Born: October 23, 1950
Died: November 6, 2022
Kent S. Robinson, age 72, of Saranac Lake, died Sunday, Nov. 6, 2022 at the Adirondack Medical Center in Saranac Lake following a brief illness.
Kent was born on Oct. 23, 1950 in Penn Yan, New York, the son of Bernard and Ruth (Amidon) Robinson.
When Kent first moved to Saranac Lake, he worked at Hoyt’s Bus Garage cleaning the buses and moving them around. Shortly after, he was employed by the village of Saranac Lake as a fire driver from 1971 to 2011.
Kent served as the head village fire driver from 1985 until his retirement in 2011. Kent was an active member of the Saranac Lake Volunteer Fire Department for over 50 years. He was one of the very first EMTs to be certified in the department.
In 1981, Kent, along with another SLVFD member, were recognized as the Northern NY Volunteer Firefighters Association’s “Fireman of the Year” for heroic action taken during the Berkley Hotel fire.
Kent and another member in full turnout gear and air packs laddered a third story window, gathered seven people trapped upstairs and guided them to a room where they were able to survive by sealing the door cracks and openings with blankets, blocking the smoke until all could be rescued from the outside by the 75 foot snorkel. This incident was the first time that this award was given to a team of two firefighters and not an individual firefighter.
Kent was the first SLVFD member to travel to the Fire Academy in Montour Falls to become certified in repairing Scott air packs.
At the station, Kent was known as “Kentsy” or “Chummy.” He will be deeply missed and be fondly remembered for the rolling of his eyes and distinct “hehe” laugh.
Kent also owned and operated the Tri-Lakes Fire and Safety which he started in 1973. He also worked as a driver for Lavigne’s Taxi, the Olympic Regional Development Authority, the Olympic Training Center, Adirondack Ambulance, the Saranac Lake Adult Center Bus and Fortune-Keough Funeral Home. Kent made many trips back and forth to New York City and even occasionally drove for some notable celebrities.
On one particular trip while driving for ORDA, Kent found himself in New York City on 9/11 and witnessed the 9/11 attacks first hand. Kent also worked for New York state Department of Environmental Conservation as a dispatcher for many years.
Kent enjoyed boating and horseback riding. Kent developed his love of boats in the Finger Lakes, his Mom was from Penn Yan and Kent spent a lot of time there on the lake. Kent’s family also had horses.
Kent is survived by his life companion of many years Peggy Miron and her grandchildren Chelsea, Bailey and her great granddaughter Else, one brother John and several nieces, nephews and grand nieces and nephews.
Calling hours will take place at the Fortune-Keough Funeral Home in Saranac Lake on Thursday, Nov. 10, 2022 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
A funeral service will take place at 11 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 11 at St. Bernard’s Church in Saranac Lake with Saranac Lake Volunteer Fire Department Chaplain Ryan Schneider officiating. The service will conclude with a fireman’s prayer service, bell ceremony and last call. Following cremation burial will take place at a later date in Penn Yan, New York.
Friends wishing to remember Kent S. Robinson are asked to consider making memorial contributions to the Saranac Lake Volunteer Fire Department in care of the Fortune-Keough Funeral Home.
Family and friends can share their condolences and memories at fortunekeoughfuneralhome.com.
