In Memory of Kent Shillinglaw

Kent was born in Seaforth, Ontario. He grew up on a farm near Londesboro with his older brother, Kevin and his parents, Bruce and Harriet. Kent attended Hullett Central Public School in Londesboro and Central Huron Secondary School in Clinton. He graduated from high school in 1995.

Kent was born with a heart defect, which was diagnosed shortly after his birth. He lived a relatively normal early childhood, but was hospitalized on a number of occasions with related heart problems. Kent was a very determined and independent boy and tried all the sports and games that his classmates were involved in. Unfortunately, as his body grew larger, his physical stamina reduced and he had to give up hockey and baseball and limit other activities.

His one love was motocross racing. It was a very exciting day when he bought his first motocross bike. He took some lessons, purchased all the correct gear and built a motocross track to ride his bike.

He volunteered at the Grand National Amateur Motocross Championship in Walton, Ontario for a number of years. His dream was to enter one race. That was not to be, as this sport required too much physical strength. It was a sad day when he sold his beloved bike.

Whenever Kent had to discontinue a certain sport or activity, he never complained. He just found something else to get involved with. He became interested in radio-controlled vehicles and joined a club. Kent had a great love and respect for animals and enjoyed volunteering for the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals by helping with the many dogs that his family fostered and found homes for.

Kent really enjoyed the farm and working with his Dad. Machinery was his biggest interest. You would find him riding on it, fixing it, talking about it and, whenever possible, driving it. The grass never looked better than it did after Kent learned to drive the riding lawnmower. A reason could always be found to drive either the ATV or the snowmobile. He particularly enjoyed driving farm tractors, the combine and our 18-wheel truck during spring planting and fall harvest. His high school co-op was working at Bluewater Truck Centre in Goderich. This was definitely one of his high school highlights. It became very evident that he wanted to pursue a career as a diesel mechanic.

His post-secondary studies continued at Fanshawe College in the Motive Power program. He worked very hard his first year and successfully completed all his courses, including one that required a high degree of physical strength. He was the recipient of the Scott Gedies Memorial Award. He worked even harder his second year, determined to graduate with high marks. His dedication and determination paid off. He was the recipient of the W. Bond Memorial Award and graduated in 1998 on the Dean’s Honour Roll.

After graduation, Kent realized that the physical demands of a diesel mechanic would be beyond his capabilities. This was a very disappointing and stressful time for Kent as he realized that his dream of becoming a diesel mechanic would not be fulfilled.

In August that year, Kent received a phone call from Fanshawe College informing him of an employment opportunity with Toromont Industries in Cambridge. He was the successful candidate and started work in September 1998 in the Parts department. We were all thankful that Kent had found a position in his chosen field. He took great pride in his involvement with Toromont. He was very customer-oriented and enjoyed his relationship with his co-workers. His enthusiasm for Caterpillar equipment was evident in his extensive collection of Cat items including his equipment models, clothing apparel, his Cat coffee mug and any other items with the Cat emblem.

In Kent’s spare time, he enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, playing golf and the mechanical maintenance of his Volvo cars. He spent as much time as possible on the farm, operating and maintaining the farm equipment. He had a great sense of humor, enjoyed a good laugh and made the best of what life offered him.

Because of Kent’s medical condition, he was a heart and lung transplant candidate. Unfortunately, he died of massive heart failure on September 1, 2000 before he had the opportunity to have surgery. We will remember Kent as a determined and positive young man who, despite his limitations, set goals, accomplished many and lived his life to the fullest. He believed that quality of life was better than quantity. We will cherish our many wonderful memories of Kent in our hearts forever.