Kent Bryan

1941 - 2026

Kent Dean Bryan, born January 19th, 1941, in Overland Park, Kan., passed away peacefully of natural causes on his 85th birthday, Monday, January 19, 2026, in Emmett, Idaho, surrounded by family and loved ones.

He is survived by his beloved wife, JoAnn Bryan; his brother, Keith Bryan; his son, James; his daughter, Lisa; his granddaughters, Tiffini, Ashley, Ella, and Abbi; and his great-grandchildren, Gavin, Ryder, Tylee, Bellamy and Liam.

Kent was a man of many skills and a life-long learner. He grew up and lived in Burley, Idaho, where he graduated in 1958 and began his service in the United States Navy. He served as a Yeoman aboard the battleship USS Blandy.

After his time in the Navy, Kent started a contracting business with his brother Keith. Together, they built several homes and businesses in and around Burley, Idaho. Kent, JoAnn, and Keith also completed an 80-mile trek through the Frank Church Wilderness over eight days. They often said it was the hardest hike they had ever done, and one of the most beautiful places they had ever seen together.

Kent later became a licensed pilot and transitioned from building homes to finding new highways in the sky. He owned and operated the Burley Airport, where he served as a flight instructor until he moved his family to Boise in 1987.

He flew across the United States, specializing in small-aircraft delivery and charter work. Aside from being a devoted father and grandfather, Kent loved flying most of all. With a giant smile, he would tell thrilling tales of engine failures and bad-weather adventures. He retired as an accomplished pilot in 2004, after flying Seneca and Metro jets for Western AirExpress.

Kent was an adventurous soul who loved to get lost on backroads, find a quiet place to fish, and enjoy a BBQ lunch on the pickup tailgate. He was also the first person family would call when help was needed-and he was always the first to arrive (as if he somehow always knew where and how to find them) bringing exactly what was necessary.

He was an optimist through and through, having lived through hard times in his youth and persevered with grit, ingenuity, and a strong sense of humor. He taught those around him how to fish, travel, camp, and build. He loved being a husband, father, and grandfather, raising his kids around the firepit, loving them with a dash of orneriness and a bushel of kindness. He made camping and nature a priority, and he passed a deep love of the outdoors on to the entire family.

Kent also loved gardening and was famous for his home-grown Crenshaw melons. At mealtimes, he would pepper his food so generously that it often ended with a sneezing fit-and plenty of laughs.

Kent now resides with our Heavenly Father, casting a line from the dock, sunning his legs, and sending his love and smile to family and friends.

Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, February 21st, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at:

Elks Lodge

85 S 200 W

Rupert, ID 83350