David Brent MacKay's Obituary
David Brent MacKay, 81, of East Millcreek, Utah, passed away peacefully on November 18, 2024, surrounded by his adoring wife and daughters. Brent was warmly welcomed to his heavenly home by his devoted son, Christopher Brent MacKay, on what would have been Chris’s 55th birthday. Chris recently suffered a tragic accident in his own home and predeceased his father by just one day.
Brent was born on March 23, 1943, in Provo, Utah, to David O. MacKay III and Loa Gurr MacKay. His parents instilled in him a love of nature and the great outdoors. Brent loved scouting and was an Eagle Scout. He graduated from West High School in 1961 and served a full-time mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the West Central States mission. He treasured the time he spent serving the Lord as a full-time missionary and even extended his service an additional six months. His love for the Savior was a cornerstone of his life. Brent exemplified Christlike service in every role, from youth leader to counselor in a bishopric. His service touched countless lives.
Upon returning from his mission, Brent pursued higher education at both Brigham Young University and the University of Utah, followed by service in the Army Reserves. While in the Reserves, he was known as an expert marksman; and as a tank commander, lost hearing in one ear due to his love of shooting. Brent’s life changed forever the day he met Jane White. He was immediately smitten by Jane, who reminded him of Snow White. On August 10, 1967, Brent and Jane married in the Salt Lake Temple. Together, they built a legacy of love, devotion, and adventure over their 57 years of marriage.
Brent and Jane were the proud parents of their son, Christopher, and daughters Sara Jane and Joanna. Brent had a strong desire to provide adventurous and fun experiences for his family. He was an avid outdoorsman who relished fly-fishing, boating, skiing, snowmobiling, and gardening. He loved family vacations, never hesitating to plan them, and fun-filled escapades creating countless memories for his family and friends. He took great pride in his beautiful home on Hillside Lane and prized every day he spent at the family’s mountain cabin.
Of the many roles Brent played in life, perhaps his most cherished was being a grandfather to his six beautiful grandchildren. Whether it was taking them on vacations, to lunch, for gelato, or cheering them on in their activities, Brent’s love for his family shone brightly. His grandchildren adored their Grandpa, and especially his truck.
Although Brent knew how to recreate, his family also remember him for his strong work ethic, setting an inspiring example for his children and grandchildren. His favorite days were spent working hard or playing hard and only resting in the evenings with a good Western. Brent had impeccable taste and a wonderful eye for design, spending over 20 years with Midwest Office Supply, where he helped shape spaces like the Salt Lake City and County Building. In the early 1990s, he joined his brothers at Intermountain Painting and Sub-Assembly, a successful powder-coating and manufacturing business. Later, Brent then owned and operated his own business, MPL Sweeping, working up until days before he passed.
Brent will also be remembered by many for his generous heart and diligence in seeking to help those in need. He never hesitated to give what he could or lend a hand when help was needed. Serving others was a foundation of his exceptional life.
Brent is a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He is survived by his beautiful wife, Jane; daughters Sara Jane (Clay) Adamson and Joanna MacKay (Richard) Sloan; daughter-in-law Rebecca Jane MacKay; and grandchildren: William MacKay Adamson, Emma Jane Adamson, Warren David MacKay, James Steven MacKay, Isaac MacKay Sloan, and Lucy Jane Sloan. He also leaves behind his cherished siblings, extended family, and a host of lifelong friends.
A memorial service to celebrate Brent’s life, and the life of his son Chris, will be held on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, with a visitation beginning at 10:30 AM and funeral services at 12:30 PM at the East Millcreek Second Ward of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 3750 South Hillside Lane, Salt Lake City, UT 84109. For those unable to attend the service in person, a Zoom broadcast has been made available: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83100308361
Meeting ID: 831 0030 8361
Link to Christopher Brent MacKay’s Obituary
https://www.piercefh.com/obituaries/Christopher-Mackay/#!/Obituary
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