It is nearly impossible for me to imagine the Morrison Center without Brent Karlberg. My heartfelt sympathy to his parents, Lisa and his children, and everyone at the Morrison Center on the loss of such a wonderful guy. 

Brent and I were kids in the drama program at Lewiston High School where he demonstrated early on his natural aptitude for technical theatre, leadership, and his passion for the arts. For 25 years his talent, exceptional work ethic and big hearted personality were a driving force in the Morrison Center's development as a vibrant and sophisticated home for professional performances. He (and his crew) garnered the respect and praise of a wide range of national and international arts professionals, helping to put the Morrison Center on the map. 

I am so sad about Brent's passing and will miss him very much. He was a great source of strength to me during the two times I served as the Center's interim director. His standards were high and I knew that I could count on him to get things done despite the odds - he was a real pro, and friend. I will miss his laugh, his warmth, his stories, and his generous personality. It gives me some comfort however, to think of Brent's legacy living on through his friends and family, the students who worked for him, and others he influenced over the years. Godspeed, my friend. 
 

While I only worked with Brent for a short time, he made such an impression on me. From my first interview, he asked insightful questions and greeted me with a huge smile. He was the first production person I ever met who thought we could be doing more shows and increase our education offerings. I could see right away, he had a huge heart. He was so proud of all his students who he taught about the business and who went on to work on big Broadway tours. He put the Morrison Center on the map as a place for Broadway shows to tech ahead of the tour, and everyone in the business knew he could solve any technical problem. The Morrison team will miss him greatly. I will certainly miss his leadership, wisdom, smile, nod of encouragement, and wonderful stories.

Brent A. Karlberg passed away unexpectedly of a heart attack on Monday, March 23, 2020, in Boise, at the age of 55.

Brent was born in Lewiston to Ron and Judy Karlberg. Brent graduated from Lewiston High School in 1983 and from Lewis-Clark State College in 1988. Brent went on to earn his MFA at the University of Idaho, studying technical direction and lighting design. He married Lisa Barnett in 1991. The couple were blessed with two children, Brea Barnett and Malcolm Karlberg.

How many families can say they not only love each other, but genuinely like one another? We are a tight-knit family whose time together is always filled with laughter. No one could have asked for a more loving son and brother. As a dad, he was one of the kindest, most gentle people you could ever meet. Although separated at the time of Brent’s passing, Lisa and Brent were married for almost 28 years and raised Brea and Malcolm to be good people, with compassion for others. Brent will live on in his children, who will miss him terribly.

“A good friend is a connection to life — a tie to the past and a road to the future.” Whether you knew him as Brent, Brenter, Biff, Benchly, Bubba, Big Brother or Big Bear, he was a lifelong friend with a kind and caring soul. Friends he had made as early as kindergarten were known as the Third Street/Normal Hill Gang, and their shared experiences and bonds they created are forever engraved in their memories. Together they attended Webster and graduated from LHS. That was the time for make-believe, playing sports, forming bands and discovering his love of theater and music. Brent remained close to many of his school classmates and cherished their friendships.

Brent found the career that combined his love of theater and music. Brent worked in theater production for the Coeur d’Alene Summer Theater, Idaho Repertory Theater, the Spokane Interplayers, the Missouri Central Repertory Theater and Northern Arizona University. As a production manager, Brent was an integral part of BSU-Morrison Center for 25 years, starting in 1995. He cared deeply about people he worked with, as well as those impacted by his work, including his dedicated staff, co-workers, students and patrons. Brent brought a positive outlook to every interaction he had with others, whether it was with colleagues, promoters, faculty members, students or service providers. He was always ready and willing to provide a helping hand to those in need.

Brent is survived by his parents, Ron and Judy Karlberg, of Lewiston; wife Lisa Karlberg, of Caldwell; children Brea Barnett, of Boise, and Malcolm Karlberg, of Caldwell; siblings Kalyn Karlberg, of Pasco, and Chanda Karlberg, of Kennewick. Brent was preceded in death by his brother, Tom Clark.

Because of the COVID-19 virus, memorial services will be held at a later date, one in Lewiston and the other in Boise. In lieu of flowers, the family would like donations made to the Morrison Center in Brent’s name: Morrison Center c/o Brent Karlberg Memorial Fund, 2201 W. Cesar Chavez Lane, Boise, ID 83725. Cards may be sent to Ron and Judy Karlberg, 720 18th Ave., Lewiston, ID 83501; or Lisa Karlberg (and children Malcolm and Brea), 3205 S. Illinois Ave., Caldwell, ID 83605.

Condolences can also be sent through Malcom’s Brower-Wann Funeral Home at malcomsfuneralhome.com or www.forevermissed.com/brent-karlberg/stories.

I am sure the ghost light on the Morrison Center stage flickered out and the Theatre Gods shed a tear at Brent Karlberg’s passing. He loved theatre and was dedicated to the Morrison Center's success. He had a big smile and did everything with his heart and soul. I will remember Brent most for his “can-do” attitude. Whenever we were faced with a new show or challenge and I asked Brent if it could be done, he would always say, “Yes, James. We can do it!” Hundreds and hundreds of shows and stage improvements later, Brent and the Morrison Center team always made it happen. Brent will be greatly missed and the world of theatre is worse off without his indomitable spirit.

So sorry about your loss He sounded like a great person. Our prayers and thoughts go out to you. Hang on to the great memories. Love Norm and Ann Lenz

I remember Brent sharing how much fun he had at the KISS Concert at then Taco Bell Arena in July 2016.
He and Malcolm had seats in the 10th row on the floor. I was surprised he still had eyebrows sitting that close to the pyro!
Enjoy Rock And Roll All Nite
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9JdvCXC_1j0

I met Brent the first time in my scene shop tech class. Mike , our teacher said Brent is always looking for stage hands so I brought Brent the pink slip and ta-dah, I was a stage hand. I was much older than the average student and connected with Brent right away. He became no only my boss, favorite one, but a mentor for theater navigating classes and life.  As the years passed we became family, the big brother I never had and uncle to my kids. I know it will take time to cope with his loss but I know he will be with us “ like a hand print on our hearts”. Like he always said “ take a breath”