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BRENT BEMENT 1953 ~ 1971
In the fall of 1970 Brent was the starting fullback for East High's Football Team. While playing Highland High School, one of the Highland players stepped on his ankle and chipped the bone in his ankle (in those days we wore steel cleats). While not dangerous in and of itself, it was painful.
Over the Christmas holiday break Brent had surgery to remove the bone chip. The surgery was successful. However, blood clots formed in his leg. When he complained about the pain, the doctor assumed it was from holding his leg up while he walked on crutches.
Unfortunately the blood clots broke loose on Thursday, January 14th. Brent, a kid named David Dean, and I, had gone to lunch at Mary’s across the street. When we got back, I went to Driver’s Ed. Then, about 1:15pm David Dean came running in to tell me Brent was down. When I arrived, he was still conscious but lost consciousness during the ambulance ride. They first took him to Primary’s Children’s, but then transported him to LDS Hospital where they operated to remove the clot. By that time there was kidney failure and brain damage caused by the lack of oxygen. They expected him to live, but indicated that he would have permanent disabilities associated with this condition. Mercifully he passed away the next morning at about 4:15 AM. (Born March 9, 1953, and died January 15, 1971.)
Brent was a good clean kid. He loved sports and was generally very calm and thoughtful. He liked to hunt deer and pheasants. He had a 1956 Chevy Bel Air, which he really loved. He was always working on it and dreamed of having it painted Candy Apple Red. He also liked off-road stuff and his little dirt bike. While it has been almost 40 years since he left us, we still think and speak of him frequently and miss him terribly.
— Brent's brother, Ken (May, 2010)
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Don Bryant
A sad sad day at East. Brent was loved by all.
Teresa O'Bryan (Owen)
I remember carrying Brents books to a class and in the process getting a crush on him! Then he was gone. He was such a nice guy.
Janet Collins (Smith)
Always in my heart
Karen McOmie (Samuels)
Brent is still alive in my heart. He was my first love and will always have that place. I always wonder what would have been, had he not been taken from us at such a young age. He was a wonderful man whom I loved with all my heart, mind and soul. I know he is still watching out for us. Love you B
Robert Lewis
Brent and I were going to join the Marines together, Brent did not make it, Brent and I spent so much time
at the deseret gym or th YMCA working out or practicing Karate, Brent was like a brother to meand his
family alway opened a door at the home. I was completly devastated when brent passed. I later joined
the Marines and thought of him often during ma 6 years on active duty. I miss him truly..
Robert Lewis
Cliff Snyder
I moved to SLC from Miami, Fla. I 1967. My father took a job at the Veterans Hospital that included a duplex near his office. Living in the other half of the duplex was the Smotherman family including son Richard (Bo). We were the same age and quickly became fast friends.
Since we both enjoyed sports, I started playing pickup games of football, baseball and basketball with Bo's friends. Most of them went to Roosevelt JHS though I went to Hillside that 9th grade year.
One of Bo's friends was Brent Bement. I remember Brent as not only being a very good athlete, but more importantly a great person. Brent became my friend very quickly. I remember our pickup games at 'Sunnyside Park' and I remember always enjoying when I had the opportunity playing with Brent. He treated with kindness even though I was the new kid on the block.
I remember being totally devastated when Brent shockingly passed. It was so tragic that a young man my age, and such a great guy could pass. I will say now that Brent's death was very difficult for me as I know it was for a lot of my classmates. It was the first time that I really was forced to realize that life is so precious. Brent was truly a very special person and should never be forgotten. Continue to rest In peace Brent.