Heber Valley lost a much-beloved, kind and compassionate man March 14, 2019. Brent Reuben Titcomb returned to his Heavenly Father, surrounded by loved-ones after bravely battling an aggressive form of prostate cancer. Brent’s sparkling blue eyes and constantly bright smile were ever-present as he lived a self-less, loving and beautiful life.
He burst into song each time he entered his home, a serenade his wife and daughter can still hear. His quiet, kind spirit will never leave us. Brent was born May 27, 1961, in Heber City, Utah, to John Preston Titcomb and Shirley Paxman Titcomb.
As a young boy, he was adventurous and active, riding bikes and horses, milking cows and tending livestock. He was a joy to his family, doing his best to help in all the chores, and never complained. Brent especially loved riding his bike many miles to his Grandma LaVeda’s house.
He shared a special bond with her. With a strong work ethic, Brent’s first job at 14 was as a sweeper at a sewing plant in Heber City, and then at Day’s Market, (now Lee’s Market Place) at 17-where he stayed employed, along with his full-time career as Wasatch County Clerk/Auditor, until 2018. He attended Wasatch County Schools and seminary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, graduating from both in 1979.
Brent dearly loved his time serving a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, from 1986 to 1989. Friends and companions from that time are in his life to this day. Brent married the love of his life Julie Ann McPhie in the Salt Lake Temple on May 2, 1992.
Their long-awaited sweetheart, Anna Oliva was born with his same sparkling blue eyes, beautiful smile and lovely disposition in 1999. Brent, Julie and Anna so happily lived in two residences in the Heber Valley and in both yards, Brent could always be found cultivating flowers, plants and trees. He carefully researched and chose each one and tended them with care.
This was truly one of his life’s passions. Brent’s greatest joy came in spending time with Julie and Anna. A favorite adventure was traveling to Jackson Hole, Wyoming, and anywhere near the Tetons.
Brent’s quick and dry wit made everything fun, from a simple picnic on the back lawn, to a ride through Lake Creek. Always along for the ride and many walks is Teddy, the sweet Schnauzer who accompanied him everywhere the past 12 years. Brent’s church callings were important to him.
He was an amazing Primary and Sunday School teacher, as well as financial clerk to the bishopric. Later, Julie and Brent loved teaching Primary together then Brent served in the Sunday School presidency and as Stake Sunday School president. The gospel was the guide to Brent’s life and motivation.
Brent’s career as an elected official started in 1995, when he took the leap and ran for and won the position of Wasatch County Clerk/Auditor. He continued to run against various opponents and was elected every four years, including this past November when he campaigned and professionally took care of every detail in his office, while in tremendous, cancer-related pain. Brent’s expertise and education grew as the responsibilities and requirements of his office expanded.
Being part of the Utah Association of Counties and the Wasatch County Republican Central Committee was a of pride for him, where he held leadership roles and made many dear and life-long friends. One of the most enjoyable events Brent took part in was the annual Lincoln Day Breakfast. Just three weeks ago, he was completely determined to be there and carry out his responsibilities despite great illness and pain.
This is an example of his all-encompassing dedication and willingness to serve. In a very recent conversation, Brent said to Julie, “My heart is big…I just want to help. I want to keep helping everyone and everything”.
These simple words speak volumes as to who Brent was and how he lived humbly, always giving of himself. Brent is survived by his loving wife Julie and daughter Anna, mother Shirley Titcomb, brothers, John Lee Titcomb, Ronald (Susan) Titcomb, sister, Terry Marie Titcomb, Mother-in-law Gaye McPhie, sisters and brothers-in law, Leslie Corless, Tim (Rennie) McPhie, Scott (Kristi) McPhie, Greg (Chelsea) McPhie, Janet (Jason) Jepperson. Preceded in death by his father John Titcomb, Grandparents Ronald and Mary Paxman, Rueben and Laveda Titcomb, Father-in-law, Joe McPhie.
Nephews, Kelly Corless and Tyrel McPhie. A viewing will be held Friday, March 22, from 5 to 7 p.m. Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 23 at 11 a.m. with a viewing that day from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. All family and friends are invited to attend. Services will be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints building located at 1205 West 650 South, Heber City.
Interment will follow at the Heber City Cemetery. Friends and family may visit the online guestbook and share a memory of Brent at www. hebervalleyfuneral.com Special thank you to the wonderful management and staff at Lee’s Market Place in Heber, Brent’s amazing staff at the Wasatch County Clerk’s Office, and especially to truest angel Lisa Jepperson Nelson, IHC hospice nurse.
Brent, Julie and Anna wish to express such sincere and tremendous gratitude to all those who have visited our home bringing gifts, meals, prayers and blessings. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Brent Reuben Titcomb please visit our Sympathy Store.
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