Kent Silsby Reynolds of Rapids City, Michigan, died May 13, 2023, at the age of 80 with Mary Ann by his side.

Kent was born on April 19, 1943, to Raymond and Marion (Brown) Reynolds in Worchester, Massachusetts. He married Mary Ann Dehlin in Gladstone on May 1, 1965. After graduating from Wayne Memorial High School in 1961 he attended the University of Michigan, graduating in 1965 with his degree in Secondary Education. He was a lifelong Wolverine. Go Blue! He earned his MA in Education Administration from Eastern Michigan University.

He dedicated his professional life to education as a coach, teacher, administrator, and leader. He began his career as a Science teacher in Garden City schools where he also coached Middle School basketball and track. He moved into Administration as a Middle School Principal in Baldwin. He moved to Grayling in 1973 to serve first as High School Principal and then Superintendent of Crawford Ausable School District until his retirement in 2001.

Upon retirement, Kent and Mary Ann moved full time to Elk Lake. Kent loved traveling, sailing, kayaking, and skiing with his family. In the summer, he and Mary Ann enjoyed sailing the Great Lakes on their boat Andiamo and could be seen on Elk Lake on their Hobie Cat and sharing a gin and tonic on the dock. Winters while they were raising their children were spent on the ski slopes from Michigan to Colorado. In retirement, winters were spent traveling from Key West to Hilton Head Island looking for the best Happy Hours. Kent was always in motion and was most content when he was busy and juggling multiple projects.

He was a member of Rotary for over 40 years beginning in Baldwin, moving to Grayling and finally to Elk Rapids where he served a term as President. He volunteered to causes important to him including the Harbor Commission, Traverse City Film Festival, Elk Skegemog Lakes Association, and Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council.

Kent was an optimist that emphasized the best qualities in people and situations. His stories showcased people at their best. But even Kent could not find positives in the dementia that robbed him of memory and physical ability.

Kent was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Susan Chalfant. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Mary Ann, his two children Karyn (Tim) Perry and Kevin (Liz) Reynolds; grandchildren Alaina Perry, Alexandra Perry, Daniel Reynolds and Rebecca Reynolds; great grandson Tatum Reagan; brother Bruce (Evie) Reynolds, and sister Jean(Bill)Cox.

Those considering donations in memory may consider Inland Sea Education Association (ISEA) or Elk Skegemog Lakes Association (ESLA) or Antrim County Humane Society.

Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, Covell-Elk Rapids Chapel, is in charge of arrangements.

www.beaconfh.com