Albion (Al) Charles Kent passed away on October 5, 2023 at 89 years of age. Predeceased by his wife of 59 years Barbara (THOM), parents Daniel and Hilda (SMITH) KENT and brothers John and Gerald KENT. He leaves behind son Brian KENT, (Donna), daughter Laura VYE, (James), his adored grandchildren, Ryan and Quinn KENT, and Amelia VYE, who loved their Grampy so very much. Al also leaves behind dear nieces, nephews, and their families.
Al grew up in Medicine Hat, Alberta where he graduated, and then went on to receive his red seal certification as a Mechanic in Calgary. He apprenticed in his hometown at the Pontiac Dealership. In 1959 he followed his brother Gerald, who had relocated to Victoria. He worked at Empress Motors and Willows BA gas station. He soon met the love of his life Barbara, and they married in 1961. Al worked for Saunders and Hitchman and later opened a gas station on the corner of Government and Bay. Al then went on to work at Sears Automotive.
Al was an avid vintage car and train enthusiast. The early family vacations were road trips and camping, with visits to many of BC’s provincial parks. This included venturing off the beaten path in search of car parts, trains, train tracks, and heritage sites. In the later years, Al and Barb also enjoyed cruise and train travel. They travelled extensively throughout Canada and the US in their truck and camper. Al was always on the lookout for trains or a good swap meet.
Al and Barb were 50 year members of the Victoria Chapter of the Vintage Car Club of Canada (aka VCCC), and the Model A Ford Club of America . With the help of friends, Al completed a full restoration on a 1930 Model A Ford. The vehicle and wife Barbara had been patiently waiting while the car was stored in his garage for approximately 35 years prior. Al and Barb enjoyed many local car runs in their Model A, along with lifelong friends they made at the VCCC.
After leaving their first and only house in the Gorge area of Saanich, Al and Barb lived briefly in Sidney, and finally the Victorian at McKenzie. Al later moved to the Veterans Memorial Lodge where he lived for the past 4 years. Al was fortunate to have had kind and compassionate care from the very special staff who loved and cared for him. Some even devoting their personal time by taking him to Canadian Tire to see the weekly summer car show. Our family is extremely grateful, as this made him so very happy.
We were unable to have a service for Barbara due to the pandemic, so a celebration of life is planned for Al and Barb at the Cedar Hill Golf Course Clubhouse, on Saturday, November 11, 2023 from 1:00 to 3:00 pm. Please consider donations to the Salvation Army or Veterans Memorial Lodge. Grampy, we love you and will miss you very much.
I didn’t personally know Al & Barbara, but wanted to pass on my condolences to everyone who loved them ♡ My late husband was Bill Bouchard who was the President of VCCC for several years and used to do the Club Newsletters. I know he had many close friends in the Club, so I think he would have known them well. Sadly my Bill passed away only 2 months after we were married. He talked a lot about the Vintage cars and the “car runs” ( I went on one with him). I hope there will be a nice turnout from the club members at the Celebration of Life ♡♡♡
Brenda Baceda Bouchard