KENT COLEMAN

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KENT COLEMAN Once upon a time I met a man who made my eyes sparkle. We married in Las Vegas and the gamble paid off. We were together almost every day for 32 years. Kent was born in Joggins, Nova Scotia. He had three sisters. As he was growing up he lived in Ottawa, Montreal, and Regina and settled in Winnipeg - St. James Assiniboia for the rest of his life. As a young man he worked at several jobs before he started with the City of Winnipeg ending his 30 year career as supervisor of works and operations - St. James. He had three sick days - one in which he met his boss while hunting geese. He never took another sick day. He was predeceased by his parents Lester and Elizabeth "Betty" Coleman and son, Larry. He leaves his children and stepchildren Susan, Kathleen, Bill, Greg and Tammy (Kevin). He also has grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. All of his children, except Greg, lived with Kent at one time or another. Kent mourned the loss of his son as well as the loss of his two best friends Sid and Merv. Kent enjoyed sports especially hockey and fastball - well known for his position as catcher and played on various teams in the league. He was a great organizer for sports teams, tournaments, coached hockey, coached and umpired ball and took part in a Manitoba games to name a few of his sports endeavours. As he got older he continued to skate as long as he could. He taught his grandchildren Hannah and Aaron how to skate so they could have a lifelong sport to enjoy. Kent believed sports could help people find a place for enjoyment and friendship. After Kent retired he quickly moved into hockey as a scout for the WHL. He made many friends, too numerous to mention all, and valued all his relationships with those who participated in the various teams that he worked for. He was proud of his accomplishments and to see young men excel in hockey. He was saddened by losses such as the Lokomotiv hockey team and other people he know over the years. He was especially proud of his two hockey rings - Winnipeg South Blues and Memorial Cup. He travelled with Ron. Kent was a sociable person - when he met you he knew you and remembered you. He could walk into a room full of people and start a conversation, debate or a loaded discussion in a moment. Kent was a man who spoke his mind, gave his opinions freely and was not afraid to challenge with confidence the status quo be it authority or organization. He expected intelligent answers to any concerns brought forth. He was his own person true to himself. Favorite song - "I Did it My Way." Kent enjoyed going to the cottage in Winnipeg Beach where we spent many hours in the summer - that was his vacation home. He loved the changing mood of the big Lake reminding him of the ocean. Kent was in the Militia for five years. This experience was important to him as his father was away for six years during the Second World War. Kent loved his horses and was part of the racing organization for many years. He was especially fond of Cherokee's Goal named horse of the year 2010. He had many good times with his partners over the years. He looked forward to the good times at the races. Kent was generous man with money especially as his illness progressed. An expression of gratitude and appreciation to his sister Sharon (Jim) for trying to make things right for Kent although it was not to be in this lifetime. Special thank you to all our friends, neighbours, coworkers who offered condolences and help in this life journey. It means so much. Thank you to the staff at Golden West Centennial Lodge 2nd floor for their kindness and compassion over the past months. Thank you Erin for singing Patsy Cline to Kent - you have a beautiful voice. As time passed Kent loved to tell his life stories. I appreciate them now as part of the memories and kind of person Kent was in his lifetime. He believed in a loving God and being a good person. "The best portion of a man's life, his little, nameless, unremembered acts of kindness and love" - William Wordsworth. A private service will be held at a later date. For those who wish to sign the online Guest Book please visit our website.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 21, 2017