Brent Watkins McMaster

Brent Watkins McMaster died peacefully, Saturday, May 16 surrounded by his family.

Brent was born on December 4, 1942 in Salt Lake City, Utah to J. Stuart and Clara Watkins McMaster and was raised in a loving, music-filled home as a “free-range” kid on Kensington Avenue. His mother’s primary songs, love for nature, and the gospel of Jesus Christ have had a great influence on him throughout his life. He was the youngest of 4 children, preceded in death by his sister Diane McMaster McCoun, and brothers John S. McMaster, and Thomas W. McMaster.

The love of his life and “An Affair to Remember” for 61 years is his surviving wife, Diane Lloyd. Brent first noticed the smiling Diane during a traveling Jr. High assembly. They later met, dated, and became high school sweethearts at East High School where they enjoyed magical high school years with close and life-long friends. They were married May 13, 1965 in the Salt Lake Temple, and their posterity includes David and Melinda McMaster, Mary Ann (McMaster) and Michael Pihl, Daniel and Brooke McMaster, James and Adrienne McMaster, William and Emily McMaster, 21 grandchildren, and 4 great grandchildren.

Brent and Diane were a model couple. It’s difficult to say one name without mentioning the other. Their harmonious love and devotion to one another has provided a solid foundation for their family and touched countless lives along the way. Together, they created a loving, warm and welcoming home that was a place of gathering and engaging conversation for family, neighbors, and friends.

Brent was a proud retailer throughout his life. It began with a shoeshine and lemonade stand in his childhood neighborhood that propelled him to a 12-year clothing and management career with Castleton’s where he was supervisor of stores. He loved all aspects of merchandising, which culminated in being asked by Obert Tanner to establish the O.C. Tanner Jewelry and Gift Store. As the Vice President of Retail Operations for 30 years, he became one of Utah’s first Certified Gemologists and was elected to the National Board of Couture Jewelers of America. He was grateful for the opportunity his career offered to visit some of the finest cities in the world, and he and Diane loved their association with many friends and customers in the trade. He was also a long-time, influential presence in the downtown Salt Lake City business community. In his retirement, he enjoyed teaching gemology at the University of Utah.

Brent attended Uintah Elementary, Roosevelt Jr. High, and East High Schools, and was elected Student Body President at each school. He graduated from the University of Utah, affiliating with the Sigma Chi Fraternity and developed life-long friends. He later received a graduate diploma from the Gemological Institute of America.

Brent was active in community life as a youth basketball and baseball coach, as a leader of multiple professional organizations and as a member of Rotary and Alta clubs. Especially memorable to his children and their friends were his 15+ years as a Little League Baseball coach in the Avenues for the mighty “Pirates”. Brent’s calm demeanor, never ending patience, focus on the basics, early morning practices and handwritten detailed stat sheets were his trademark.

His love of the gospel of Jesus Christ guided him throughout his life and provided many service opportunities, responsibilities and cherished memories that shaped his life. Particularly meaningful was his service as a full-time missionary in the Western States mission, working with youth in many capacities, and working with the students as a bishop at the University of Utah student ward. His service together with Diane as Mission Leaders in the Australia Sydney South Mission impacted their lives greatly as they found joy in seeing the gospel of Jesus Christ change lives.

A man of many talents and hobbies, Brent was never at a loss for something to do. Gardening, golf, photography, guitar, boating on Bear Lake, leatherwork, senior softball in his 70’s, collecting old vinyl records and music, antiques, gems, reading, yo-yo’s, watercolor painting, house painting, and family history were just some of his loves. He enjoyed sharing his time, skills and resources with others. His children welcomed his painting skills and services in their homes, drop by yard-clean up with his self-owned chain saw, and consultant advice on home beautification projects. During his later years, he was able to spend more time at beloved Bear Lake, a place that connected generations, and a place where his creativity, work, love of Diane, family, music, and nature all came together.

Brent was a patient, kind, loving man and an influential leader. He leaves a legacy of kindness to all.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, May 26, at 11:00 a.m. at the Garden Heights Ward, 2220 Fisher Lane, Salt Lake City, Utah. A viewing will be held prior to the funeral services from 9:30 to 10:40 a.m. An additional viewing will be held Monday, May 25, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the same location. Interment will follow at Brigham City Cemetery.