Brent Ashton Fifer

Brent Ashton Fifer, age 59, of Elkhart formerly of Niles, MI passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, March 23, 2022 at Elkhart General Hospital. He was born May 17, 1962 in Chicago to Ernest Harold and Audrey Lee Fifer.

Brent learned carpentry from his father at a young age and was so proud to have built his homes for his family. He truly cherished his family and loved spending time with his 5 children and 7 grandchildren, who affectionately called him BroPa. Though born in Chicago, Brent always considered his home to be on Round Lake in Sister Lakes, Michigan. He was a proud Dowagiac Mighty Chieftain, class of 1980. As a star running back and all-state wrestler, his photo is still hanging on their Wall of Fame. He was an avid water-skier, barefoot skier, and frequent sand bar occupant on Round Lake, where he met most of his lifelong friends.

On April 19, 1986 he married his childhood sweetheart, the love of his life, Cynthia Ward. Brent and his wife Cindy are the owners of Tri-Power Recycling in Elkhart, IN. Brent’s work ethic was unmatched and working alongside his wife and his children was a dream come true for him.

Anyone that knew Brent, knew that he was a dedicated Pink Floyd fan and relished in the sentiment that he was once told he was “a cool dude” from Roger Waters himself. He was so comfortable in his own skin and affectionately referred to himself as a “bill-hilly” with his “bibby” overalls and rope belt. He made quick friends with most people he met and the Fifer household was always filled with extras - no matter the occasion, he often greeted guests in his tighty whities at the door. He had a very laid-back demeanor and was known for his great sense of humor.

Brent was a little kid at heart and loved his toys over the years - his custom painted trucks, paraplanes, boats and cars. With their recent move to Elkhart on the river, he was eager to take the Master Blaster out for a hot lap.

A special treat that he shared with close friends and his boys was deer hunting on his property in Daggett, MI. Back in the swamp in “Old Faithful” (his deer blind) was his most peaceful place. He shared with Cindy that the next time he goes to Daggett, he would opt to shoot with his camera lens, not his .257 Weatherby rifle.

Brent is survived by his wife of 35 years Cindy of Elkhart, their five children, Tiffany (Pavol) Fabian of Grand Rapids, MI, Breanna (Gavin) Schertzing of Rockford, MI, Brent Ashton Fifer, Jr., Luke Fifer and Thor Fifer of Elkhart, grandchildren, twins Duke and Declan, Mikayla, Nadia, Brayden, Annika and Daisy, his sisters, Leslie (John) Lutes of Florida, Lorie (Steve) VanAntwerp of Florida and Lynette Fifer of Sister Lakes, MI, countless nieces, nephews, and close friends. Brent was preceded in death by his parents Ernest and Audrey Fifer.

Brent was truly one of a kind, loved by so many, and will be missed immensely. He was the rock in our family and a father figure to many. We will forever cherish our memories with him.

Visitation for Brent will be from 1 to 5 pm on Sunday, March 27, 2022 at Stemm-Lawson-Peterson Funeral Home, 1531 Cobblestone Blvd., Elkhart, IN 46514. A celebration of Brent’s life will follow at 5pm, with Sue Edema, a family friend officiating.

In lieu of flowers or donations, Brent’s family has listed things he loved and things they wish they could still do with him:

Go for a walk outside with a loved one
Crack open a Bud longneck (never a can, Pavol)
Say I love you and give big hugs
Listen to Pink Floyd
Buy the front row tickets to the concert
Order a large banana split blizzard from Dairy Queen
Treat your loved ones (or in his case his sons and employees) to wing night at Simeri’s
Donate blood or platelets regularly (especially if you have O negative blood type, or as he called it “liquid gold”)

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.stemmlawsonpeterson.com