Dennis John Kent

Passionate about his family, history, and the waters of Grand Traverse Bay that he viewed from his home, Dennis died in Traverse City after battling cancer.

Born in 1951 in Trenton, Michigan to Richard Edward and Ann (Martyniuk) Kent.

Raised in Allen Park, Michigan. He studied for the priesthood for a brief time but moved to Traverse City with his family and graduated from Traverse City High School in 1969.

He received his Bachelor of Business degree from Ferris State University. He married Kayren (Houghton) Campbellin 1970. They have two daughters, Heather Lee Kittle ( Josh) and Holly Sue Lake (Dennis). In 1992 he married Cathy (Eshleman) Bachant, after meeting Cathy as a co-worker at Meijer. His family grew with Cathy’s children, Christine (Joe Quinnan) and Bob(Beth). Cathy and Dennis owned and operated KentCo Video, a wedding video/ photography business.

Like his father before him, Dennis worked most of his professional life in the grocery business. For 36 years Dennis worked for Meijer. He volunteered at the Traverse Area Historical Society and in retirement, he focused on family ancestry.

Dennis proudly obtained US/Canadian citizenship to honor his Canadianborn mother.

Known as the man who passed out chocolates from his purple Crown Royal bag. He loved bringing that simple joy to all, never leaving home without it.

He is survived by his wife, children, brothers Edward (Belinda) and Michael (Maggie), sister Connie Wood ( Jim),grandchildren Niamh, Andy, Benjamin, Allison, Jayla, Delilah, Mila, Brennen, Sarah, Ray, and Branson, great-grandchildren Janessa and Atreus.

A memorial is planned for April 15 at Reynolds Jonkhoff Funeral Home in TraverseCity. www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com