"It?s years later, and my thoughts still drift to this complicated, funny, artistic soul. We spent so many hours listening to music- the Eagles, Pink Floyd, Alabama Shakes, Gomez the Band. He didn?t eat much, but he loved preparing food for others, serving amazing small plates to the neighbors who daily stopped by to chat and sit by the fire pit with us. He had amazing architectural ideas, amazing insight into nature, astronomy, design. He was extraordinary. I miss him. I still talk to him. He died too young, but in many ways, I?m sure he was at peace. There were no more mountains he felt he could climb. "
In loving memory of
Kent Malkovich
April 20, 1967 - October 7, 2021
Kent Malkovich passed away unexpectedly at Beaufort Memorial Hospital in Beaufort, South Carolina. He was 54 years old.
Born in New York City, he was the third child of Mark and Joan Malkovich. After living in Waterloo, Belgium for nearly five years, the family moved to Newport, Rhode Island where Kent attended Pell Elementary School, Cranston-Calvert School and Frank E. Thompson Middle School, graduating from Portsmouth Abbey School class of 1985.
He graduated from the University of Arizona with a degree in philosophy and a minor in astronomy, and was elected President of his fraternity.
Kent became a licensed plumber in Newport and spent many years at that trade and also had his hand in rehabbing properties and real estate speculation. He played rugby for a few seasons with the Newport Rugby Football Club, traveling with the team to Bermuda and Ireland. He moved to Beaufort, South Carolina full-time in 2004 continuing his trade and spending many happy years on St. Helena Island with his beloved dogs.
At age 10, Kent saved his money to purchase a high-powered telescope and spent hours gazing at the stars. He loved playing chess and did not like to lose! Apart from his interests in astronomy and fishing, Kent was an accomplished mountaineer having climbed four of the world's "Seven Summits", including Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, Mount Aconcagua in Argentina, Denali in Alaska and Mount Elbrus in Russia. He loved to share the many stories about his adventures.
Kent is survived by his brothers Mark Malkovich and Erik Malkovich both of Newport, RI; and his sister Kara Malkovich of Portsmouth, RI, and their significant others. He leaves his uncle Douglas Shewring and aunt Kathi Shewring of Newport, RI; and his aunt Shirley Christenson of Rockport, MA. He was pre-deceased by both his parents Mark P. Malkovich and Joan S. Malkovich
The family would like to thank the compassionate ICU staff and social workers at Beaufort Memorial Hospital. Due to current circumstances, there will be no wake and the funeral will be private. Your memories and condolences may be shared in the online guest book at memorialfuneralhome.com.
Tributes
"I am shocked by the news of Kent?s death. I got to know him ever since I was 10 years old in Beaufort. He was always a good neighbor and a blessing to our family. He had a fiery and strong spirit and he will be missed! Blessings and healing to the family and all extended relatives which includes friends "
"Steve and I are so incredibly saddened by just now learning of Kent?s untimely passing. We remember the hours on end he, with his siblings, worked with his father towards the production of the Newport Music Festival, year after year. He was the crutch they relied on. Our heartfelt condolences go you, Eric, Mark and Kara , and to the rest of the family. Jeanne & Steve Grimes"
"This is for my friend, my buddy, my ?brother?, who was always there for me, and helped me through hard times, and never judged. We?re missing you a little more each time we hear your name. We?ve cried so many tears, yet our hearts broken just the same. We?ll miss our times together, things in common that we shared. But nothing fills the emptiness, now you?re no longer here. We?ve so many precious memories to last our whole life through. Each one of them a reminder of how much we?re missing you."
"Dear Kara, family, and friends, John and I are so sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts during this difficult time. RIP Kent, you accomplished a lot in this life. Sincerely, John and Kerrie Escobar"
"I was so fortunate to have met Kent ! He was such an accomplished young man . All of us enjoyed his stories about his many adventures that he shared with are circle of friends ??He was so kind, always finding time to help others less fortunate. No one will ever fill his Red Sneakers and he has touched the hearts ?? of many !always lulu"
"Louise m Wilcox I was so fortunate to have shared special occasions with this amazing man . He was so acomplished and shared many of his adventures with our circle of friends. He was kind. Always helping others sharing his knowledge and skills to those less fortunate.. Too young and has left an empty spot in our hearts ?? No one can fill his beautiful Red Sneakers! Always Lulu "
"It has been an honor, and a privilege to have had Kent enrich our lives. He was one of our ?adopted? sons. We will have wonderful memories from South Carolina Rhode Island and Florida, to cherish, and bring a smile to our faces. He was deeply loved by all. He is off to climb another mountain.Love you, Baby Boy!, Rusty and Jeanie Benn"
"I am so sorry Malkovich Family. Please know you are in my thoughts. "