Brian Kent Parkin

Brian Kent Parkin, 47, passed away unexpectedly from a heart attack on July 29, 2025, while vacationing in Newport Beach, California, with his beloved family. His final moments were spent peacefully with his wife at his side.

Brian was born on July 13, 1978, in Ogden, Utah, and grew up in Kaysville. He was raised by loving parents, Adeline Parker Parkin and J. Robert Parkin, and grew up in a close-knit and supportive family alongside his sisters Teresa Parkin, Heather Parkin Cragun, Holly Parkin Hill, and his special siblings Kerry Dixon and Rick Dixon.

From an early age, Brian seemed to know that life was meant to be lived full throttle and always to a soundtrack of his favorite music. What began with sledding down neighborhood hills turned into a lifelong passion for snowboarding. When he wasn’t on the mountain, he was riding a skateboard, and later motorcycles. Over the years, he racked up 41 broken bones, but not once did it slow him down or stop him from having a good time.

Brian graduated from Davis High School and went on to pursue higher education at Utah State University before ultimately earning his degree from the University of Utah. He was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served honorably in the Chile Antofagasta Mission. While there, he became so fluent in Spanish that locals often assumed he was a native Chilean, not a North American, or “gringo,” as Brian liked to say. While studying at the U, because of his fluency in Spanish, upon graduation, the FBI offered him a position and actively recruited him to relocate to Washington, D.C. for a lifelong career. His response, in true Brian fashion, was: “Thanks, but no thanks, I love the mountains and snowboarding too much to leave Utah!” He later served as an associate teacher and chaperoned student groups to Chile, where he shared his love of both language and snowboarding.

Brian was forever changed the day he met the love of his life, Megan. On June 13, 2020, he married Megan Gasser Parkin for eternity in the Bountiful Temple. Together, they built a joyful and adventurous life centered on love, faith, and family. Brian was a proud and devoted father to Jake and Abby Rizley, whom he loved deeply and cheered for at every opportunity. His face lit up whenever he talked about his wife and kids. He shared his love for snowboarding with them by paying for lessons and making sure they had the latest gear to go with their season passes.

Brian loved spending time outdoors, whether he was snowboarding, backpacking, or riding his Harley on cross-country trips with his family. He, his dad, and his brother-in-law proudly rode together as “The Warthogs.” Brian was never happier than when he was with his family, including his loyal dog, Hazel.

He was a man full of ideas and possibilities, a dreamer who was always talking about what he would do and where he would go next. Those who knew Brian would describe him as generous, reliable, and full of kindness. He greeted everyone with a smile and was always willing to lend a hand. He saw people for who they truly were, and he made them feel known and valued. He was such a devoted son that he called his mom every day to see what was new and to me make sure she was ok.

Brian will be remembered as a dedicated and loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend. His impact was felt by all who knew him, and he will live on in all of our hearts. We know this is not his final run, but that he is checking on the car and we will meet him there.

He is survived by his wife, Megan Gasser Parkin; his children, Jake Rizley and Abby Rizley; his parents, Adeline Parker Parkin and J. Robert Parkin; his sisters, Teresa Parkin, Heather Parkin Cragun (Michael), Holly Parkin Hill (Ben), and his special siblings Kerry Dixon (Nancy) and Rick Dixon (Christy); his parents-in-law, Mark and Nancy Gasser; Megan’s siblings Heather George (David), Jennifer Gilson (James), Peter Gasser (Elise Anderson), Caroline Jensen (Ian); his nieces and nephews; and many cherished family and friends. He is also survived by his faithful dog, Hazel, who rarely left his side.

A viewing will take place on August 8, 2025 from 6-8 p.m., and a celebration of life will be held on August 9, 2025 at 11 a.m., at 14 Bonanza Rd, Farmington, UT 84025. The burial at Wasatch Lawn 3401 S. Highland Dr. Millcreek, UT 84106.

Contributions can be made to the family via gofundme, www.gofundme.com/f/been-f.