Smith, Kent David

With broken hearts, we sadly announce the passing of Kent David Smith of Fairport, New York, at home on August 21, 2023, at the age of 60, surrounded by his family.

Born on October 4, 1962, in East Aurora, New York, Kent grew up in Fairport, New York, graduating from Fairport High School in 1980. Early on he developed a strong passion for guitar, learning classical at the age of 12. In high school he started a rock band with his friends, frequently practicing in his parent’s basement. His favorite artists were Neil Young, Crosby Stills Nash and Young and the Grateful Dead. In addition to music, he was highly inventive from a young age, tinkering with things around the house – even wiring his bunk beds to turn on lights and sound alarms. Upon high school graduation he worked part time in the electronics industry while attending Monroe Community College (MCC) studying Business Administration and Electrical Engineering, graduating with an AAS in Electrical Engineering Technology. Over the next decade he also attended Roberts Wesleyan College (RWC) and the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) graduating with a BS in Management of Human Resources and an MS in Computer Science.

In 1984 he married the love of his life, Kathryn Turner, whom he met in class at MCC in 1982. He, Kathie and their son Cory White became an instant family and made many great memories together. His career spanned almost 40 years working at a variety of companies including Pioneer Electronics, Arrow Electronics, ISN (Integrated Supply Network) and BJG Electronics. Kent held a number of senior positions throughout his career, from Senior Vice President of Sales to President of Distribution, to his final position as President and CEO at BJG Electronics, Inc., headquartered on Long Island, New York. As a result of his vast career, he and Kathie were lucky to have lived in San Francisco, Denver, Tampa and Long Island.

In addition to his passion for his career, Kent spent many hours playing his collection of guitars – often with friends and family alongside. His taste in music styles expanded to include most genres, including old style country, bluegrass and folk. He and Kathie enjoyed traveling together, spending time on their boats and camping. He was an avid science fiction fan counting Star Trek and Star Wars among his favorites. His phenomenal positivity and sense of humor brought reason, candor and clarity to all those around him.

Kent is survived by his wife of 39 years, Kathryn (Turner) Smith, son Cory White, Cory’s wife Jaclyn (Strickland) White, parents Harry and Mary Anne Smith, sister Kelly (Smith) Owens and brother-in-law David Owens. In addition, he was beloved by his granddaughter Zoë White, nieces Farrell and Avery Owens, nephew Mathew Turner, their rescue chihuahua Jill, as well as many extended family members and friends.

A private service for the family will be held at a future date.

Those wishing to make a donation in Kent’s memory can do so at Memorial Sloan Kettering (MSK) using this link:
https://secure2.convio.net/mskcc/site/TR?pg=personal&fr_id=3903&px=4751551

Kent received amazing care from the department that treated his disease.