BURTON EUGENE LENT
January 17, 1917 ~ March 20, 2011
Burton Eugene Lent, of Vancouver, WA, passed away on March 20, 2011. He was born on Jan. 17, 1917 to Frederick and Vera Lent in Cresco, IA, the middle child between Charles and Gertrude. After attending school in Cresco and Worthington, MN, he went to Waverly, IA to work for his brother-in-law.
It was in Waverly that Burt met the love his life, Virginia Bailey. They were married June 1, 1941 and were happily married for almost 70 years!
They came to Vancouver to work in the shipyards for the war effort in 1943. After a brief return to Iowa after the war, they returned to Vancouver in 1945.
Burt worked at Sparks Home Furnishings for 35 years. After retiring, Burt kept busy volunteering at his church and ushering each Sunday. He also worked at Share House serving lunch one day a week. He enjoyed his wood lathe making numerous toy soldiers and snowmen. He especially liked attending the men's cooking class at Marshall Recreation Center and traveling with Ginny to many wonderful places around the world. For the last two and a half years, Burt and Ginny have lived happily at Highgate Senior Living.
Burt is survived by his wife, Virginia; three nephews; and a host of friends in Vancouver who will all miss his love, caring, and sense of humor.
The celebration of his life will take place on Wed., March 30, at 10:00 a.m. at First United Methodist Church, 33rd and Main.
Instead of flowers, please consider sending a donation to the church with a label for the Share House Lunch Program that Burt helped with for many years.
Please sign Burt's guest book at: www.columbian.com/obits.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Burt had a wonderful Christian life and I recall meeting him at Sparks the summer Connie was born and I believe you two are her God parents. love to all Ed and Loraine Anderson
April 1, 2011
I have fond memories of Burt and Virginia as customers in my father and brothers' store, TP Food Market. I used to work in the store before I got married and always enjoyed visiting with them when they came shopping.
Virginia, please know that I send thoughts and prayers from Houston, Tx
Sheryl Johnson Rash
March 30, 2011
Mr and Mrs Lent were patients and good friends. I enjoyed many visits with Burt, particularly about his woodworking hobbies. I guess it was about fifteen years ago that he brought in a beautiful hand carved and tooled awl and presented it to me. I will think fondly of Burt each and every time I reach into my toolbox.
Dennis Graham Vancouver, WA
March 29, 2011
I don't ever remember a time when Burt wasn't a salesman for Sparks. When my Mother went to work for them in 1962, Burt and Virginia became very close friends with my parents and had ever so many fun times. I too have a wood votive candle holder sitting on my desk all these years that Burt made for me in about 2 minutes. But he was so much more that a talented wood worker, and ethical salesman. He was a true gentleman. We need more Burt's in this world today. Our love to Virginia, we know she misses him so.
Michael & Henrietta Rash
March 29, 2011
I started working at Sparks Home Furnishings with Burt 53yrs ago. Burt & Ginny became good friends and we will miss his long friendship.
Joe & Gayle Beaudoin
March 28, 2011
Burt was ever the gentleman with a warm sense of humor. He was always our top salesperson and had a wonderful ethical way with customers. A wonderful person! Tom Craig, Sparks Home Furnishings
Tom Craig
March 28, 2011
We were friends and neighbors for 20 years, and have fond memories of times together.
Alvin Berg
March 28, 2011
I remember Burt and Ginny having their wonderful brick home built right across the street-maybe I was 10. They were Methodists and my parents made friends right away. They always sang in the choir. When our dad was ill for 3 years, Burt came over every night to help our mother get him ready for bed. He made beautiful wood things from wood-we all have these mementos. A beautiful couple. You ran your race so well, Burt.
Anni DuFresne Beach
March 27, 2011
Our best-ever neighbor, dear friend, and wonderful companion. Our family will miss his unfailing good spirit and helpful hands. We think his reunion with our folks,Ronald and Florine DuFresne, must be a jolly affair.
Miriam LeGare
March 27, 2011
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