1939-2013
Surrounded by his family, Kent Tingley passed away on December 7th, 2013 in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
He is loved by his wife of 44 years, Peggy Tingley; his three children Brad (Sandy) and their children (Hart, Noah, and Kent), Jill (Chris) and their children (late grandson Jack, Maci, Fin, and Keenan), and Sue (Clarissa); his older children Les, Jayne and her children (James, Andrew, and Josh); and his late son Rick (Sharon) and his children (Leighton and MacKenzie).
Kent was born at his parent’s farm in Upper Cape, New Brunswick. In his professional career, Kent was a highly accomplished leader. After completing his Bachelor of Science degree at Mount Allison, he graduated from Pharmacy at Dalhousie University and later completed his Master’s in Hospital Administration at the University of Toronto. With his education, Kent led the Saint John Regional Hospital (SJRH) as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) from 1979 until 1992.
Highlights of his accomplishments at the SJRH included overseeing the construction of the new SJRH; implementing one of the first medical information system of Canada; and establishing the successful Cardiovascular unit. Concurrently, Kent was a member of the Association of Canadian Teaching Hospitals, and Canadian and American College of Health Care Executives. In honor of his accomplishments and community services, he was awarded the Commemorative medal of the Confederation of Canada in 1992.
In the same year, his hospital responsibilities expanded, as he became President and CEO of the Region 2 Hospital Corporation. Until his retirement in 1995, he led the health care administration duties in Saint John, Sussex, Fundy Isles, and Charlotte County.
Beyond his successful professional career, Kent and his family spent their time on the Tingley Strawberry Farms in Upper Cape. He loved driving his John Deere tractors, feeding his cattle, planting his strawberries, and teaching all his children the values of hard work. He was a loving husband and father. His attributes of humility, sincerity and compassion were tangible to all who met him from Saint John to Upper Cape. He will be deeply missed - A wonderful man.
Rested at Cruikshank’s Funeral Home, 2666 Windsor Street, Halifax, with visitation on Tuesday, December 10, 2013 from 6-8:30 pm. The funeral service was held at St. Andrew’s Church on Wednesday, December 11, 2013 at 11:00 am, with a reception following at Martello, 1550 Dresden Row, Halifax, NS. Interment took place in Upper Cape, NB on Thursday, December 12, 2013 at 12:00 noon. Memorial donations may be made to the Parkinson’s Society Maritime Region or Jack in the Clouds Foundation. To send online condolences, please visit www.cruikshankhalifaxfuneralhome.com