Tributes flow for ‘man of passion’ Michael Kent

RESPECTFUL, passionate and a true Tasmanian patriot is how the late Michael Kent is being remembered by many prominent Tasmanians.

Mr Kent, the former boss of Woolworths Supermarkets in Tasmania and former mayor of Glamorgan-Spring Bay, died early on Thursday morning.

He was 76.

Premier Will Hodgman described Mr Kent as “a giant in our community” who would be remembered as a renowned businessman with a community-driven focus and a “man of passion, vision and conviction”.

“He made a remarkable contribution to our state, and to the lives of many Tasmanians,” Mr Hodgman said

“On behalf of the Tasmanian Government, I would like to ex- press my sincere condolences to Michael Kent’s family at this time.”

Cambria Green chief executive Ronald Hu described Mr Kent as a friend, and said he lived a full life and was an inspiration to many.

“We express our deepest condolences to his family, relatives and friends for this unfortunate loss,” Mr Hu wrote on Facebook.

Other Tasmanian politicians took to social media to share their thoughts on the titan of Tasmanian business.

“Michael was a true Tasmania patriot who always put the interest of Tasmania first, serving his community until the very end,” Prosser Liberal MLC Jane Howlett wrote on Facebook.

Lyons Labor MHR Brian Mitchell said Mr Kent was a “fine servant of the community” and was never afraid to stand up for what he believed in.

Jacqui Lambie Network leader Jacqui Lambie said Mr Kent was a great Tasmanian who would be sadly missed.

The Local Government Association of Tasmania also posted to Twitter, thanking Mr Kent for his service to the community and LGAT during his time as Glamorgan-Spring Bay mayor.