Earl Brent Hough

Palm Springs - Earl Brent Hough, known to many as "Brent" and to his friends as "Pancho," passed away on August 22, 2025, in Palm Springs, California, just days after celebrating his 81st birthday. He was born on August 18,1944, in San Bernardino, California, to Earl and Alice Hough - sharing a birthday with his mother, a bond that carried special meaning throughout his life.

Brent grew up and lived his entire life in Palm Springs. He attended Cahuilla Elementary School and St.Theresa School, where, in the 6th grade, he met the love of his life, Jill Hough. A natural leader, he went on to serve as student body president at Palm Springs High School in 1961, excelling in athletics and playing basketball.

As a young man, Brent worked at the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway during its first year of operation in 1963, and he can still be seen in the historical film shown at the summit. He played tennis for College of the Desert, earning a scholarship to play in Nebraska. However, the cold winters quickly sent him back to his beloved desert after one year. He later served in the U.S. Army Reserves, remaining stateside during the Vietnam War. Following his service, he entered the insurance industry and joined his father at Weingarten & Hough Insurance Agency, one of the oldest family-run businesses in the Coachella Valley. Brent also served as President of the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers, reflecting his leadership in the profession.

In 1968, Brent and Jill married, becoming the first couple wed in the current St. Theresa Catholic Church sanctuary. Together they raised two daughters, Rorie and Shelly, and built a life rooted in love, family, and community.

Brent was deeply engaged in Palm Springs civic life. He was a member of Lions Club International, Los Compadres, and the Polo Club, and he served on the Palm Springs Planning Commission during the 1980s.

Saturdays often found him on the courts at Mission Hills Country Club, where he was a devoted tennis player who won tournaments and pro-ams, and made countless lifelong friends.

A passionate outdoorsman, Brent loved fishing above all. He spent summers deep sea fishing out of Point Loma, returning home with albacore and bluefin to share with family and friends - especially Jill, who loved fish as much as he loved catching them. Every September, he joined his brother and friends on week-long fishing trips to Baja, returning with coolers full of their catch. Later, he took up fly fishing, traveling far and

wide with friends to new waters. Golf also became a favorite pursuit, and he eventually served as president of O'Donnell Golf Club.

Brent retired in 2016, enjoying travel with Jill, including cruises and road trips through Europe. Above all, he cherished his role as "Papa" to his grandsons Dylan, Tyler, Bannon, and Aidan. He filled their days with pool time, stories, laughter, and just enough mischief to make every visit unforgettable.

Brent will be remembered as a loving son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He had a big laugh, a generous spirit, and a gift for making people feel at ease. His legacy is one of leadership, humor, adventure, and enduring love for his family and community.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, Jill; daughters Rorie. (Matt) and Shelly (Andy); grandchildren Dylan, Tyler, Bannon, and Aidan; siblings Melinda Williams and Gregory Hough; and many extended family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Alice Hough.

Services will be held on Saturday, November 8th at 11 a.m. at St. Theresa Church, followed by a reception at Los Compadres. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to the St. Theresa School Tuition Assistance Program. We also invite you to share a story, a laugh, or a memory of Pancho, keeping his joyful spirit alive.