, managing the initial grantfunding/restoration efforts at the Pasadena Playhouse and construction ofthe center's ice rink; 1980-83 managed 3 projects in Pasadena for a privatedeveloper -- The Commons on South Lake; Burlington A rcade, and LeBureauoffice building. In 1999 he was appointed by the City to the Pasadena CityHall Restoration Oversight Committee, an experience he found bothchallenging and rewarding. A true jazz aficionado, his radio dial permanently tuned to 88.1. Otherinterests included tennis, bowling, golf, and travel. He loved his '72Jaguar, was an avid reader and crossword/jigsaw puzzler. He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Judy (Bogart), his children, Tom andwife Donna, Shelly (Trickel) and Curtis; grandc hildren, Dylan, Donald,Patrick (Trickel), Ben and Steve; former wife, Renee; nieces and nephews,Kent, Don, and David Blair, Deborah Porter (Blair), Kathleen Nohr (Blair),Lisa Kent, and their families. Don's passing has left a large void in our hearts and lives. Memorialdonations in his name may be made to VITAS Hospice, 1343 N. Grand Ave., Ste.100, Covina, 91724 or KJazz 88.1 FM, 1288 N. Bellflower Blvd., Long Beach,90815. A private family memorial will be held later this month.