Alvin "Brent" Cornwall

 It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Alvin ”Brent” Cornwall, of Meridian, Idaho, on March 13, 2025.
 Alvin “Brent” Cornwall was born to Alvin and Lucille Cornwall on January 4, 1953 in Emmett, Idaho a bouncing baby boy adored by his older sisters, Sharon (Cornwall) Peterson and Kathy (Cornwall) Perkins. He attended Emmett High School, where he and his best bud, David Colburn, were well known as the class pranksters, entertaining fellow classmates and causing frequent headaches for the schoolteachers. Additionally, a lover of sports, he was actively involved in football and judo. He and a few high school kids helped a community schoolteacher start the Emmett Judo Club, where he earned his black belt. Much to his teachers’ relief, Brent graduated in 1971 and followed in his dad’s footsteps working beside him at the local sawmill as a lumber grader. 

 In 1972 Brent married his former spouse Debi (Brown) Aguilera and welcomed their first daughter Shelby (Cornwall) King in 1973 and in 1977, their second daughter Tayla (Cornwall) Smith was born. They moved to Kuna, Idaho where Brent successfully juggled the demands of raising his children while pursuing his career as a police officer. He was directly engaged with his daughters, coaching their softball teams, showing them the beautiful outdoors, while competing in community running races, snow skiing, and riding the waves all summer at Lucky Peak. He was always teaching them valuable life skills: shooting a gun, hunting and fishing, how to grow a garden, constantly reminding (okay, yelling) at them to change their car oil, intent on helping them to become strong, independent women. 

 Brent briefly worked for the Emmett Police Department sparking his interest in law enforcement and leading him to join the Ada County Sheriff's Office in 1976. He held various positions throughout his career with ACSO working in multiple divisions: the jail, HR, patrol, detective, marine patrol, and narcotics.

 In 1994 he met the love of his life Fátima (Quadros) Cornwall and became a father to their daughter Vanessa Cornwall. In 1997, Brent and Fátima were married in a civil ceremony at the El Korah Shrine where he was a member (Players). Later, in 1999, Brent and Fatima received the holy sacrament of matrimony at St. Mark’s Catholic Church, in Boise. His nickname for Fatima was unique, “My Magellan,” because he loved to explore the world with her and often would say “I’ll follow you anywhere, sweetheart!” 

 Brent raised Vanessa as his own with the same love, dedication, and adventurous spirit he showed to his girls, Shelby and Tayla. He once again coached soccer teams and yelled about oil changes because some things about fatherhood never change.  He sang silly songs like “Get away baby, I love my hot coffee” and could often be heard shouting “Get out of bed, you lazy bum” on Saturday morning. Brent thought life should be lived to the fullest, which meant there wasn’t a lot of sleeping in on his watch, but he always made getting out of bed worth it with countless trips to Bogus Basin and Lucky Peak.  He passed on holiday traditions like his annual homemade Christmas peanut clusters and made the BEST turkey sandwiches, so good, they were requested frequently by his girls and grandchildren.

 With Fátima and Vanessa came a big, loud Portuguese family, and despite often being the only American in the room, Brent fit right in. He was much beloved by his in-laws Joe and Maria Quadros, no doubt for the support and affection he showed his wife and daughters. He was a fixture at parties and could often be found dancing the traditional “chamarrrita” just as well as anyone who grew up in Portugal. In true Brent fashion, he didn’t speak much Portuguese, but dedicated himself to learning the essentials - how to order a cold beer. 

 Brent proudly served 29 years with the Ada County Sheriff’s Office, one of his most significant accomplishments in life. He retired from the Ada County Sheriff’s Office in 2005 as Sergeant of Kuna, Idaho. After retiring, Brent completed his Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice in 2007 from Boise State University.  He valued education and instilled the importance of learning within his daughters and grandchildren. 

 He was a proud and loving papa to his grandchildren Rylee and Hayden (Rylee’s  husband), Cutler, Lexi and Lainey. He was always joking and laughing with his grandkids, filling them full of ice cream and his corny Dad jokes. Brent and Fatima were frequent international travelers, often returning to Fatima’s homeland, Portugal and the Azores. He thoroughly loved history and was enthralled to wander the multiple countries they visited. He cherished family time, hosting home cooked meals and game night. He was an avid outdoorsman, camping, hunting, and flushing out birds with his trusty black labs. His favorite times were spent fishing on the lake in his boat with friends and family, having a cold beer and sharing many laughs. He was an active member of the El Korah Shrine and served as the President of the Players in 2000. He was a man of many talents; he frequently played the role of the hero in the Shriners’ annual melodrama despite desperately wanting to be the villain. 

  After retirement Brent loved to spend his time with friends and family.  He loved to take his sister Kathy out to lunch reminiscing about his nephews Tony and Terry Fouladpour and Paul, Jock and Chris Perkins’ past shenanigans and their present accomplishments. His longtime friends Skip Nakashima, Dale Woodcook and others regularly enjoyed “happy hours” and spending time laughing together in retirement.  

 Brent lived a purposeful life, full of joy, laughter, and adventure. He battled dementia with immense courage and unwavering strength leaving behind a legacy of resilience, love, and inspiration. 

 Although you are gone, you will never be forgotten…….We love you and will remember you, always. 

 He was preceded in death by his loving parents, Alvin and Lucille; his beloved sisters, Sharon and Kathy; and his nephew Terry. He is survived by his wife, Fatima; his daughters Shelby, Tayla, and Vanessa and their families: Rylee, Hayden, and Cutler (Shelby); Steve, Lexi, Lainey (Tayla); his nephews and spouses: Tony Fouladpour, Paul and Denise Perkins, Jock Perkins, and Chris and Kasie Perkins; his father and mother-in-law, Joe and Maria Quadros; his sister and brother in-laws and spouses: Roy Peterson, Lucia and Brent Baxter and family, Manuela Quadros and Nelson Teixeira and family; and  Many numerous extended family and friends he was grateful for your love. 

 His funeral will be held on Monday, March 24, 2025 at 2:00 PM at Potter Funeral Chapel followed by a procession to the Emmett Cemetery for a graveside service.  A small reception will be held at Elements Restaurant, in Emmett. Everyone is welcome to all of these events.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Brent’s favorite associations/charities:

IRLEA, c/o Myrna Harris
3438 West Scottsdale Street
Meridian, ID 83646
All checks should be made out to IRLEA

Shriners’ Children’s

The service will be live streamed on this page.

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