Brent C. Esplin

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Brent Esplin, who departed from this world on July 24, 2026, after a courageous 10-month battle with esophageal cancer. Brent was born on September 1, 1967, in Logan, Utah, to Gene and Pauline Esplin. He leaves behind a legacy of kindness, dedication, and unwavering love for those around him.

Brent grew up in Smithfield UT, and graduated from Sky View High School. He then served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the West Indies. Upon his return, he pursued higher education at Utah State University, where he earned a Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering. He then pursued a Master's degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering with a focus on hydrology.

Brent was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Part of his church service involved working with the young men in his wards. He leaves behind a lasting, positive influence and was committed to serving them in a gentle, non-judgemental manner that had a big impact on many of their lives. Brent was a hard worker. His work ethic started while he was young, helping Arthur Peterson on his farm hauling hay, moving sprinkler pipe, and milking cows. He also learned many skills that he would use throughout his life while working with his father in the construction business.

Brent's professional journey began with the State of Montana as a hydrologist in Glasgow. After a few short years in Glasgow, he joined the Bureau of Reclamation in Billings, Montana, where he ended his career as the regional director for the Missouri Basin and Arkansas-Rio Grande Texas Gulf Regions. Throughout his career, he lived in Montana, Nebraska, Arizona, and Utah. Brent approached his work with enthusiasm and integrity, but it was the friendships he forged with his colleagues that he cherished most.

Brent enjoyed spending his free time with those who mattered most, engaging in activities such as backpacking, rafting, jeeping, playing games, and undertaking home improvement projects. His adventurous spirit led him to travel extensively, visiting every continent except Australia. Brent had a particular fondness for waterfalls, having marveled at the grandeur of Niagara, Victoria, and Iguazu Falls, along with many others.

Brent is survived by his parents, his brothers Bart (Tina), Clay (Samantha), Chad (Konnie), Jason (Tiffany), and his sister Alison (Paul) Fluckiger. He was a cherished uncle to many nieces and nephews who will miss him dearly. Brent also found a family away from home with Bob and Jana Stockdale and their family, and his dear friend Manoj Katel.

One of Brent’s coworkers shared that when Brent learned of his illness, he hung a quote on his office wall: “Death and dying aren’t the same - The process of dying is still something to be lived.” Brent was a great example of this. Once he learned of his illness, he no longer had a “bucket list.” Instead, he cherished time with the ones loved.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, August 1, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints building, 2929 Belvedere Dr., Billings, Montana. Viewings will be held Friday from 6-8 p.m. at Smith Funeral Chapel, 925 S. 27th Street, Billings, Montana and Saturday from 10-11:30 a.m. at the church prior to the services.

Additional services will be held on Monday, August 3, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. in the Smithfield 26th Ward Chapel, 640 N. 200 E., Smithfield, Utah. A viewing will be held Monday from 9:30-10:30 a.m. prior to the services. Interment will be in the Smithfield Utah Cemetery. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at webbmortuary.com