On the morning of September 20, 2024, the Good Lord tapped Kent on the shoulder and he was taken into the presence of God. None of us had any warning, nor were we ready for this, but we know God knew His plans for Kent, and for all of us. 

Kent Peter Chaplin was born on April 24, 1950 in Worcester,  Massachusetts to parents Kenneth Everett Chaplin and Hazel Melnikoff Chaplin. 

After moving around the country to various states, Kent’s family settled in Shoreline, WA. where he attended Parkwood Elementary, Morgan Jr High and Shorecrest High School - class of 1968. That was where he met Barbara Rigney, but she was just the younger sister of his friend, Pamela. Long story short, Kent and Barbara reconnected in 1971 and were married in 1973.

In 1973, Kent opened his first car lot, Kompact Kar Korner in Lynnwood, WA specializing in late model, high performance, muscle cars, especially Corvettes. He became a new car dealer in 1993 with Chaplin’s Bellevue Mazda, adding Bellevue Volkswagen & Subaru.

In 1977 their first son, Brandon was born, followed by son Nick in 1979. It was at this time they moved to Mill Creek WA, a new, small housing development between Bothell, Lynnwood & Everett. Their third son Tyson was born in 1984 to make their family complete.

Kent accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior, and he was baptized on April 22, 1979 at Westgate Chapel in Edmonds, WA.

Also, during this time Kent developed his love of aviation, and he learned to fly. This love was born out of his fear of flying, and the challenge to overcome it, which he did. He received his pilot’s license and proceeded to earn his instrument, commercial and float plane ratings.

Despite Kent’s own admission that he was not the biggest fan of traveling, he and Barbara did have some wonderful travel adventures: a flight on Concorde to London, trips to Berlin & Wolfsburg, Germany, Mexico, Moscow, Russia, Italy, Prague, Vienna, Paris, the Normandy Beaches, and a little closer to home - a memorable road trip with dear friends on Route 66, trips to New York City, Yellowstone, and more. 

Kent was well known for helping others, whether it be large foundations or friends and neighbors in need. The word “No” was not in his vocabulary; he never met a stranger.

Kent leaves to mourn, his wife Barbara, sons Brandon (Vanessa), Nick (Andrea), and Tyson (Tessa), his beloved grandchildren Hailey & Natalie, Lennox & Tatum, and Sophia & Levi. He cherished his “Papa” title and position more than any other.

He also leaves his sister Cindi (Gary) Oneal, brother Michael (Kressen), sister Nedra (Geoff) Gannon, his Uncles Kenny (Kenneth), Sonny (Noah) & Chicky (Harold) Melnikoff, numerous cousins, nephews, nieces, great-nephews, and many friends.

Kent was pre-deceased by his parents, Ken and Hazel, his half-brother Kenneth E. Leo, aunts & uncles, and too many close friends, but we hold to the belief they were all there waiting to greet him in eternal life. 

There is so much more to share about the life of Kent Peter Chaplin. This could well become a book. Those he leaves behind will strive to carry on the values he held, his life and legacy.

   ~ Psalm 23 Numbers 6:24-26

Plans for a celebration of life are pending.

In lieu of flowers, if you wish, please make a donation to a charity of your choice that would benefit children most.