Kent Bede Bernard, aka Kent Bernard, was a beloved Trinidadian athlete who passed away on February 19, 2025, at the age of 82.
He leaves behind his wife, whose name has not been publicly shared, and their son, Kolin Bernard.
While not much is known about Kent Bernard’s wife, it is clear that she was a pillar of support throughout his life.
Together, they built a family that cherished love, hard work, and dedication.
Kent Bernard was born on May 27, 1942. He became one of Trinidad and Tobago’s most celebrated athletes, competing in the 400 meters.
His greatest achievement came at the 1964 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, where he and his teammates—Edwin Skinner, Edwin Roberts, and Wendell Mottley—won a bronze medal in the 4 × 400-meter relay.
This victory brought huge pride to his nation and marked Trinidad and Tobago’s growing presence on the global athletics stage.
Kent’s success didn’t stop there. He attended the University of Michigan, where he not only competed as a student-athlete but also returned years later as an assistant coach.
From 1977 to 1999, he worked with sprinters and hurdlers at Michigan.
As a coach, Kent helped athletes achieve incredible milestones: ten All-America honors, three national championships, and 22 Big Ten individual titles.
His guidance helped the Michigan Wolverines win eight Big Ten team championships.
In recognition of his contributions to sports, Kent was awarded Trinidad and Tobago’s Hummingbird Medal in 2018.
This honor highlighted how much he gave back to athletics both at home and abroad.
On the personal side, Kent shared a quiet family life with his wife and son, Kolin. Kolin is a Managing Partner at Work Evolution Laboratories in Long Beach, California.
He studied Sociology at the University of Toledo and is a passionate Detroit Lions fan who loves attending their games.
Though Kent’s family kept their lives private, it’s clear they were an important part of his journey.
Kent’s impact went beyond sports. In 2013, he reunited with his 1964 Olympic relay teammates during a special gathering in Port of Spain.
This moment showed how strong the bonds were between him and those who shared in his triumphs.
Friends, Coworkers, And Fans Have Paid Moving Condolences To Kent’s Loss
When news of Kent’s passing broke, tributes poured in from all over.
The National Association of Athletics Administrations of Trinidad and Tobago (NAAATT) expressed deep condolences to his family and praised his incredible contributions to athletics.
Kevin Sullivan, Director of Track & Field at the University of Michigan, remembered Kent as a caring coach who took pride in mentoring young athletes.
“Having been fortunate enough to have been a student-athlete during KB’s coaching tenure, I can attest to the great care he had for his athletes and the pride he held in his heart for Michigan Track and Field. I know when we return to Penn Relays this spring, we will feel his presence when we walk by his traditional seat on the backstretch of Franklin Field. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family during this challenging time.”
Via Michigan Athletics
Kent passed away at the home of his close friend and Olympic teammate Edwin Skinner in Trinidad and Tobago.
His friends described him as not just an Olympic champion but also a kindhearted person who made a difference wherever he went.
“A Dear friend and colleague passed today , Kent Bernard . We worked together at the Washtenaw Juvenile Court and Kent was an Olympic Champion from Trinidad 🇹🇹 . Kent was also a Track Coach at the University of Michigan . R I P ❤️🙏🏾❤️”
Via Facebook
One of his childhood friends, Bonnie Billups Jr., remembered Kent’s work and shared,
“Kent Bernard was a great role model and friend. He worked at one time at the Ann Arbor Community Center, which is where I met him as a kid, before working at and retiring from Washtenaw County Juvenile Services . He saved a lot of young people in our community. Rest well Narskie! Rose, Lottie and Bootsy probably welcomed you!’
Via Facebook
Though details about Kent Bernard’s wife remain private, her presence in his life is undoubtedly significant.
Together with their son Kolin, she supported Kent through an extraordinary career that inspired countless people around the world.
Kent will always be remembered as more than just an athlete or coach—he was a symbol of perseverance, humility, and excellence.
His legacy will continue to inspire future generations to dream big and work hard to achieve their goals.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Kent Bernard has a brother named Mark Bernard.
- His son Kolin Bernard is married to Linda Parrick and lives in Long Beach, California.
