Kent H. Dumas

May 26, 2018

Kent H. Dumas

PHILLIPSTON- Kent H. Dumas, a consummate educator, public servant, devoted family man and friend, passed away at the age of seventy six, in Port St. Lucie, Florida on May 19, 2018 with his loving wife by his side.

Kent was born October 10, 1941 to former Athol Band Director, the late Ray H. Dumas and the late Gertrude A. (Duval) Dumas; he lived in Athol throughout his early school years where he formed lifelong friendships with his graduating class of 1959. His classmates were a constant in his life.

In 1964, a year after marrying his wife Joanne (Bettey), Kent earned his Bachelor’s degree at Fitchburg State and not long after took his first teaching position in Royalston. Following thre years in Royalston, he moved the family to Phillipston, where he had taken a job at Phillipston Memorial School as a teaching principal. Taking night courses, he earned his Master’s degree in 1970; all the while he and Joanne painstakingly restored a 200 year old colonial home which was a Herculean task in itself. He taught biology at Gardner Junior High for two years and then took a principalship at Riverbend School in Athol for eight.

A vice principal position at Narragansett Regional High School in 1981 led to Principal in 1985, the tenure for which he remained until his retirement in 1995.

An unwavering role model to the students whom he referred to as “his kids”, Kent endeavored to facilitate their potential throughout his career. He was recognized by his peers for the unwavering support of his students and teachers, for improving the educational system and supporting extracurricular activities: “GO BLUE!”

Public service in Phillipston included Chairman of the Assessors, volunteer fireman and EMT, Boy Scout leader, King Lion in the newly organized Lion’s Club, School Building Committee and various other community projects.

He enjoyed learning as he did teaching. Of special interest was the history of the New England region from the native inhabitants to colonization. His insatiable thirst for knowledge included reading and collecting National Geographics, Classic literature and was known to quote Shakespeare…….a lot.

Kent was an outdoorsman with interests in hunting, fishing, gardening, and was known for his exceptional wood stacking ability.

He found peace and solace in Maine and the ocean, marveling at both its unrestrained power and tranquil beauty from shore or on a boat.

A quiet romantic, he loved music and dancing especially to favorites like “Could I Have This Dance”.

Along with Joanne, his wife of fifty five years, Kent leaves behind his daughter Kelly Anne and her husband Gary Woods, granddaughter Kayla and her husband Jordan Meadows; son Kurt; daughter Kristen Leigh and her son Colin. He also leaves a sister, Nadine A. Mosquera and  brother, Scott D. Dumas of Athol; several cousins, nieces and nephews; and an extended family of dear friends.

A Memorial service will be held on Sunday, June 10, 2018 at 2 p.m., at the Narragansett Regional High School, 464 Baldwinville Road, Templeton, MA 01468.

Honorary pallbearers, Charles Montabano, Kurt Dumas (son), Colin Hayes (grandson), Jason Fortunato, Edward Smith, Daniel Sanden and Randy Hamel.

Interment in Lower Cemetery, Phillipston, will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Butler Hospital, Memory and Aging Program- Room 167 Weld , 345 Blackstone Blvd., Providence, RI 02906. Memo- CADASIL  Research for Kent Dumas, Treasurer Coast Hospice Foundation, 1201 S.E Indian Street, Stuart, Florida 34997, or to the Narragansett Regional High School, c/o Crystal Smith, towards the Library Fund, 464 Baldwinville Road, Templeton, MA 01468.

Witty’s Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange, is directing the arrangements.

You may offer your sympathy online at www.wittyfuneralhome.com

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