Dave Kennat's Obituary
David R. Kennat, 56, of Navarre, was called Home to be with the Lord on November 14th, 2023. He was born on December 28th, 1966, to Robert M. and Ruth A. (Nee’ Westbrook) Kennat. He will be remembered for his sense of humor, kindness, and great love of the outdoors.
Dave graduated from Ohio University in 1989 with a Bachelor's Degree in Mathematics Education. He continued his academic career at Ashland University in 1999, earning a Master’s Degree of Education in Curriculum and Instruction Computer Science.
As a teacher at Tuscarawas Valley High School for 31 years, the Navarre resident found ways to unify his dual passions for mathematics and nature.
While he enjoyed camping, hiking, kayaking, mountain biking, rock climbing and gardening, skiing was his true love. Thinking about it year-round, he said there is nothing like the freedom of standing 11,000 feet above a valley. He hoped to impart this feeling to his students through the ski club, which he advised at the high school for many decades. One of his favorite trips was to Switzerland with friends to ski the Swiss Alps.
Dave volunteered at Wanake Camp and Retreat Center in Beach City, Ohio, for 33 years. He started around age 18 as a junior counselor. From there, he became an assistant director, outpost director, photographer and videographer, gardener, and much more. He loved working with the campers and staff to explore the outdoors and his faith. For two years, Dave also worked as the director of Wakonda in Sherrodsville, Ohio.
Dave was preceded in death by his father, Robert M. Kennat.
He leaves behind a loving family to cherish his memory, including his mother, Ruth Kennat; sisters, Linda (Eric) Schanz and Karen (Christopher) Draper; nieces and nephews, Jessica (Dylan) Didinger, Emily Draper, Michael Draper, Anna Schanz, and Audrey Schanz; beloved cousins; and many other extended family members and friends.
A Memorial Gathering will be held on Saturday, November 18th, 2023, from 1:00PM to 5:00PM at Sunset Chapel, 6245 Columbia Road, North Olmsted, Ohio 44070. He will be laid to rest privately at Sunset Memorial Park, North Olmsted, Ohio.
Memorial donations may be made to Wanake Camp and Retreat Center (CampWanake.Org) in Dave’s memory.
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