Passed away on November 1, 2023 at the age of 80, after living life on his own terms to the end despite being diagnosed with myelofibrosis five and a half years ago. Son of William Charles (“Bill”) and Marion Canton Kent (both predeceased), Charlie leaves behind Helen (née Low), his best friend and soulmate of 57 years, his children Christopher (Monique Potvin Kent), Pamela (Shaun Pritchard) and Emily (Umut Riza Ozkan), as well as his grandchildren Arianne (fiancé Sam MacKechnie), Meghan, Owen, Kaitlin, William, Alexander, Ayla and Mira and brother Jon (Carole) and family.
Charlie was born in Chatham, Ontario on August 8, 1943, while his father was flying in the war for the Canadian Air Force over the North Atlantic. As the son of military officer, Charlie lived in many places during his childhood, including Montgomery Alabama, Halifax, Winnipeg, Ottawa, Senneterre Quebec, McMasterville Quebec, Port St. Joe Florida, Zweibrücken Germany and Nancy France. Charlie studied Engineering Chemistry at Queen’s University (’65), where he met Helen, who was studying nursing at Kingston General Hospital, on a blind date. After receiving his Law degree from the University of Ottawa (’68), Charlie remained in Ottawa, where he practised intellectual property law throughout his career. As a lawyer, Charlie was a pioneer in the use of alternative dispute resolution in intellectual property disputes and was highly regarded and involved in both the profession and the community, including as the Chairperson of the Ottawa Board of Trade. Charlie always had time for others and impacted many lives with his genuine interest and advice.
But it was his family and friends whom he cherished the most. With a sparkle (often of mischief) in his eye, Charlie loved to talk politics – and other topics of controversy – with whomever would engage! Notwithstanding his and Helen’s extensive travels and intellectual curiosity about other countries including Turkey (where one of their sons-in-law is from), Charlie’s favourite place on earth was the Ottawa Valley and the family cottage at Norway Bay, Quebec. Charlie could be regularly spotted seeking out the latest produce and baked goods at the Pontiac Farmers Market or relaxing on the dock doing his crossword. Family dinners at the cottage were (and will remain) always lively and often chaotic, but also a foundation of love and support in our busy lives, with Charlie always taking the time to catch up on the news of each of his children and grandchildren, of whom he was fiercely proud.
Special thanks from the Kent family to Dr. Pierre Villeneuve from the Ottawa Hospital for his unwavering care and compassion for Charlie. Thanks also to Drs. Philip Fleuriau Chateau and Ralph Hollands for their involvement, support and friendship over the years, Shaun for the on-demand hospital shuttle and chef services, the dedicated Carefor homecare staff, particularly Francis who went above and beyond as Charlie’s personal support worker, the team at the Princess Margaret Hospital for their assistance and support and the team at the Queensway Carleton Hospital for their efforts and care in Charlie’s final days.
Charlie/Dad/Grandad, you will be sadly missed, but your memories and the impact that you had in the lives of so many will live on.
Visitation will occur on Monday, November 13 from 2 to 4 pm in the visitation suites at the Beechwood National Memorial Centre. Celebration of Life will occur on Tuesday November 14 at 1 pm followed by a reception at the Beechwood National Memorial Centre. For those wishing to make a donation in memory of Charlie, donations can be made to the MPN Research Foundation (www.mpnresearchfoundation.org) or the Shepherds of Good Hope (sghottawa.com).
For those unable to attend the Celebration of Life on November 14 at 1 p.m. in person, click here to view the Celebration: https://uottawa-ca.zoom.us/j/91483217329?pwd=VGdzQ2dIVnh5dUFrcWZNbGI3ZWZ3QT09
Digital Guestbook
Sandy Tutt
Doug Wilson
Charlie will be missed. He was a natural leader and instrumental in bringing intellectual property professionals together in an atmosphere of respect.
Mike & Jane Johansson
We are shocked and saddened that Charlie is gone. Our heartfelt sympathy to Helen, Chris, Pam, Emily and their families.
We cherish our memories of Charlie with his wit and humour. Never did we laugh more than when we got together on holidays with Charlie and Helen.
The beautiful obituary conveys Charlie's love for his family, his outstanding professional life and his courageous battle against myelofibrosis. We had the good fortune to call him a dear friend and he will be greatly missed.
Roxanne Walker
I had the privilege of working with Charlie for many, many years and went through many transitions with him; from Burke-Robertson, to Kent & Edgar and lastly to Ridout & Maybee. He was a wonderful person to work for...a great listener, visionary, kind, compassionate. Many of the past and present employees speak about the great times we had when Charlie (& Bill) were at the helm. My deepest condolences Helen, Chris, Pam, Emily and the rest of the family. Charlie, you will be missed by many!
Leona Yantha
I don’t know that I have ever worked for a boss who was as respectful and wonderful as Charlie Kent. My deepest sympathy to Helen and his entire family.
David and Cathy Beattie
We are so sorry to hear about Charlie's passing. His kind and gentle presence will be missed at Norway Bay. Our sincere condolences to the family. Cathy and Dave
Michelle Johansson
Sincere condolences to Helen, Christopher, Pam, Emily and their families for your loss. And what a wonderfully written salute to Charlie's life. I will alway cherish the summer Charlie and Helen (and Emily!) generously welcomed me into their home which enabled me to attend a much sought after summer internship in Ottawa. During my stay, I had the good fortune to be a regular guest at the their dinner table where there was never a dull moment - and I loved it! I am thankful that my parents' and Charlie and Helen's paths crossed when they did - we are all better for it. Safe travels, Charlie.
John Noble
My sincere condolences to Helen and her family. I only knew Charlie trough several ears of tennis at the OAC with Al Campbell, John Edwards and myself. He was a great competitor and also enjoyed discussing politics. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Beatrice Ngatcha
Charlie has been my mentor at R&M. His many advices remain helpful to me to this date. He has been instrumental in shaping up my career in IP. A wonderful human being, my ally in difficult times. MERCI Charlie!
My condolences to the family, to you Emily.
Andrea and Grant Woolsey
We are saddened to hear of Charlie’s passing. Our condolences to Helen and all the Kent family. May your memories be full of love and laughter.
Most of us never meet one special person in our lives . Helen and Charlie were blessed to have found each other and created a wonderful life to - gether surrounded by an amazing family .
Love Sandy