I’m so sorry to hear of Uncle Brent’s passing. Sending love and prayers to you all thru this most difficult time. Holding you all tightly in my heart..
I am always here….
Love Annee
Annee McCoun
In Loving Memory
1942•2026
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.
I’m so sorry to hear of Uncle Brent’s passing. Sending love and prayers to you all thru this most difficult time. Holding you all tightly in my heart..
I am always here….
Love Annee
Brent and Diane were wonderful neighbors and friends in our many years living on the Avenues. Brent was unfailingly kind and patient. He loved his family and made all of our lives better. Diane was always with him in love and support and it was a joy being with them. I share their faith and sweet knowledge that this is just the beginning and that they will have each other with their family forever. In the meantime, I will miss my dear friend and his warm smile and many kindnesses.
Diane, Mary and I send our love, faith and great respect for all you and Brent are and for the influence you have been in our lives. We love you and yours.
A kind and talented man who loved our Saviour. He taught with love.
Diane and and Brent McMaster family;
We have loved being your close friends for these many years. Your beauty, your sincere love and caring, your inimitable sense of humor and your love and knowledge of the Gospel of Jesus Christ have greatly impacted our lives for these many years. We love you dearly.
Thank you for being a father to me during my tenure as a missionary of the Australia Sydney South Mission. I will treasure all the wisdom and love you shared with me. Sending love to your family.
Till we meet again
President McMaster taught me how to love the Saviour, Jesus Christ and how to love like the Saviour. His testimony was unshakeable and he epitomised the Aussie saying - “No worries”. Nothing fazed him. He loved everyone and made everyone feel like they were the most important person in the world when he spoke to them. He always wore a smile even when trying vegemite and his love and commitment for Sister McMaster inspired me to find a wife that would be my best friend.
Brent was such a gentle, kind, amazing neighbor and friend. Sending my sincerest love and condolences to the McMaster family.
My sweet Uncle Brent,
Thank you
…for knowing every guitar melody & voice harmony to every song any one of us ever requested…
…for getting us together every summer for swimming races, fun, pizza, brownies, & high board diving competitions…
…for reminding us of our loving legacy, as we were Clara & Stuart’s grandchildren and beyond!
I’m so excited to hear Diane, John, Tom, and Brent singing together again, Clara will know every note, and Stuart will sing along…
We will miss you!
Love, mimi
please give my mom a hug…
I remember Brent being absolutely patient as he took the young men and women waterskiing. I learned how to waterski behind their boat and loved and admired Brent and Diane’s quiet tender relationship. We love the McMaster’s and are so sorry for your loss. It always seems too soon to lose parents. Praying that the Lord will comfort your hearts during this time and forward.
President McMaster was such a strong, loving and guiding influence for me as one of his missionaries. I am truly grateful that he was my mission president. I have thought of him often over the years and will miss him. My greatest love and respect to Sister McMaster, who was the mother of our mission. Until we meet again.
President McMaster will always be my President. Words can’t describe the love and respect I have for him. He had a way of always leading with righteous desires, and if you paid attention close enough in his presence you could tell that every word, story, comment, and gesture was meticulously intentional and aimed at lifting up others and leading them to be better and ultimately closer to Christ. I admired his love for his scriptures and the way in which he shared that love so effortlessly and meaningfully. The chocolate brownies he made were pretty good as well! His love for Sister McMaster was always so evident and they brought out the best in each other. I am eternally grateful for the time I spent with him on this earth and for all that he taught me by word, song, and deed. Sending my love to the McMaster family and gratefully acknowledge the monumental legacy he has left for his posterity.
Dear Diane- I’m so saddened to learn if Brent’s passing last week. Brent was always kind to everyone. In fact I imagine all of us thought we were his good friend. How lucky many of us are to know both of you. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers at this challenging time
I’ll always remember Uncle Brent’s contagious laugh, — especially while kids were playing the trumpet— big smile, and how music and humor were at the center of our family gatherings. He lit up the room and made everybody feel comfortable. I’m so thankful for all the wonderful memories — he will be greatly missed. Sending love and prayers to Aunt Di and all my cousins during this difficult time.
President McMaster had a profound impact on me as my mission president. He was a great example of a Christlike leader. He loved everyone and expected us to do our best. He had a gift in making others feel special and important.
I love him and Sister McMaster dearly. Our mission-wide faith and friendship mean the world to me. I hope to carry on President McMaster’s legacy of faith and love.
Dear Diane
So sorry! I am grateful we were able to reconnect and have a visit at my brothers funeral. We still need to get together sometime
Please know how much I love you and Brent! I have so many wonderful memories from high school on….
Glad to claim you as a twin and dear cousin
Sending prayers and love.
Think of all the words to describe someone highly admirable and accomplished, and you won’t find many that don’t apply to Brent. He embodied most of them, but was humble enough to call attention to none of them. A scholar, athlete, entrepreneur, retail magnate, church leader, president of most organizations he was involved in, socially adept, loaded with talent, dignified, handsome with dimples, readily endearing, and a husband to Diane who had her own long list of assets, he let you think he was just an ordinary, albeit very decent person. Through the course of their well-lived life we thought of them not as Brent and Diane but Brentiane, a single name, always together. At Sigma Chi we knew him not as Brent McMaster but Brent the Master. To his family, please appreciate the gem of a husband and dad you had. Be confident that in the next life his remarkable story is to be continued. Meanwhile, heartfelt condolences.
A few kind words can mean a great deal to the family in the days ahead.
Sign the Guestbook