Obituary of David Scott Kent

DAVID SCOTT KENT

January 13, 1930 - May 2, 2023

David died peacefully, at Kensington Gardens, after almost six years of loving care provided by the amazing staff. His family is especially grateful to Tsitsi, Sharon, Brianna, Trang and Marilou.

Born in Toronto to the late Sidney and Marjorie Kent, he was predeceased by his brothers, Sidney and Hugh, and his sister, Mary Louise “Beano” Jarvis. He is survived by his loving wife, Mary, and his children, Thomas (Caroline Reid), Geoffrey (Jane Jenkins), Virginia (Andreas Doerig) and Edward (Roxanne). “Gramps” to Caroline, Charlie, Oliver, Hilary, Alexandra and Vivienne.

David attended Brown Public School, Upper Canada College and University College, University of Toronto, and in each place he excelled at all things athletic. At Upper Canada he played football and captained the varsity hockey under Coach Syl Apps. At U of T, he helped lead the Varsity Blues to an OHA championship.

David’s business career in “Employee/Group Benefits” began with The Aetna Life Company and took the Kents across the country to Vancouver, Winnipeg and Calgary, returning to Toronto in 1966, making many new friends and producing a “souvenir baby” from each city. After 30 years with The Aetna David was recruited to lead a new joint venture in group insurance by Standard Life and Alliance Vie.  He retired in 1997. 

David was an active member of both the Caledon Mountain Trout Club and The Badminton and Racquet Club. To watch him fly fish or hit a tennis ball was a thing of beauty. He played tennis into his early eighties.

A staunch Conservative and a faithful member of St. Paul’s Anglican Church, he also served on the Board of Trustees at Upper Canada College and was a long-standing member and President of the South Rosedale Ratepayer’s Association.

As recently remarked, David was a friend, a competitor and a gentleman.

A Service of Thanksgiving and Remembrance for David’s life will be held on Friday, May 12th at 11:30 a.m. at St. Paul’s Bloor Street, 227 Bloor Street East. A reception will follow in the Great Hall.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to The Kensington Health Foundation, 250-340 College Street, Toronto, ON M5T 9Z9 or online at www.kensingtonhealth.org/donate. Condolences may be forwarded through www.humphreymiles.com.

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