BELFAST — Brent Hilton Soper, 76 of Belfast, passed away on July 17, 2023.

Brent was born in Castine, Maine on September 17, 1946, to Richard and Frances Soper. He spent most of his life in East Orland, where he met Brenda Lally, the love of his life. Brent and Brenda were married on September 30, 1967, and built a beautiful life over their 36 years together.

With Brenda, Brent had two daughters that he loved. Above all the accomplishments in his life, Brent was most proud of being a father to his daughters. He included them in all he did. Bridget and Melissa never missed out on a trip to camp on Lead Mountain, family vacations, or a ride in his Cadillac Eldorado.

Brent found companionship with Susan Dupler after Brenda passed. They had many great adventures during their time together. Susan supported and loved him over the last 15 years.

Brent served proudly in the United States Naval Construction Battalions (Seabees). Upon coming home from the Navy, he worked in the Bucksport paper mill where he finished his career as a foreman on the No. 1 and 2 paper machines. Brent retired after 35 years of service and never forgot the men and women who worked on his crews.

Brent was a lifelong learner. To know him was to know of his many bookcases, stacks of magazines, movies, guides, maps, and more. He was often heard saying, “learn as much as you can. It’s the only thing that can never be taken away from you.” He lived his creed; there seemed to be nothing that he didn’t know at least a little about, and there was much that he seemed to know everything about. 

One of the many things he seemed to know everything about was guns. Brent and his father owned the Powder Horn, a shop where he and his friends would fix, build, and study firearms. He spent his life learning history, and he loved nothing more than to tell you about the background on the current gun he was working on.

He didn’t just collect guns; Brent was an accomplished sportsman who enjoyed shooting sports and hunting. He continued to shoot almost perfect rounds of skeet, every time, until the end. He will be fondly remembered for outshooting his family and friends on the range.

Brent was known for his positivity and kindness above all else. He loved his family and friends and was always available to them for a helping hand or word of advice. The first thing he would ask when he saw you was how you were, how your family was, or ask a question about something happening in your life. When you spoke, he listened and remembered. As much as he was available for a word of encouragement, he was also available for a good laugh. Brent had a razor-sharp wit.

Brent leaves behind his daughters, Bridget Rickard and Melissa Upton, and their husbands Corey and Basil respectively. He also leaves behind his partner Susan Dupler and grandchildren, Brent Upton and wife Katie, Bryan Rickard and wife Jessica, and Kate Upton and his great-grandchildren, Arianna and Elijah Upton, and Rhett, and Kane Rickard. Beyond his immediate family, he leaves behind many nieces, nephews, and friends whom he loved deeply. 

Brent is predeceased by his wife, Brenda Soper; parents, Richard and Frances Soper; and brother, Dr. Richard Soper Jr.

Services will be held on Sunday, August 13, at the Orland United Methodist Church, with an hour of remembrance with the family at 1 p.m. in the parish hall and funeral following at 2 p.m. in the church. 

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks for donations to be made to the Travis Mills Foundation, 647 Castle Island Road, Mt. Vernon, Maine 04352  https://www.classy.org/give/206843/#!/donation/checkout

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.ripostafh.com