Bruce Nelson Kent

Bruce Nelson Kent, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, passed away peacefully at his home in Goleta, California, on May 28, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family. Bruce was born on February 10, 1947, at Auburn City Hospital in Auburn, New York, to Edney Raymond Kent and Alice Marian (Somers) Kent. He was raised with strong family values, a deep sense of service, and a compassionate spirit that would guide him throughout his life. 

In 1966, Bruce enlisted in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War, choosing to serve his country. He proudly served as a Psychiatric Medic, caring for others with the same dedication and kindness that would later define his nursing career. On August 23, 1969, Bruce married the love of his life, Liz (Butcher) Kent. Together they built a beautiful marriage spanning more than 56 years, raising a large and loving family while creating countless cherished memories. 

Bruce devoted his professional life to caring for others. He first earned his Licensed Vocational Nurse credential at Riverside City College before continuing his education and later earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Phoenix. He worked as a Registered Nurse for 45 years, touching countless lives through his compassion, skill, and unwavering commitment to his patients. Above all else, Bruce was devoted to his family.

He is survived by his loving wife, Liz; his children (and their spouses) Aaron (Monica), Nicole (Conrad), Melanie (Greg), Jeremy (Kelly), Kevin (Alessandra), and Rosemary (Billy); his brother Gary Kent (Ann); his sisters Joanne Sanders and Cindy Miano (Tony); 14 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; and a large extended family of cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

Bruce was preceded in death by his grandparents; his parents; his sisters, Gayle, Sharon, and Suzanne; his nephew, Michael; and many beloved friends and family members who welcomed him home in heaven. 

Bruce will be remembered for his selfless heart, his dedication to helping others, his unwavering love for family, his faith, and his ability to make those around him feel valued and cared for. He taught his family the importance of hard work, unconditional love, and always putting others before oneself. His legacy lives through the many lives he touched and the family he cherished.

For those who would like to honor Bruce’s memory, the family would be deeply grateful for a donation in his name, in place of flowers, to Shriners Children’s Hospital at donate.loveshriners.org or the Cancer Society at donate.cancer.org