Charles Cooke Kent

Charles Cooke Kent was born in Brave, Pennsylvania and passed away at his long-time home in Millbrae, CA. He leaves behind his loving wife of sixty-five years, Patricia, son David, daughter Anne Muradaz (Martin), grandsons Patrick and Thomas Muradaz, sister Helen Cook and three nieces - Nancy Bunt (Walter), Carol Jernberg (Bill) and Sandy Griffin and their families. He was predeceased by his parents, William Thomas and Helen Cooke Kent, his older sister, Mary Louise Robie (Fred), and his nephews, William Robie and Fred Kent Robie. Chuck graduated from Michigan State University with his BS, and remained a life-long Spartan fan. He also earned an MA at the University of Illinois at Urbana. With his wife, he chose to relocate to California, where both of his children were born. Chuck was a retired teacher, administrator, coach and referee. He worked in the San Mateo Union High School District for thirty years, seventeen of those years at Crestmoor High School in San Bruno where he was a teacher, Athletic Director and coach of football, track and an award-winning wrestling program. While working, even into retirement, he also spent many years officiating football, wrestling and track and served as Commissioner of the Peninsula Athletic League for four years. In 2011, Chuck was honored by the California Wrestling Hall of Fame for his commitment, dedication and lifetime service to amateur wrestling.

Chuck lived a life of service, especially in his retirement years. Having taught first aid and CPR throughout his career, he volunteered with the American Red Cross as an instructor and disaster relief worker. An Army veteran of both the Second World War and the Korean War (82nd Airborne), he served with the United States Volunteers, rendering Military Funeral Honors for veterans around the Bay Area. A devoted United Methodist, Chuck was a member of New Vision United Methodist Church where he served as an usher and on many church committees, even up to a month before his passing. He also spent fifteen years as a volunteer at CALL Primrose in Burlingame, a non-profit providing free grocery assistance to lowincome families.

Chuck also lived an active life – backpacking in the Sierras, hiking in Yosemite, skiing in Tahoe, running the “Bay to Breakers”, ballroom dancing and traveling the world with Pat, wrestling with his grandsons, cheering on the 49ers, performing with the Dancing Divas and Dudes and teaching country western line dancing at the San Bruno Senior Center, even into his 90’s.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Chuck’s name to CALL Primrose; https://www.callprimrose. org/