Erwin “Erv” Jacob Kent born in Bozeman to Emmett Kent and Margaret Schnider Kent. He was the first of six children, and graduated from both Gallatin County High School and Montana State College. In 1957 he married Carol Theriault while in college.
After graduating from college, in Wildlife Management, he went to work for what was then called the MT Department of Fish and Game as a game warden. This position took him to Miles City, Forth Benton and then ultimately to Helena in 1962. After starting out as a game warden, he worked his way up until eventually retiring as Chief of Law Enforcement in 1994.
During retirement, he and Carol enjoyed traveling including trip to Hawaii, England and France. However; retirement didn’t suit him so he decided to go back to work including stints at the MT Department of Corrections, Department of Transportation and then to Military Affairs at Fort Harrison.
After his second retirement, he enjoyed spending time in Las Vegas where his children lived. He also loved to fish and work in his garden.
After his son, daughter-in-law and grandchildren, Braxton and Jaedyn moved to Helena, he was kept busy enjoying all of their activities. Loving every minute spent with them and their dog, Rex.
He is survived by his wife; his three children Debra (Steve Rice), Scott and Rod (Kim) and two grandchildren, Braxton and Jaedyn Kent; sisters Tootie Shaw and Claudia Kent and brothers, Don (Connie) and Skip (Mary Ann). He is also survived by sisters-in-law Veronica Connors and Helen Kent, and brothers-in-law Julian Theriault and Ralph Davis and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in passing by his mother, Margaret and father, Emmett Kent; brother, Bruce and nephews, Irvie Kent, Jackson Kent and Kenny Davis; mother-in-law, Minnie Theriault; sisters-in-law Ruth Davis and Barbara Jensen and brothers-in-law Dennis Theriault, George Jensen and Larry Shaw.
A special thanks to Dr. Weiner and Dr. Grossman and their staff for such loving care given to Erv.
Per Erv’s wishes, a private family service will be held. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Woody Wright says
My condolences to Erv’s family. I worked with Erv at Montana Fish and Game and then Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks though some very interesting times!
He was always a gentleman and solid Warden of the state’s wildlife. May the trout always be of record size.
Bing Menard says
My thoughts and prayers are of Erv and his family. Bing Menard.
Susie Fergerson Wong says
Scott,
Thinking of you and your family.
Loren W. Davis says
My condolences to the family. I graduated from Gallatin High with Erv. I always enjoyed running into him in the field. Enjoyed Erv, Brothers Bruce and Don at the Last Chance Stampede. My sister, Twyla Davis went to school with Carol in Bozeman. God Bless. Loren W. Davis
Jan and Bob Vogel says
Rod, Kim, Braxton and Jaedyn, we’re thinking of you all and praying that God will comfort you and give you peace during this time and always.
John Moore says
Peace to Erv and his family. I collaborated with him several times when he worked at Transportation and Military Affairs. He was always honest, straightforward, and humorous. Sorry to learn of his his passing.
Allen & Diana Richards says
Carol and Family,
We were so sorry to read of your loss of Erv. We know you will miss him so much, but also know you have many wonderful memories to hold on to. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless.