Brent Michael Tapalla

Brent was born on September 28, 1987 in Los Angeles, California to his parents Rebecca Abrea Tapalla and Delfin Tapalla, Jr. Lovingly known as "Sunny" to his younger sister Tiffany, he will be remembered for his caring and adventurous spirit.

Brent grew up in a tight-knit cul-de-sac on Greendale Drive where he created life-long relationships and memories with the fellow neighborhood children and church group. A humble and quiet type, Brent was thoughtful in his words and actions and was an incredible active listener. When needed, Brent had a generous spirit in sparing his time and knowledge with others. In his lifetime, Brent created a tight bond with his close cousins, even serving as best man at his cousin Charlon's wedding and as godfather to his nephew Liam.

Brent received his real estate and nursing licenses after high school, gaining experience in both fields. In addition to his education, Brent was musically inclined, learning the piano and guitar at a young age as well as singing and producing beats on his home computer as he grew older. Brent had a diverse taste in music, ranging from classic soul and R&B, jazz and old school hip hop to classical operatic styles and alternative rock and pop. Some of his favorite artists include A Tribe Called Quest, Kanye West, Jay-Z, Herbie Hancock, and Jamie Cullum. A favorite pastime was attending shows with his friends and sister.

Brent had an appreciation for simplicity, quality, and the beauty of nature. For a sense of balance, he loved being outside whether it be for high energy activities such as hiking or biking or for quiet reading. He also enjoyed playing the family sport of tennis and watching matches with his Lola Cecil. Brent grew to find peace in writing and in prayer. An artist at heart, Brent gained interest in photography and woodwork, to the extent of making a plan to build furniture as a hobby. A fan of dry wit, Brent found humor in sarcasm and irony with the likes of Jerry Seinfeld and Louis C.K., but most enjoyed the campy comedic stylings of his sister Tiffany, I'm sure.

Brent will be missed dearly, but never forgotten. The results of his good deeds and wonderful memories live on with his survivors. Funeral services will take place on Monday, January 18, 2016 (Martin Luther King Jr. Day) at Acheson & Graham Garden of Prayer Mortuary in Riverside. Brent's remains will be laid to rest at Pierce Brothers-Crestlawn Mortuary and Memorial Park in Riverside.