Brent Reed Anderson

Brent Reed Anderson, 76, passed away peacefully surrounded by his wife and children on November 13, 2025, after a long and courageous battle with Parkinson's disease.

He was born on March 1, 1949, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Reed W. and LaRee T. Anderson. Brent grew up in Sandy with deep roots in his community and immense pride in his Jordan High School heritage as a true Beetdigger. After graduating, he served a mission in Tonga for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, an experience that shaped his heart, his worldview, and many of his lifelong relationships. Upon returning home, he attended Brigham Young University, graduating with a bachelor's degree in English-a natural fit for a man who loved to read, collect books, and continually expand his knowledge. He later earned his MBA from Pepperdine University.

During his time at BYU, Brent met the love of his life, Maureen, beginning a partnership filled with adventure and deep devotion. They were married in the Salt Lake City Temple on August 3, 1972. Shortly after marrying, Brent and Maureen returned to Tonga, where he taught English at Liahona High School embracing the people, culture, food, and ocean that Brent had treasured since his mission. He especially enjoyed snorkeling, spearfishing, playing rugby, and forming lasting friendships. Their first two children, Teresa and Jared, were born in Tonga. Even after returning to Utah, Brent maintained lifelong relationships within the Tongan community.

Brent's love for Tonga became part of his life's work. He proudly coauthored the book The Saints of Tonga with his close friends Riley Moffat and Fred Woods, preserving stories, history, and faith that meant so much to him.

Upon returning from Tonga, Brent began his career in finance at Zions Bank. In 1987, he met Byron Smith, sparking a lifelong and cherished friendship. Over the years, they-along with other partners-found success in many business ventures, including Medicode and Preferred Payment Systems where Brent thrived in the role of CFO. Brent was a people person to his core, known for his gregarious personality. He approached his work with dedication and optimism and was admired for his integrity, patience, and ability to bring out the best in everyone around him.

A devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Brent dedicated countless hours to service. He served in a wide variety of callings, including bishop of a BYU ward, member of the high council, organist, counselor in a bishopric, and numerous roles in the Young Men organization, where he especially loved mentoring youth. Brent was also a longtime Scoutmaster, known for his enthusiasm, leadership, and ability to make every campout, merit badge session, and service project meaningful. He worked closely with special-needs Scouts, offering patient guidance, unwavering encouragement, and genuine friendship. His influence in Scouting was recognized with the prestigious Silver Beaver Award, honoring his exceptional service. He also spent many meaningful years volunteering with Special Olympics, supporting athletes with special needs and celebrating their achievements with heartfelt joy.

Brent had a wide range of passions: Harley-Davidsons that turned into many motorcycle rides with his friends all over the country, sports, and especially music. He loved playing the piano, organ, ukulele, harmonica, and his potato flute. He also loved to sing and was a member of the Jay Welch Chorale, sharing his talent often and finding peace in creating music. He treasured traveling to Hawaii with Maureen, where together they shared some of their most cherished memories and had many wonderful friends.

Brent had a remarkable ability to make people laugh and feel welcome. His humor, warmth, and generosity touched everyone around him, and he brought enthusiasm and heart into every room he entered. He had a larger-than-life personality, often doing Jimmy Stewart impressions and playing a raucous "Winter Wonderland" performance on the piano at Christmas.

Brent's life also held profound sorrow. His youngest son, Greg, passed away at age 12 from a brain tumor-an event that deepened Brent's compassion, faith, and tenderness toward others facing hardship. He carried Greg's memory with him always.

Brent was preceded in death by his father, Reed W. Anderson; his mother, Laree T. Anderson; and his son, Greg.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Maureen Anderson, and his children: Teresa (Tylor) Vehar, Jared (Angie) Anderson, Rebecca Anderson, and Shalene (DJ) Smith, along with 13 grandchildren. His legacy of service, joy, resilience, and deep kindness will continue through them and through the countless lives he touched.

The family would like to offer a special thanks to Amber & Karla of Dignity Home Health & Hospice for the wonderful care they have given him the past few months. We would like to acknowledge with immeasurable gratitude Becky and Maureen, for the years of selfless care provided to Brent and for being his constant strength.

Brent will be dearly missed and lovingly remembered.

Ofa Atu.