Brent Hall, 76
Brent Hall, loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, business leader and philanthropist, passed away peacefully at Kalispell Regional Healthcare at the age of 76 with family by his side on the morning of March 3, 2017.
Born Oct. 21, 1940 in Great Falls to Vernon and Dorothy Hall, Brent attended high school at Great Falls High, where he excelled at wrestling, football, track and sang in the high school choir. He attended Montana State on a wrestling scholarship, where he was undefeated his first two years and was voted team captain for his senior year. Brent was a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity and, while attending a fraternity function, met his future wife, Barbara O’Neil of Kalispell. Brent earned his Bachelor of Applied Science degree in English, science and physical education in 1962 and that same year married Barbara in Kalispell. He later went on to earn his Master’s degree in Health and Recreation Management from Eastern Michigan University.
A veteran, Brent served four memorable years in the Air Force’s Security Services with postings in San Angelo, Texas and on the island of Crete, Greece. Hall rose to the rank of Captain and was awarded a Commendation Medal for Meritorious Service. After being honorably discharged from the Air Force the family returned to Kalispell in 1970 where Brent started working in the lumber industry as sales manager for Forest Products. He founded successful local business Tri-City Lumber in 1976 with two partners, later buying one out and ultimately selling the business to Anderson Lumber Co. of Salt Lake City. Through a succession of future owners, Brent continued to manage the operations of the lumber company until the time of his death. A zealous advocate for his people, Brent did all he could to maintain the local employee base, many of whom are still with the company and from whom he earned an unwavering and steadfast loyalty.
Brent was a tireless supporter, volunteer and champion of many community philanthropies and organizations. In 2010, he was honored to be named Businessman of the Year by the Kalispell Chamber of Commerce. Among others, a few of the roles Brent served in include: Two-term President of the Kalispell Chamber of Commerce; Board of Directors of Norwest Bank; President of Braves Boosters; School District No. 5 School Board member; FVCC Board of Trustees; member of the Board of Directors of Flathead Electric Co-op; Kalispell Regional Medical Center Board member; Tri-City Planning Board member for 9 years; Lakeside Council member; Member and Church Council Eidsvold Lutheran Church; Bobcat Advisory Board; Kalispell Wrestling Club founder and manager for 18 years; Bobcat Bash Chairman for 3 years; Bobcat Club Board member and Bobcat Volunteer of the Year 2010. Brent and Barbara were also loyal supporters of the A.L.E.R.T. program at Kalispell Regional Medical Center from its inception.
Brent, affectionately known as “DB,” was a fun-loving, brutally honest and an incredibly generous man who willingly gave of his time, talent and treasure to his beloved state and community.
Hall is survived by his wife, Barbara, of Lakeside; and three children, Larik (Katherine) and grandchildren Mason, Aidan and Ava of Tokyo, Japan; Tor (Kari) and grandchildren Tanner and Taylor of San Clemente, California; and Kyrin and son Kellen of Covington, Washington. He is also survived by his siblings, Michael, Vicky, Tom, Jerry and Patrick Hall. He was preceded in death by his parents and twin brother Kent.
For those wishing to make memorial gifts in Hall’s name, the family suggests the following: The A.L.E.R.T. Program of Kalispell Regional Healthcare; Eidsvold Lutheran Church; and The Brent and Barbara Hall Endowed Scholarship Fund at Montana State University, Bozeman.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 8, at Northridge Lutheran Church in Kalispell.
Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for the family.