George Willia, Kent |
| Posted 2016-12-03 by Judy Wight Branson |
| The Daily Courier, Prescott, Arizona Sunday, November 20, 2016, page 8a George William Kent, left this world on November 9, 2016, in Prescott Valley, Arizona. Born February 22, 1955 in Bloomington Illinois. Moved to Prescott Arizona in 1958. Graduated from Prescott High School in 1974. Married his High School Sweetheart, Kathy Barnes Kent in 1975, and had their only child, a daughter, Priscilla Lisa Kent. He served in the United States Navy from 1974-1977; separated from service with honorable discharge as E4 Petty Officer third class. Worked for the Prescott Veterans Hospital and retired after 34 years. George Kent was best known as Sensei. Owner and founder of Prescott Shotokan Karate and Jui-Jitsu from 1983-2014. He had studied Martial Arts for 50 years. He holds Black Belts in Shotokan Karate, Wado Ryu, Korean Tang Soo Do, and Jui-Jitsu. Was an Arizona State College Board Certified Instructor. He competed in numerous Tournaments throughout the United States, Canada, Alaska, and Mexico. He won many Trophies and Medals for his efforts. His Martial Arts Career began at the age of 10 years old, while studying Judo at the local Boys Club in Prescott Arizona. There he met Bong Soo, who happened to be in town for the filming of the movie “Billy Jack.” Since that time, he had studied with many great Martial Art Instructors. Some on the list are: Kanazawa, Tanaka, Shintani, Chuck Norris and Ken Funakoshi. In 1994 Sensei Kent began studying with Royce Gracie, where he had incorporated many of Gracie techniques with his own, and developed a style of Jiu-Jitsu all his own. George Kent will always be known by his family, students and friends, as a generous heart and the most magnificent Sensei in his art. His knowledge and passion flowed through his veins. He wanted all of his students to strive to be the best they could be, and thrived to draw out talent in his students that were previously hidden within. Encouraging and motivating their talent and potential. Sensei Kent’s outstanding and unsurpassed ability was unmatched by all, and left everyone whom was honored to witness him in his element, completely speechless. George Kent, is survived by his wife Kathy Kent of 41 years (Estranged 14 years); His only child (Daughter) Priscilla Lisa Kent; a Sister of Nevada; Aunt Joyce of Illinois; a Nephew and multiple family in Illinois, Nevada and Arizona. He is Preceded in death by his Father, Paul William Kent; Mother, Orma (Betty) Elizabeth Kent; Brother Dwight Kent; and a Niece, Kimberly Daniel. I say to God, I have not a single bit of talent left in me, I used everything you gave me. GK. Services entrusted to Heritage Memory Mortuary Information provided by survivors. |
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