Brent Crane

Brent Lee Crane, our beloved husband, dad, papa, brother, and friend, passed away on June 22, 2024, returning to the warm embrace of his Heavenly Father. He was born May 22, 1963, in Gunnison, a son of Ronald Kenneth and Una Leila Hampton Crane.

Brent's early years were filled with adventure and camaraderie, riding dirt bikes, working on trucks with his dad, and creating lifelong memories with his older brothers, whom he idolized. His younger sister, Melanie, quickly became his best friend, sharing countless moments that could fill many lifetimes.

Brent attended North Sevier High School, where he excelled at football. His passion for the game stayed with him throughout his life, culminating in a devoted love for the Raiders. This love of football forged a special bond with his son, with whom he could discuss the game for hours. "Well, how do you think the Raiders did in the draft?" he'd ask at the beginning of each season which was inevitably followed months later by, "Well, there's always next year, son."

Brent had an infectious laugh and a smile that could light up a room. Known for his quick wit and thoughtfulness, he loved a good joke and pulling pranks. His sense of humor was unmatched, and sparring with him in a battle of wits always proved a challenge. It was this same laugh and smile that attraced Traci to him. Dad taught her how to operate every piece of equipment on every job and working with him was the source of her happiness for many years.

One cherished memory is from a few years ago when he conspired with his daughter Meagon's husband, Ben and his family, to fly to Georgia and surprise her while she was pregnant with their first child. This is just one example of the many ways Brent brought joy to others with his unexpected gestures.

He loved the people he worked with at the coal mine and loved sharing stories of his time up there. He took any opportunity he could get to show pictures of what he was doing, what equipment he was running and share in the drama with everyone. During long wall moves, he'd get on social media and write poetry about his experiences up there. Everyone loved to read his posts because it gave a glimpse into his life and what he was doing, and it kept everyone involved in the drama.

Brent's love for tools was well-known. He had a tool for every situation. And if he couldn’t find it, he'd rig something up or go buy another one. One instance of this was when a pipe was needed to fix the exhaust on a truck. A pipe couldn't be found and the stores were closed, so he took a saw and cut the post to a fence that was no longer being used. Problem solved!

When his brothers passed away, he made sure to reach out to their kids and let them know he loved them, and he'd fill in their absence as best as he could. We will all miss his big bear hugs and hearing his voice say, “love ya, see ya!” And when we are having a bad day and hope feels lost, his voice resounding in our hearts, “ I love you baby girl. You are going to be just fine. I know it!” will get us through.

Brent cherished his time with his grandkids, taking RZR rides in the mountains, camping, watching football games, dancing and tinkering in his shop. He loved long talks with his loved ones, discussing anything and everything. These moments will be forever etched in their memories, and his voice will echo in their hearts for years to come.

He is survived by his loving wife, Traci Crane; his children Brandon (Brianna), Michael (Lori), Shaun (Amanda), Meagon (Ben), Markie (Kyler), Jessica (Mark); his sister Melanie (Justin), and many cherished grandkids, nieces, and nephews.

Brent was preceded in death by his parents, Ronald and Leila Crane, his brothers Russell (Dalores) and Craig (Melanie), his nephew James Crane, and niece Jenn Garcia.

Memorial services will be held at a later date.