Robert Raymond "Buck" Gent's Obituary
Robert Raymond “Buck” Gent, Coach Gent, Señor Roberto left this earthly existence at 4 pm on Wednesday, November 12, 2025 at his home in Springville, Utah.
Buck was born on September 15, 1941, in Portland, Oregon to Amyrue Warnock Ulrich. Buck and his younger brother "BJ" (Buddy Joe) were lovingly adopted by, William Harold Gent, as young boys.
Buck grew up in Oregon where he was an avid fisherman on the days he wasn’t playing football or basketball. He excelled at Cascade Locks High School and was Student Body President. He graduated in 1960. He went to Eastern Oregon College for a year, then served a mission in Lima, Peru for "The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints". His mission was a milestone in his life and he prophesied his faith and testimony enthusiastically for the rest of his life.
Upon his return in 1965 he continued his undergraduate studies at Ricks College,
now, BYU Idaho in Rexburg, Idaho. He became a member of the Army Reserves
as a way to provide for his family until he finished his undergraduate degree at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. He also achieved his Master’s degree there. His educational pursuits continued, achieving his PhD in 1992.
Buck taught school and coached football and track for many years. He had the opportunity to teach English and Spanish and coach high schools in Oregon, Utah, Idaho and Washington state. He was drawn to writing about his experiences in life and in coaching. He wrote a number of articles and books about his experiences in life. His favorite being: "Season of Victory Manti Football" which can be found on Amazon.
Buck had many health challenges during his lifetime, beginning with Typhoid Fever in Peru. Each time he made a miraculous recovery crediting his faith in his Father in Heaven and his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He was near death numerous times and had a heart transplant in 2006. His life was preserved for 19 more years. He married his wife Diane in 2011 and they spent their retirement years happily together until he passed at age 84. Buck’s faith, positivity and his incredible will to live, blessed the lives of hundreds of students, friends, and family.
Buck’s greatest love was his faith, family... and football. He is survived by his wife, Diane Wyatt Gent, four daughters, Athena, Aloha, Wuana, Echo Lynn, one son, Troy and two daughters deceased at birth. Eight living grandchildren, one deceased, and two great granddaughters. He is also survived by his sister, Linda Gent Goodman. His parents William Harold, Amyrue Warnock Gent and his brother B.J. Gent preceded him in passing on...to "eternal" progression. God bless a beautiful reunion happening~
Buck’s testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and a loving, kind Heavenly Father was firm and never wavered. He tried to do what was right his whole life. Truly he was a man without guile!
A celebration of Buck's life will be held at the Springville 9th Ward Chapel, 878 West Center Street ~ Springville, Utah on Saturday, December 13, 2025 at 10:00 am. In place of flowers or plants, please donate to your favorite charity.
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