William Charles (“Charlie”) Kent

Passed away on November 1, 2023 at the age of 80, after living life on his own terms to the end despite being diagnosed with myelofibrosis five and a half years ago.  Son of William Charles (“Bill”) and Marion Canton Kent (both predeceased), Charlie leaves behind Helen (née Low), his best friend and soulmate of 57 years, his children Christopher (Monique Potvin Kent), Pamela (Shaun Pritchard) and Emily (Umut Riza Ozkan), as well as his grandchildren Arianne (fiancé Sam MacKechnie), Meghan, Owen, Kaitlin, William, Alexander, Ayla and Mira and brother Jon (Carole) and family.

Charlie was born in Chatham, Ontario on August 8, 1943, while his father was flying in the war for the Canadian Air Force over the North Atlantic.   As the son of military officer, Charlie lived in many places during his childhood, including Montgomery Alabama, Halifax, Winnipeg, Ottawa, Senneterre Quebec, McMasterville Quebec, Port St. Joe Florida, Zweibrücken Germany and Nancy France.   Charlie studied Engineering Chemistry at Queen’s University (’65), where he met Helen, who was studying nursing at Kingston General Hospital, on a blind date.    After receiving his Law degree from the University of Ottawa (’68), Charlie remained in Ottawa, where he practised intellectual property law throughout his career.   As a lawyer, Charlie was a pioneer in the use of alternative dispute resolution in intellectual property disputes and was highly regarded and involved in both the profession and the community, including as the Chairperson of the Ottawa Board of Trade. Charlie always had time for others and impacted many lives with his genuine interest and advice.       

But it was his family and friends whom he cherished the most.    With a sparkle (often of mischief) in his eye, Charlie loved to talk politics – and other topics of controversy – with whomever would engage! Notwithstanding his and Helen’s extensive travels and intellectual curiosity about other countries including Turkey (where one of their sons-in-law is from), Charlie’s favourite place on earth was the Ottawa Valley and the family cottage at Norway Bay, Quebec.  Charlie could be regularly spotted seeking out the latest produce and baked goods at the Pontiac Farmers Market or relaxing on the dock doing his crossword.  Family dinners at the cottage were (and will remain) always lively and often chaotic, but also a foundation of love and support in our busy lives, with Charlie always taking the time to catch up on the news of each of his children and grandchildren, of whom he was fiercely proud.

Special thanks from the Kent family to Dr. Pierre Villeneuve from the Ottawa Hospital for his unwavering care and compassion for Charlie.  Thanks also to Drs. Philip Fleuriau Chateau and Ralph Hollands for their involvement, support and friendship over the years, Shaun for the on-demand hospital shuttle and chef services, the dedicated Carefor homecare staff, particularly Francis who went above and beyond as Charlie’s personal support worker, the team at the Princess Margaret Hospital for their assistance and support and the team at the Queensway Carleton Hospital for their efforts and care in Charlie’s final days. 

Charlie/Dad/Grandad, you will be sadly missed, but your memories and the impact that you had in the lives of so many will live on.

Visitation will occur on Monday, November 13 from 2 to 4 pm in the visitation suites at the Beechwood National Memorial Centre.  Celebration of Life will occur on Tuesday November 14 at 1 pm followed by a reception at the Beechwood National Memorial Centre.  For those wishing to make a donation in memory of Charlie, donations can be made to the MPN Research Foundation (www.mpnresearchfoundation.org) or the Shepherds of Good Hope (sghottawa.com).

For those unable to attend the Celebration of Life on November 14 at 1 p.m. in person, click here to view the Celebration: https://uottawa-ca.zoom.us/j/91483217329?pwd=VGdzQ2dIVnh5dUFrcWZNbGI3ZWZ3QT09