Kent M. Carlson, 71, loving husband of 50 years to Elke T. Carlson, died on Nov. 9 at the Smilow Cancer Center after a brief illness. He was the son of the late Lennart V. Carlson and Lois Bushman Carlson.  Born and raised in Milford, Kent had resided in Clinton for the past 44 years. He was a life-long member of the Masons and a past member of the Westbrook Elks. He was also an avid, life-long boater and had been a member of Pattaconk Yacht Club in Chester for the past 20 years, serving as its Commodore in 2000. Besides his wife, he is survived by two sons, Mark Carlson and his wife Alison and Todd Carlson and his fiancée Michele Robertino; three granddaughters, Kelcy, Morgan, and Codie, of whom he was very proud; his sister,  Karen Carlson Nichio and her husband Peter; and his brother, Wayne Carlson and his wife Ping. 

A memorial service will be held at the Pattaconk Yacht Club, 61 Dock Rd., Chester, on Friday, Nov. 16, at 3 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Smilow Cancer Center, 20 York St., New Haven, CT  06510. The Swan Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Please visit www.swanfh.com to leave an online tribute or condolence.