Bill Text: VA HR292 | 2024 | Regular Session | Enrolled
Bill Title: Celebrating the life of Robert James Kent.
Spectrum: Slight Partisan Bill (Democrat 3-1)
Status: (Passed) 2024-03-05 - Bill text as passed House (HR292ER) [HR292 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2024-HR292-Enrolled.html
WHEREAS, Robert James Kent, a respected educator and an active member of his community in Newport News, died on October 8, 2023; and
WHEREAS, Robert "Bob" James Kent was born in Glade Spring and spent his youth exploring the hills and pastures of rural Southwest Virginia, where his countless adventures with friends formed the basis of delightful stories that he told for years to come; and
WHEREAS, after graduating from Glade Spring High School, Bob Kent attended Emory & Henry College, then earned an associate degree from Thomas Nelson Community College in Hampton; and
WHEREAS, Bob Kent worked as a radio announcer for a station in Abingdon and considered working in the recording industry in Nashville until the start of the Vietnam War, when he and several friends moved to Newport News to support the defense industry; and
WHEREAS, Bob Kent served the Commonwealth and the nation at Newport News Shipbuilding for nearly two decades as an electronics technician and an instructor at the Apprentice School; and
WHEREAS, Bob Kent later returned to Thomas Nelson Community College, where he proudly worked as an instructor in the engineering department for more than 10 years and challenged his students to achieve their fullest potential; and
WHEREAS, Bob Kent finished his career working through various contractors at Fort Eustis as a senior network engineer; and
WHEREAS, outside of his career, Bob Kent was involved in local, state, and national service work to help teens and adults whose lives had been affected by a family member with alcoholism; he inspired countless individuals by sharing his message of hope and support; and
WHEREAS, Bob Kent enjoyed fellowship and worship with the congregation of Hidenwood Presbyterian Church, where he served as chair of the board of deacons and a member of the choir, among other leadership roles; and
WHEREAS, Bob Kent's greatest joy in life was his beloved family, and he will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by his wife of more than 40 years, Gail; his sons, Abram, Jordan, and Nathan, and their families; and numerous other family members and friends; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Delegates hereby note with great sadness the loss of Robert James Kent, a highly admired member of the Newport News community; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Robert James Kent as an expression of the House of Delegates' respect for his memory.
