Brent Austin Cardwell

Brent Austin Cardwell passed away Monday, June 19, 2023 at the age of 70 at his home in Taylorsville, Utah. Brent was born April 2, 1953 in Salt Lake City, Utah to Keith Gordon and Pearl Austin Cardwell. He graduated from Highland High School in 1971 and attended the University of Utah for a short time before starting his career in the printing industry. He started by making frames for newspaper ads, he went on to work as a printer, salesman and production manager. Dad always worked hard to do his best and expected the same of those around him.

He was married in 1974 to Laura Beatriz Echeverria Alvarez, the mother of his three children, one son and two daughters. They later divorced.

Dad had several hobbies which included golfing, hunting, fishing, boating and water skiing, auto mechanics, and home projects. He was always good at problem solving and used what he had to fix something. He took pride in his home and put a lot of hard work into repainting the wood siding and even built his fireplace mantle and fence. Everything dad did, he did to perfection. His motto was “If something is worth doing, it is worth doing right”.

Dad was a member of the Alpine Country Club for many years. He spent many weekends playing a round or two of golf. He developed friendships and enjoyed bringing his dad and son to play with him. He also loved watching the pros and that was a big priority for him, especially on Father’s Day Weekend. He was able to finish watching the U.S. Open 2023 before returning home to our Heavenly Father.

If you were one of the lucky few who dad loved, you knew it and if you weren’t you also knew it. His kids and their families were the most important part of his life. He always said that he was lucky to have his children. We were the lucky ones to have him as a father. Dad treasured his time spent with his kids and always would reminisce about our memories together.

Every year growing up we would spend the summer holidays camping and fishing in the Uinta mountains. He taught his children to love spending time in the outdoors and spending time together. Many times, we would just go up for the day to practice range shooting and roasting hot dogs.

One year, Dad bought a boat out of the blue and from then on he took us boating every summer. We didn't even know this talent of Dad’s, but he was great on water skis and driving us around for a cruise on the lake. He had this talent because his uncle Dick taught him how to water ski when he was young and would take him out regularly up to Bear Lake to try out the new boats he got in at his boat shop. Dad spent the time teaching each of his kids how to ski and taught his nieces, nephews, and kid's friends when they tagged along. He shared his knowledge with everyone.

We spent a lot of time fishing, usually up at Strawberry reservoir, East Canyon, or Whitney Reservoir. Dad loved to bait fish and swore by his “creamsicle” combination. He taught all of his kids how to fish as well.

Dad always took good care of his truck and taught his son how to keep it running well and how to fix what wasn’t. He also included his daughters when he worked on his truck. Developing some knowledge on how the truck works and how to address certain problems. This has carried on for a third generation as well.

Above all, Dad knew how to make the time we had together mean something. Even a night at home playing Yahtzee, watching a movie with big bowls of chocolate chip ice cream and Oreo cookies, Tuesday nights watching Home Improvement, or playing his favorite music so loud he burst his speakers, it was all special. Dad always said, “We may not have much quantity of time together, but what we do have is quality”. It was true!

Dad was a big part of his family’s life. He was always there for everything, baby blessings, birthdays, sports games, dance recitals, mission farewells, weddings. He was a giant of a person in stature and in his heart. Dad would always tell you, “I love you, and I like you too”. It was so important to him for you to know how he felt. His presence will be forever missed.

Dad was more than a father, he was a best friend. He knew the right words to calm a troubled heart. He had the best hugs and kisses that will be sorely missed. Dad was articulate with his words and had the best sense of humor! He knew how to make everyone laugh. He taught his children how to be hard workers, to have honesty and integrity, and to be good citizens. His priorities were his children and we will be forever grateful!

We will do our best to keep the family traditions and think of dad often. Thanks, Dad, for all of your love, protection, guidance, and strength. It will be a joyous reunion when we see you on the other side.

Brent is survived by his beloved children, Sean (Heather) Cardwell, Lisa (Tony) Breinholt, Linda (Kc) Jensen; Sixteen grandchildren; Brother Scott Cardwell; Sister Jan (Bob) Horton. Preceded in death by his parents and grandson, Ryan.

Dad never liked to be fussed over, so in lieu of a funeral service and a viewing we encourage you to play your best round of golf in his honor or take your family up into the mountains and enjoy that time together.