Thomas Lyman Kent's Obituary
Thomas Lyman Kent, 71, of Gainesville, FL, passed away on July 2, 2018. He was the beloved husband of Marcia Silk Kent, with whom he shared 49 years of marriage.
Tom loved the natural world, and shared his passion for birds, plants, and animals with his family and friends. He was a devoted gardener, fisherman, photographer, bird-watcher, and walker. He had a boundless sense of wonder, and curiosity. To his family, he was a dear husband, father, grandfather, son, and uncle. He loved to laugh and share life with everyone he knew.
Born on September 11, 1946 in Boston, MA, he was the son of Margaret (Crowley) Kent and the late Frank Russell Kent. He grew up in Scituate, MA, and graduated from Scituate High School in 1964. He served in the Vietnam War in the US Army, 173rd Airborne Brigade. He earned his BS from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, and he was a proud Gator with an MS and MEd from the University of Florida.
Tom taught agriculture for 25 years at Belleview Middle School and North Marion High School, bringing his passion for nature to the classroom. He was the faculty advisor to the F.F.A. chapter and a proud member of the Marion Education Association, for which he served as a contract negotiator.
He is survived by his wife and mother; his daughters, Melinda Jan Kent (Harvey Shaw) of Newton, MA, Alison Silk Kent (Christopher Churchill) of Killingly, CT, and Susan Kent Achin (Zachary Achin) of North Attleborough, MA; his grandchildren, Olivia and Thomas; his sisters, Margaret “Tissa” Harrah and Gertrude “Trudy” Kent; his brothers, Lawrence, Frank “Rusty” Jr., and David; many nieces and nephews; and his much-loved dogs, Bella and Lacey.
A celebration of his life will be held on July 28, 2018, 5-7 p.m. at 43rd Street Deli, 4401 NW 25 Place, Gainesville. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Haile’s Angels Pet Rescue, 5231 SE 91 Street, Gainesville, FL.
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