Bernard Kent Mahler

Bernard Kent Mahler, 67, passed away at his home in Missoula on July 3. Kent passed in his sleep following a short battle with cancer. He was born on January 15, 1946 in New York City to June (McLeod) and Walter Mahler, both Montana natives. Following service in the US Army, he attended Montana State University, where he met his wife-to-be Sandra Punke of Missoula. Following their marriage, they lived in Missoula, near her parents (in Missoula) and his grandparents (in Arlee).  Kent, who would later become known locally as “The Tool Guy,” began his career at Coast-to-Coast stores and later purchased Montana Tool Company, which he owned and operated for 30 years before selling the company in October 2010 and retiring in February of this year. He was known not only for his expertise, but also his willingness to go the extra mile for his customers, most of whom he also counted as friends.

A loving and giving man, he was active in supporting the community, including the MSU alumni association, FFA, and 4-H, Kent will perhaps be most remembered for his avid support of his daughters’ and grandchildren’s sports teams, particularly soccer and swimming.

Kent is survived by his wife Sandra; daughters Jennifer, Sarah (Malowicki), and Christine; sons-in-law Michael Brumfield and Mark Malowicki; grandchildren Nathan, Kaytlyn, and Luke; brother and sister-in-law Walter and Shyamala Mahler; and his extended family and friends in Missoula and beyond.

Memorial services will be held at Garden City Funeral Home (1705 West Broadway Missoula, MT 59808) on Saturday, July 13, at 2 p.m. with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations in his memory to the Montana Cancer Center (http://mtcancer.com/).

Arrangements are under the direction of Garden City Funeral Home and Crematory.