George Gent, CO, passed away on November 14 after a battle with cancer. He was 44 years old.
Gent spent his career in Minnesota: He was employed at Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare, St. Paul, for 12 years and, most recently, was the orthotics residency director there. Prior to that he worked for Tamarack Habilitation Technologies, Blaine, and Shriners Hospitals for Children – Twin Cities, Minneapolis. Gent earned his orthotics certificate from Century College, White Bear Lake, Minnesota, in 1998, and became certified by the American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics and Pedorthics in 2000.
According to an OANDP-L listserv posting by colleagues Kristin Smith, CO, CTO, and Molly Linquist, CPO, “Those who had the privilege to work with George knew that he was a talented and passionate practitioner. He eagerly took on complex cases and was always more than willing to share his knowledge or lend a helping hand. Through his natural leadership, he pushed colleagues to always go the extra mile for each and every patient. George led by example and always strived for perfection with every flare, skive, stitch, and bend. He mentored many young practitioners and residents who will continue to be inspired by his passion….”
Gent is survived by his wife, Karen Gent; his children, Rachel and Riley Gent; his parents, Raymond and Donna Gent; and five siblings.