Kent Gold

Kent was born on November 13, 1961 to parents William Herbert Gold and Robbie (Youlden) Gold at Lockbourne Air Force Base, Ohio. As the son of an Air Force officer, Kent lived in many different cities - both in the United States and overseas. One of the highlights of his childhood was the family’s time in Norway while his father worked for NATO. After Kent graduated from high school in Florida, he attended Washington State University. He attained his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering degree in 1986. He was immediately hired by the Boeing Company, where he worked until 1995. During this time, he attained his Masters in Business Administration at Seattle University, and in 1991 married his wife of 27 years. Kent loved soccer, and his dream was to be an entrepreneur, which he realized when he opened his first Arena Sports soccer center in 1995. He continued to pursue this vision and opened multiple soccer centers in the Seattle area. In 2001, Kent sold the business and moved the family (wife and three children) to Spokane to be near his parents. Here, Kent developed Soccer Tots, which aimed to train children to play soccer and other sports. During this time, he was also a business consultant and helped many clients open their own soccer centers around the world. Most recently, Kent worked as an executive coach for Vistage, guiding CEOs to become better leaders. This opportunity brought him great joy and satisfaction.

Besides father and husband, Kent’s favorite role was soccer coach. He coached all three of his children as they grew up, including SYSA and Breakers Premier. In addition, he served as the high school soccer coach at The Oaks Classical Christian Academy for many years, where he set a Christ-like example to many young men.

Kent loved spending time with family and friends, studying the Bible, playing/coaching/watching soccer, and cheering on the Cougar football team, for better or for worse. Kent was always a “fun-instigator” in the lives of his family and friends. Some of his favorite recreational activities included ball-tag, kick the can, whiffle ball, playground tag with his kids, backpacking, skiing, family camp and card games. Kent also competed in the men’s line dances at the Dance Center of Spokane where his daughters grew up dancing. He proudly holds many titles and awards for their comedic and (he’d say) skillful dances.

Kent was always generous and quick to welcome others into his life. The families’ five exchange students—Jenny, Thiago, Isa, Johan, and Chris became to him like his own children. Additionally, he was heavily involved in his church and was always one of the last people to leave on a Sunday. He annually served at Vacation Bible School as well as preparing food for the homeless on Christmas Eve. Anywhere he went, Kent tried to talk to everyone and make them feel important.

Kent is survived by his wife, Anny; their three children - Chelsea, Delaney and Greyson; as well as his father, Bill Gold; and sisters Tracie Stuart and Gretchen Farley.

More than anything, Kent loved Jesus and his family. This was demonstrated daily in the way that he lived his life. We will miss him very much, but we press on joyfully in the knowledge that we will see him again in Glory. Psalm 116:15

There will be a service in celebration of his life on Saturday, August 25, 2018 at 11:00 am at Southside Christian Church, 2934 E 27th Ave, Spokane, WA 99223. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a donation to the Union Gospel Mission.