Brent Ferrell Baldree

Brent was born in Ogden, Utah in the spring of 1948 to Anna Mae Johnson and Leonard Ferrell Sorensen. At the age of three, Brent contracted polio, but through the loving care, intuition, and nursing of his mother, he made an almost complete recovery. His parents divorced when he was six years old and a couple years later his mother married Joseph T Baldree, who adopted Brent and his two brothers when Brent was nine.

Brent was raised in Groveland, Idaho. He joined the Navy when he was seventeen but was discharged within a year because he was mistakenly diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa. It was later discovered that he actually had Choroideremia, a degenerative retinal condition that eventually took his vision completely.

Soon after his discharge from the Navy he returned to Idaho where he met his life-long partner and wife, Cathy Annel McCarrell. The two were married in Groveland, Idaho on November 4th, 1967. They were both members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Brent and Cathy were sealed in the Los Angeles Temple on November 16th 1968. Soon, their little family began to grow. Over the next thirteen years, they had five children: Nicolas Troy, Heather Annel, Amber Michelle, Patrick Phillip, and Jonathan Lewis. Brent fiercely loved his family and taught them that there was no obstacle that cannot be overcome. He believed that life was always made better with good music, good food, and a lot of laughter.

Brent’s failing vision was a challenge that the family had to face together, and it was a key factor to the many occupational and location transitions they made, including moves (sometimes more than once) to Idaho, Nevada, California, Washington, and Arizona. Brent was a man of integrity, honesty, and open communication. He believed in working hard, doing the best you can, and finishing everything that you start.

One of Brent’s favorite jobs was as a radio DJ. He was known as J Donovan West at the number one station in Boise at the time, KFXD. He loved this job and for a couple years worked as the top-rated DJ in the city.

Brent was declared legally blind in 1983, and that year started his pursuit of higher education. He was an exceptional student and received many awards and accolades for his performance. First, he earned his associate's degree at Fort Steilacoom Community College (now Pierce College). He went on to Pacific Lutheran University, where he received a Bachelor of Arts, graduating summa cum laude. He was then accepted into a joint doctoral program for clinical psychology at both San Diego State University and the University of California at San Diego.

After graduation, Brent opened his own practice in Idaho Falls. He loved marriage and family counseling, and he worked with veterans, Social Security disability patients, and in vocational rehab. His own struggles with losing his eyesight gave him a unique and special perspective in helping others who struggled with challenges and disabilities. He retired in 2010, and he and Cathy moved to Arizona.

Besides family, Brent had many other loves in his life. As a young man he loved his truck, and he loved camping. He loved music, woodworking, baking bread, and vacationing in Island Park, Idaho. He was also an avid reader and a beautiful poet and storyteller. A good prank, a good story and time in the hot tub with grandkids were among his favorites.

Brent was preceded in death by his father Leonard, his mother Anna, his adoptive father Joseph, his brothers Jeffrey and Tim, and by his son Nicholas T. He is survived by wife, Cathy, and children: Heather Mielke (Heath), Amber Varvel (Scott), Pat Baldree (Genine), Jon Baldree (Tiffany), 17 1/2 grandchildren and 5 1/2 great grandchildren.

Services will be held on Saturday, February 1st, 2025. Viewing will be at 10 am with services starting at 11 am at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 6345 S Lindsay Road, Chandler, Arizona 85249. Flowers may be sent to that same address.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Brent’s name can be made to 
Choroideremia Research Foundation. Mail checks to: Choroideremia Research Foundation, P.O. Box 615, Springfield, MA 01101-0615