Brent Scott Waid

Brent Scott Waid, 25, of Billings, died early Sunday morning, April 24, 2005, of injuries incurred in a car accident.

Brent was born Sept. 3, 1979, to Larry and Vernice Waid in Havre. He moved to Billings in 1987 with his little sister Erin and his mother. He attended first grade in Malta and subsequent grades all in Billings. In January of 1989, Brent solemnly gave permission to Ted Hammond to marry his mother.

Brent attended Faith Evangelical Church and was a member of the Church Youth Group during his high school years. Brent enlisted in the Army National Guard at the end of his junior year of high school, attending boot camp that summer. Brent went to work for Evergreen IGA when he was a high school sophomore. His work ethic was very evident ? he started as a box boy and worked his way up to night manager. One of his most notable personality traits served him well both in his family and at his job ? he always called a person by name. He was also remembered for his love of telling jokes and playing practical jokes. He took that trait to the grocery store, too ? one of his favorite tricks was slipping a big plant into someone's shopping basket when they weren't looking and then watching with great glee for their look of surprise! He graduated from West High School in 1998. Brent was an accomplished athlete, and his specialty was cross country. He attended MSU-Billings for three semesters on an athletic scholarship.

Brent was employed currently as a carpenter, a trade very familiar to him because many of the Hammond men were carpenters.

Brent was a gifted young man. His talents included playing the guitar and singing. His artistic talents included drawing. He loved to play pool and played well enough to recently win first place in the city league. As a youngster, he loved to go fishing with his grandfather and cousins Darin Hanson and Eric Maxie. He often remarked that his favorite memories were of "fishing with Grandpa."

Brent's passions in life were playing pool and playing his guitar. Brent was treasured by his family for his sweet smile and his kind and tender heart. Brent's life was far too short.

Brent is survived by his mother, Vernice (Ted) Hammond of Billings; his father, Larry (Becky) Waid; brother, Trey Waid, all of Helena; and his stepmother, Dori Waid of Great Falls; his brother, Cole Hammond; and his two sisters, Erin Waid and Elle Hammond; his nephew, Jayce Simanton; and his grandparents, James and Cora Maxie of Malta, Colleen Hammond of Shepherd and Betty Waid of Havre; numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. Brent was preceded in death by his grandfathers Robert Waid and Carrol "C.P." Hammond.

A gathering of family and friends will take place on Wednesday evening, April 27, from 5 until 8 p.m., with sharing and prayers beginning at 7 p.m., at Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary, 1001 Alderson Ave. Memorial services will take place Thursday, April 28, at 11 a.m., at Hope Evangelical Church, 5554 Grand Ave.