Brent Russell Jensen

Brent Russell Jensen, our irreplaceable son, nephew and little brother, passed away on July 22, 2022, embraced by the love of his family. He was 51 years old.

Brent was born on February 26th, 1971 in Boise, Idaho and lived his entire life in this wonderful place. The fourth son in a family of four boys, Brent grew up joining his parents and brothers on countless Idaho adventures, most often in Sun Valley and McCall -- skiing, jet boating, golfing and riding his 3-wheeler in the mountains at high speed.  At the age of 6, Brent became a lifelong Star Wars fan and for all of his life he would spend hours with his friends and brothers debating and discussing a galaxy far, far away.

Brent attended Mountain View School, Fairmont Jr. High, and graduated from Capital High School in 1989.  While earning his degree in Advertising and Design at Boise State, he forged a deep passion for photography, which he pursued for the rest of his life. As well as being a skilled photographer and graphic designer, Brent was employed by several companies around the valley, where he always brought his strong work ethic and positive attitude.  These include Apple Tree Productions, DoubleTree Club and the Hilton Garden Inn Boise/Eagle.  Brent also had an ultracool kiosk in the mall selling watches and novelty gadgets. Later he worked for many years at Idaho Camera, where he learned much and could share his knowledge of photography and camera gear.  In 2008, he and his brother Kirk opened Jensen Photography and aside from taking photos for a variety of clients, Brent was a teacher and mentor to other photographers.

Brent suffered all his life from Milroy's Syndrome, a rare hereditary abnormality of the lymphatic system. This limited his physical abilities and caused many serious complications with his general health. But from childhood he had a singular perspective on his struggles that was astounding to all of us. He never complained and seemed to know that many people certainly “had it worse” than he did, and that in many ways he was a lucky guy. By accepting what he couldn't change he was freed to embrace the many gifts he had been given, his strong Christian faith guiding him.

He also enjoyed a good cocktail, and could laugh with a snort like no one else. His wry and infectious sense of humor was one of his greatest gifts to his family and friends.  One of our fondest memories is Brent in his ’53 MG TD, pulling out of the driveway for a spin around town on a golden summer evening, a Yoda-like smile on his face. He was a truly delightful man, and we will miss him so very much.

There are many people who Brent would want us to thank for their kindness over the years.  All of his teachers at Mountain View School deserve special thanks for their support as he struggled to stay healthy, especially Lucy Hahn and Olive Acock.  In addition, he would want to thank the doctors and nurses of Boise who took care of him during his life:  Dr. Bernard Copple, Dr. Michael Pecora and his assistant Carol Horan, Dr. Gregory Flint, Dr. Sam Gibson and for many years, Dr. Michael Maier.  And more recently, his family thanks Dr. Danielle Orchard and Dr. Norman Zuckerman and all those who cared for Brent at St. Luke's over the past 5 years.  Brent knew a good doctor when he met one -- and all of you get gold stars.

Brent was preceded in death by his father Warren. He is survived by his mother Janice and his three brothers Jay, Kirk (Kaci) and Mark (Kristen) Jensen, all of Boise, and his uncles Graydon Jensen of Burley, Larry Gardner of Meridian and Phil (Sandy) Gardner of Eagle, and many cousins and dear friends.

A private graveside service will be held in mid-August.  For all of Brent’s many friends, there will be a Celebration of Brent's Life in the fall and we will post the details on his Facebook page. We hope you will join us.

Condolences may be submitted to the Alden Waggoner Funeral Chapel website.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Brent's name to the Lymphatic Education and Research Network, or the charity of your choice.