J. Kent Howard
March 23, 1941 - November 3, 2020
Our beloved Kent died at home at the age of 79 on November 3, 2020, following an extended illness with PSP, Progressive Supranuclear Palsy. This relentless brain disease produces abnormal amounts of protein which degenerated his body but not his spirit. Positive to the end, he was determined not to let this disease get him down. He loved spending time with the family he treasured, traveling the world, taking the RV to far-off destinations, and drinking a good Manhattan.
Kent was born March 23, 1941, in Blair, NE, the son of Dr. C. D. Howard and Beatrice Howard. After graduating from Dana College with a degree in science, he worked for United of Omaha for three years before getting a degree in Medical Technology. For several years Kent operated labs and blood banks in the states of Washington and Nebraska. While in Fremont, NE, Kent took the opportunity to get a degree in hospital administration from the U of MN. This took him and his family to UT, KS, MO, IL, and OH where he was either the COO or CEO of health care systems. He had a fierce determination to improve any hospital facility where he was in charge and to provide quality healthcare. Kent worked long hours and loved mentoring other young CEO’s at his satellite hospitals.
Small in stature but long on natural ability and determination, Kent excelled in any sport he tried. He was All-State quarterback in high school and an excellent shortstop/second baseman on teams from grade school through college. Kent and Karen also bicycled over 30,000 miles recreationally, a hobby that became a passion.
Kent leaves behind a devoted family that he adored and left such a legacy to survive him. Wife, Karen; Sons: Michael, John (Kit), and Mark (Alfredo); Grandchildren: Carson (Cody), Jensen, and Kate; Great-grandchildren: Olive and Everly. Sister Sheila Seberg (Richard), Newport Beach, CA, and numerous nieces and nephews in CA and IN.
Services will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Park City, UT, on December 5 at 11 a.m., invitation only. Burial will be in his beloved NE in the spring. No flowers please.
Donations in Kent’s name may be made to: Senior Charity Care, PO Box 744, Kaysville, UT 84037; TunnelstoTowers. org; CurePSP,, donations@curepsp.org. Kent’s brain has been donated for research at the Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL.
In Loving Memory
Your husband/father/grandfather/etc. was my friend for over forty years, even though we were physically separated for a large part of that time. We played softball together, watched our sons football games, drank together, laughed together and with our wives went RVing all the way through the Yukon and Alaska and British Columbia together for two months. (At the end of that time, you are either closer friends or you never speak to one another again!) Kent was a tenacious worker, a lover of education, a loving father , a believer in participating in the affairs of his community and one of the funniest people who ever blessed my company. Regardless of his physical stature, he was a giant in my life as I'm sure he was in yours. The loss of such a friend is like a tree losing a major limb; the tree may not die, but it suffers for the rest of its life from the loss. No one will replace Kent in my life, and I grieve for him, but I am proud to have been his friend and much the better person for it. Thank you, Kent, and may you rest in eternal peace.
I may have only know Kent and Karen for 8 short years but I have a life time of memories about them. They welcomed me into their home and into their family. Kent was kind, funny, loving, and humble. I am so thankful for the times we had together. Kent will be missed. Heaven has another angel. The Silver Bullet
I have known Kent my entire life, literally, as he was born three month before me, both in Blair. He was officially my cousin, but always felt more like a brother. We were the best of friends, although we seldom lived near each other. We always made an effort to get together as often as possible, and our wives, Mimi and Karen became close friends, too. We always kept track of each other's kids. So, we partied together, travelled together, drank together, sang together and always laughed together. I will miss him terribly, my "brother from another Mother. Bob O'Hanlon
Kent was my baby brother. We were 18 mos apart. So we went to grade school,high school and college at the same time. We married within 3 months of each other and stood up for each other. We had wonderful parents to whom we could do no wrong. In our adult life we did trips to Blair ski trips with all the kids , tfips to Europe, and cruises . In the past 20 years every Dec 26 to Jan. 2nd we spent in Park City with the 6 grandchildren. We will miss him terribly this year.
Virtually impossible to not have the greatest day ever when spending it with Kent. Will always remember the mayhem and laughter at Disneyworld, Park City and NB. Cheers to the legend King Faisal aka “the Faisonator”
My mother and Kent's mother were sisters. I grew up about 300 miles from Kent in Northwest Nebraska but spent many summers in Blair with Kent and my other cousins. I felt very close to Kent and I will always treasure our annual cousin reunions. Kent and Karen were always gracious hosts, great friends, and Kent was a great cousin. He will be missed. Love to all of you. Bob & Anne Marshall
We met Karen and Kent in 1970 when we all moved to Port Angeles, Washington. Kent worked at the hospital there and talked me into donating blood which I said I would do if he was in charge. Afterwards, typical of Kent, he gave me a shot of whiskey! Now, how many people can say that? The guys formed a local over 30s basketball team and Kent was promply nicknamed "Hards" (Can't talk about it). We've kept in touch all these years, making trips to see them in Fremont NE, Leewood, Ks and of course Park City. Even made it to 2 GO BIG RED GAMES! Such fun times...our last trip was 5 years ago when we went to Australia, New Zealand and Fiji! Kent was one of a kind and he will be sorely missed. A true friend!
Karen and family, I am so sorry to hear this news. My sympathy to the whole family. I have great memories of visiting your home in KC and seeing you when you visited Lexington. Kent will live on in the hearts of everyone who knew him.
Our world is a better place because of you, and a sadder place without you. What I miss most is not being able to see your face. The ornery twinkle in your eyes that said that fun was about to begin, and the tales were about to get taller. Your smile of pride and satisfaction as you watched your family accomplish great things. Rest in Peace, and know that we miss you Kent!
Our sincere sympathies To Karen and family in your loss
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family Sincerely Dave Vance Family
Karen and family so sorry to hear of Kent"s passing , i found out from Buzz M. a couple of days after he passed. may he rest in peace. keep family and friends close i know from experiance how important that is. Larry Biffar Blair,Ne
To the best QB ever at Blair High. We will miss your smiling face and great sense of humor so very much. Rest In Peace.
I am so sorry for your loss. We ,the Grace family, were neighbors of the Howards. In fact Dr. Howard and Dr. Sievers are the reason we came to Blair. Kent used to throw my 3 brothers and I up in the air and catch us. His accomplishments were amazing, the health systems were so lucky to have him, improving the quality of patient care was something he learned from his great parents. God bless you all.
Dear Karen and family, We just read Kent's obituary in the Blair paper. We will be out of town on Saturday and are sad that we will not be at the memorial service. We really enjoyed knowing Kent and are sure that he is greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
While golfing this morning Kent's name came up. So I found his passing on the internet. We worked together at Dodge County Hospital in Fremont for two years back around 1980. I was the business office manager and he was the lab manager while he worked on his MHA. we ran together and played tennis together and had a lot of fun.While he was senior VP at research medical Center I worked at Gardner KS hospital owned by Research and we met up and he was still a friend. Sorry for your loss.
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In Loving Memory
