Brian Lee Sargent was born May 8, 1965 in Mahnomen, MN, the son of Avonelle (Wadena) and Melvin Sargent. He was raised in the Naytahwaush area and attended school in Naytahwaush and Mahnomen. As a young teen, Brian began boxing, a sport that he would pursue for several years. After many years as an amateur boxer, he would turn to pro boxing and travel all over the world. Over the years, Brian was a very successful boxer and had many matches with top prize boxers.


Following his career in boxing, he attended carpentry classes and would later become employed by the Shooting Star Casino. As Brian's health began to fail, he was forced to leave his job at the casino. He spent his remaining time at home with friends and family. Brian died Thursday, February 18, 2010 at his home under the care of Hospice of the Red River Valley and surrounded by family at the age of 44.

Boxing was an important aspect of Brian's life. He was an active boxer for several years; however, he also enjoyed simply sparring and training the younger kids to become better boxers. His most abundant love in life was children, proven by how many he had! In addition to being a father, Brian was also a proud godfather to his nephew, Tyson Sargent. Brian loved family gatherings and his personality lent itself to be a joker who cracked them up with his sense of humor and jokes; always making people laugh. He also enjoyed playing Texas Hold 'Em and listening to blues music.


Brian is survived by his parents, Avonelle Sargent, Naytahwaush, and Melvin Sargent, Minneapolis, MN; his children: Alex Beaulieu, Brian Sargent, Syrus Sargent, Tyler Sargent, Amber Carpenter Sargent, Gage Sargent, Neka Carpenter Sargent, Lydia Carpenter Sargent, Jewel Zornes, Tori Hisgun, Dacota Sargent, Hannah Sargent, Emmah Sargent, and Jonah Sargent; eight grandchildren: Tavian, Brian, Noah, Ethan, Matyas, Julian, Dillon and Aiden; six brothers: Darrell "Boone" (Kelly) Wadena, Naytahwaush, John Sargent, Naytahwaush, Apollo Sargent, Drew Sargent, Jerome Sargent, all of Minneapolis, MN, and Melvin Sargent, Jr., Duluth, MN; eight sisters: Kathy (Nick) Wadena, Cheryl (Bill) Sargent, both Mahnomen, Brenda Sargent, Eleanor Sargent, Melanie Sargent, all of Naytahwaush, Jamie Sargent, Shakopee, MN, Nova Sargent and Krystal Sargent, both Minneapolis; special brothers, Sam (Lisa) Wadena, Darrell "Smokey" (Michelle) Wadena, and Tony (Tammy) Wadena, all Naytahwaush.

Brian was preceded in death by a son, Noah Sargent; granddaughter, Haylee Londo; maternal grandparents, John Wadena and Mary Sargent; paternal grandparents, Ozelda and Melvin Sargent, Sr.; and three sisters: Janelle Sargent, Lois Brown, and Mira Ann Sargent.

Funeral Services were held Tuesday, February 23, 2010 at 2 pm at the Naytahwaush Sports Complex. Officiates were Pastor Bill Brown, Jeremy Davies and Pastor Tim Brown. Special music was provided by Pastor Tim and Tammy Brown. Pallbearers were Sonny Wadena, AJ Goodwin, James Goodwin, Dan Wadena, Kasey Wadena, John "Hoggie" Sargent, Jr., Nathaniel "Sano" Sargent and Dean Sargent . Honorary pallbearers were Ron Peterson, Arnie Martin, Charlie Coleman, John Benjamin, Francis Brown, Mike Johnson, Tammy Wadena, Desi Weaver, Tammy McArthur, Sue Bellefeuille, Alan Oppegard, John Wadena, Gloria "Mouse" LaFriniere, Jodo Goodwin, Mike and Ann Brown, Oscar Oppegard, Tim and Tammy Brown, Earl and Eileen McDougall, Mustang Lounge Employees, cousins, nieces and nephews. Visitation was held at the Naytahwaush Sports Complex beginning Monday, February 22nd at 5 pm with a wake service at 7 pm and continuing until the time of the service on Tuesday.

Burial was at the Free Gospel Alliance Cemetery, Naytahwaush, MN.