Eight Bells: Kenneth Coventry

Kenneth (Ken) Coventry, aged 97, passed away peacefully at his Darien, CT home on December 1, 2022.

Born in Melbourne, Australia, the first in his family to achieve an advanced degree, he earned his chemical engineering degree at Melbourne University and later obtained an MBA from Indiana University. During his career with Mobil Oil, he lived in Tasmania and Melbourne Australia, Connecticut, New York, and London, England.

Ken built his first sailboat, a Mirror, from a kit in Australia at age 40. This began his lifelong love of sailing and racing. A member of the Noroton Yacht Club since 1972, he continued to sail each summer until his passing.

An avid racer in the Ensign class, he competed in every possible race locally, regionally, and nationally with son Gary, daughter Sandy, and varied Noroton YC crew members. Whilst in London, he raced his Squib at Cowes and Datchet.

He later sailed his Sonar, designed by good friend Bruce Kirby, which he outfitted for ease of day sailing on Long Island Sound with friends and family. He delighted in introducing sailing and racing to many friends over his 50+ years sailing at Noroton, many of whom became lifelong sailing buddies.

In retirement he spent the winters at his California homes in Del Mar and Solana Beach with his wife of 64 years, Connie, until she passed in 2018. Ken’s love of his family was a constant force, and a great source of happiness and pride. His wry sense of humor will be missed by all.

He is survived by his daughter Sandy, son-in-law Kurt, son Gary, daughter-in-law Donna, grandson Owen, and several nieces, nephews and cousins in Australia.

A gathering to celebrate Ken’s life will be held 1:00pm at Lawrence Funeral Home on December 18, 2022. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Darien Boy Scouts, where Owen achieved the rank of Eagle Scout.