Robert Douglas Kent passed away Friday, February 06, 2015 in Salt Lake City, Utah with his wife, Marjorie and family at his side. Robert was born June 19, 1917 in Carlsbad, New Mexico, the son of Fred Douglas and Mabel Helen Robins Kent. During the Depression he moved with his mother and step-father, Charles Pool to Duchesne, Utah where he attended school. While crossing the street in Duchesne a pretty young school teacher caught his eye and became the love of his life. They were engaged on Valentine's Day 75 years ago. They married on May 29, 1940 in the Salt Lake LDS Temple.
While working for the Utah State Highway Department as a traffic engineer he volunteered to help with a small newly formed employee's credit union. This endeavor eventually grew in to the Utah State Employees Credit Union and is now Mountain America Credit Union. This became his passion. He was a pioneer in the Utah Credit Union and National Credit Union movement. He served as Manager, Treasurer, President, on the Board of Directors including International Boards. Robert was inducted into the credit union hall of fame because of his amazing credit union career. He pioneered Share Drafts and was the first in Utah to offer them to his members. Not stopping there, his credit union was also the first in the state to have an ATM and the Swift Cash Line of Credit. Robert exemplified the phrase "People Helping People" and lived the moto.
He enjoyed hunting, fishing, boating, camping and attending family reunions with his 26 grandchildren and 82 great grandchildren and 6 great-great grandchildren. He was such a wonderful example to his family of love, generosity, compassion, work, honesty and gratitude. He always asked "What can I do for you?" as he reached out with his unique handshake.
Together with his beautiful wife, they served in the Salt Lake LDS Temple. They based their life and love on prayer and a love for the Savior, praying together and as family. His life of service showed the mantle of the man he was by the care he gave to both family and friends alike.
He is survived by his wife of 74 years, Marjorie, his children, Coleen (Dean) Menlove, Howard (Kathy) Kent, Carolyn (Dan) Flandro and JoAnn (Rich) Bott. He is preceded by his parents, a son, Robert Jr., brothers and sisters, Jim Kent, Faye Flint, Charles Pool and Virginia Williams, a grandson, Mitch Menlove and a great grandson, Kazen Kent.
A funeral service will be held Monday, February 9, 2015 at 11:00 AM in the Foothill LDS 3rd Ward Chapel (1933 South 2100 East, Salt Lake City, UT). The family will meet with friends on Sunday, February, 8, 2015 at Larkin Sunset Lawn, (2350 E. 1300 S.) from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM and again on Monday prior to services from 9:30 to 10:45 AM at the church. Interment will be in the Larkin Sunset Lawn Cemetery.
In Lieu of flowers a donation can be made to the LDS Church Humanitarian Aid.
