Kent W. Cartwright

Kent W. Cartwright, 67, left his earthly home and met his Savior Monday, June 19, 2017. He was born Dec. 16, 1949, in Tiffin, to Sterling and Imogene Cartwright. He married Lynne Ritzenthaler March 28, 1975, in Tiffin. He is survived by the loves of his life: Lynne; two sons, Nicholas of Put-in-Bay and Brent and his new wife, Heidi, of North Olmsted; and his "four-legged girl," Emma. Also surviving are his brother and sister-in-law, Jon and Carolyn Cartwright, and their children, Kendra and Jon; and his father-in-law, Glenn Ritzenthaler. He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, who died in infancy; and his mother-in-law, Marta Ritzenthaler. Kent graduated from Columbian High School in 1968 and Heidelberg College in 2002. He worked as an electrician for his father at Cartwright Electric before he started teaching sixth grade at Washington and Krout elementary schools in Tiffin and then owned Computer Works of Tiffin. Kent was associate director of information technology for Heidelberg University, retiring at the end of 2014. In his retirement years, he enjoyed being back with the students of TCS as a bus driver for Krout. He joined the Boy Scouts of America to be assistant scoutmaster for Troop 443 when his son, Nick, was a Boy Scout. His tenure with BSA lasted for more than 31 years, serving in numerous positions for both the youth and the adults. Kent was honored to be a member of Wood Badge and Order of the Arrow. The BSA bestowed two awards upon him for his service, the District Award of Merit and the Silver Beaver in 1999. Kent enjoyed wood carving and was a master at chip carving, studying under the best and teaching his craft at Terra Community College and Wood Craft, Toledo. He was a founding member of Seneca Chippers. Many have learned the art of chip carving under his tutelage. He was a proud life member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks No. 94, Tiffin, and supported their many philanthropic endeavors, at both local and national levels. Kent also was part of Walk No. 54 of the Greater Findlay Emmaus Community and served on Emmaus teams several times. A celebration of Kent's life will be at 4 p.m. Sunday, July 9, 2017, at Grace Community Church, 900 Smith Road, Fremont. In his honor, donations may be made to Grace Community Church, 900 Smith Road, Fremont, OH 43420; Main Street Church, 320 N. Main St., Chelsea, MI 48118; Black Swamp Area Council, Boy Scouts of America, 2100 Broad Ave., Findlay, OH 45840; and Humane Society of Seneca County, 2811 S. SR 100, Tiffin, OH 44883. Kent lived graciously with prostate cancer for 10 years. It was the last treatment that took his life. The chemo to rid his body of cancer actually took away his ability to breathe by decimating his lungs. The following Bible verse held great meaning for him as he traveled his journey with cancer: "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future" – Jeremiah 29:11. Kent's hope and future was in Jesus. Hoffmann-Gottfried-Mack Funeral Home & Crematory, Tiffin, is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may be sent and the guestbook signed at www.hgmackfuneralhome.com.