Brett Allen Isbell passed away on Thursday, October 22, at his home in Salt Lake City, Utah. He died due to lung cancer, peacefully, with his wife Chris and son Josh at his side. Brett was 60 years old, born in Dallas on November 30, 1959, the fourth child of James Frank and Jeanne Crawford Isbell. He grew up in Midland, Texas, where he married Chris Payne in 1981. They were 3 months shy of celebrating their 40th anniversary. Through the years, Brett and Chris lived in Dallas, San Angelo, Oklahoma City, Rockwall, Midland, then settling in Tucson for 13 years, before finally moving to Salt Lake City in 2001. They had two children, son Joshua Abe and daughter Allison.

Brett was a devoted husband, proud father, and a jack of all trades. He was a fire fighter with the Midland Fire Department, a Boy Scout leader, and a track coach in Tucson. While in Tucson, he developed a unique art style using welded copper wire to depict southwestern wildlife and culture. Brett created elaborate three-dimensional free-standing sculptures and custom wall installations, even winning awards in regional art shows. After relocating to Salt Lake City, he co-founded The People’s Market, an outdoor farmer’s market where he and Chris offered their homegrown vegetables on a “pay what you can, take what you need” basis.

“Then listen to the Wild, it's calling you. -Robert Service”

Brett was an avid outdoorsman throughout his life, enjoying canoeing, hiking, backpacking, and camping. He loved to be outside, and he was happiest when he was somewhere on a trail in the wilderness.

He is survived by his wife Chris; son Joshua, daughter-in-law Kira, and two granddaughters, Beatrix and Valentine; his sisters, Amy Isbell Hanschen and her husband Steve, and Karen Isbell Marszycki and her husband Roy; and several nieces and nephews.

Brett was preceded in death by his daughter Allison, his parents, and his brother, John Reese Isbell.

Brett requested that the family have a private service due to the ongoing coronavirus. Memorial markers will be placed both at his parents’ gravesite in Rockwall, and Allison’s gravesite in Midland, Texas. We invite you to pay your respects by making a contribution to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, volunteering with your local community garden, or getting outdoors and taking a hike.