Brent Wayne Eckert

1966 - 2024

Brent Wayne Eckert was born on March 2, 1966, and passed away unexpectedly on Monday, June 10, 2024 in Soldotna, Alaska at the age of 58. Brent was born in Aberdeen, WA, to Clarence (Gale) and Georgeanna Ruth Eckert. The family returned to Alaska when Brent was an infant, and Alaska remained his home.
 
Brent grew up in Nikiski, and was raised in a very large, active family. He attended North Kenai Elementary and Kenai Central High School. He was blessed with a wealth of friends, many who have remained close throughout his life, a testament to his friendly manner, great sense of humor and extreme devotion to those he loved. He participated in various sports and activities, but his true passion was the guitar and his love of music. He was proud of his vast guitar collection, and played as often as he could. He was renowned for his talent, and loved jamming with old friends whenever possible.
 
Brent served our country in the US Navy, and was assigned to Helicopter Antisubmarine Squadron SEVEN, serving on the USS John F. Kennedy. He became a highly specialized and decorated SAR (Search and Rescue) swimmer, and excelled in his duty. Brent received two Citations, signed by the Secretary of the Navy, a Navy and Marine Corps Medal and Navy Commendation Medals, for his heroism in rescues and recoveries in 1988 and 1989. In part, his first Citation reads, "While engaged in rescue operations resulting from the devastating conflagration onboard USS Bonefish, his acts of bravery were directly responsible for the rescue of six imperiled crewmen. His actions in concert with his three crewmen rescued 28 Bonefish survivors. By his courage, initiative, and selfless devotion to duty, Airman Eckert upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."
 
In his last few years, he, along with his fiancé Colleen, started their own trucking company, American Blue Collar Transport. They worked endless hours and made many sacrifices in order to grow and succeed. He had a great sense of pride in all their successes, as their hard work had finally come to fruition.
 
His family will remember Brent as a kind, humble, compassionate man who loved his children and family beyond measure. He loved our country and he loved Alaska. Like his father, he had a way with animals. His husky Marco was a good boy and was by his side for years.
 
"Our hearts are broken. Brent meant more to his family than he could ever have known."
 
Brent is preceded in death by his parents, Clarence Gale and Georgeanna Eckert of Nikiski, his brother Gregory Gale Eckert of Rich Valley, Alberta, Canada, niece Amber Jean Tucker, and nephews John "Jack" Rutherford Jr. and Donald James Herrick. He is survived by his sons, Taylor Wayne Kirschner and Gregory Gale Eckert, daughter Ariele Caggiano, granddaughter Izabella, sisters Paulette Jacobson, Loretta Brail, Becky (Tom) Flynn, Cindy (Jerry) Rombach, Dr. Tammy Eckert, Tracy (Josh Crusch) Eckert, sister-in-law Roseann Eckert, fiancé Colleen Lester, and lifelong friend Earl "Buzzy" Meyers. In addition, Brent leaves behind 20 nieces and nephews, and a multitude of cousins, friends and extended family.
 
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, June 29, 2 pm at Nikiski Rec Center, (50097 Kenai Spur Highway, Nikiski) officiated by Pastor Frank Alioto. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in memory of Brent to Kenai Peninsula Animal Rescue (KPAL), kpalrescue.org.
Arrangements by Peninsula Memorial Chapel.