Trent Synness
The late Trent Synness – who sailed into Valhalla on Saturday, June 10, at the age of 69 – was a multi-faceted individual, known by many, for many different things. Trent was a hard-working hippy. He was a sailor and a cowboy. He was a free spirit and a family man. He was a fearless adventurer, an expert craftsman, and a talented entrepreneur.
Trent could be a strict taskmaster or a gentle mentor, a solid citizen or a rebel without a cause. His self-confidence, colorful personality, off-the-wall wit and magical storytelling was a natural attraction for almost anyone he met.
He was an independent thinker, with an analytical mind. As tough as he was on the exterior, Trent was genuinely sensitive and compassionate for others, with a unique understanding of the essence of life. He helped out many people over the years.
He walked to a different drummer, living life on his own terms. The sum of all his parts equaled “One of a kind.”
A fifth-generation Helenan, Trent Wesley Synness was born August 6, 1953. He was the second of Wes and Carol Synness’ six offspring, after Curt and followed by Greg, Jay, Wayne and Brenda.
Trent grew up in the Sixth Ward on Poplar Street, where the three oldest brothers – each 13 months apart – enjoyed playing in the “forts” they made in the junked vehicles in their Dad’s auto salvage lot, visiting the neighborhood gardens after curfew, and exploring the wonders of the “Wrong Side of the Tracks”…and beyond.
Trent was born with an innate desire for risk-taking and excitement, combined with a stubborn streak of independence. His escapades often stretched the rules, which occasionally landed himself and/or others in his orbit in hot water. Years later, his Mom, who raised five boys 8 years difference (oldest to youngest), would (half) fondly recall, “I had my hands full keeping track of Trent.”
Trent attended school at Lincoln Elementary, Helena Junior High and Helena High. He was indoctrinated on work ethic at 10 years of age, first in Wes’s garage in the summers for a silver dollar a day, and later on Craig Winterburn’s Running W Cattle Company ranch in junior high school, for $8 a day. He also worked a summer with RMDC’s youth daycare program.
In ninth grade Trent discovered the sport of “rasslin” and for the next three years the mats served to satisfy his boundless energy and physical skills.
The fabric of Trent’s life were the hundreds of friends he collected over his lifetime, beginning with a circle of 1971 HHS classmates, many of whom remained lifelong buddies. Built like an athlete with eyes bluer than Paul Newman’s, he possessed a natural charismatic persona and a endearing gift of gab. People were attracted to his unique outlook on life, and usually got a kick out of his mischievous endeavors. He had special talent for singling out everyone’s uniqueness, and was able to make them laugh at themselves without getting mad. Usually.
In August of 1972, Trent married Nola Jorgenson and the couple went on to have two sons. The marriage lasted over 50 years.
“Being married to Trent,” Nola often said of their gypsy-esque adventures, “I felt like a cartoon character hanging on to his shirttail with my feet flying out behind.”
Their first home was a one-room shack on the Burnham Ranch, where Trent worked as an irrigator. After purchasing a home on 302 Blake Street, their first son Oden was born in 1973.
Trent started his building career as a roofer. Under the employ of brothers Gary and Larry Koehler, and Bill Berrigan, he learned the basics of the trade.
After buying an old school bus converted into a motor home from his grandpa Mo Lynch, the young family headed off to California in search of a sailboat in 1974.
Between 1975-83, TNO (Trent-Nola-Oden, as they referred to themselves) were either traveling the highways from coast-to-coast, living in the bus or sailing “Wings” – he taught himself to sail – on the waves of the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea.
They initially settled in Punta Rassa, Florida, and then at nearby Fort Myers Beach. There Trent met and went to work for (Bill) Semmer Electric, where another lifetime friendship was forged. Among his projects were building apartments and the docks on Bill’s waterfront property.
After three years, they began spending winters in Florida and summers in Montana, having purchased a home on Poplar Street. Living on “Wings” while down south, they continued exploring places like the Dry Tortugas, Florida Keys and the Bahamas.
In 1983, TNO decided to move back home permanently, and have another child. When their son Noell was born the next year, they became TNON.
A Jack of All Trades and Master of Many, Trent expanded his “Pros from Dover” Poplar St. garage and their Trinidad enterprises, to provide Nola an upstairs shop for the design and fabrication of all types of canvas coverings.
A marquee craftsman, despite the “Wood Butcher” sign hanging over his workbench, Trent had learned his trade through field experience. He became knowledgeable of virtually every aspect of the profession – from foundations and roofs, framing and sheet rocking, electrical and plumbing – while specializing in finish work.
Always “a people person,” he enjoyed getting to know the homeowners, so remodeling became his favorite work.
One of his favorite stories (among thousands) was the time he remodeled the cabin on the other side of McDonald Pass on Austin Road.
“I was getting paid in gold,” Trent recounted. “After one payday, the gold prices dropped so low on the drive home, by the time I cashed it in I’d lost $500.”
Those who worked with and for Trent, knew he had his own way of doing things, and could be very single-minded when it came to having it done that way. “He was good, and he knew he was good,” a colleague once noted.
Dump day was on Friday, and he usually returned from the visit with more than he brought. An avid and successful hunter, during hunting season, Trent made spotting for elk a prerequisite before work, and if said big game was sited, the pursuit of such took precedence over the job.
When Oden took up wrestling in the eighth grade, Trent was able to get back into the sport that he always regretted quitting his senior year. He became an assistant coach with the Helena Wrestling Club, before serving as HWC’s skipper from 1992-93. Nola served on the club’s Board of Directors and ran the pairing room, and when Noell took up the sport at just 4 years of age, they became a full-fledged wrestling family.
“Traveling around the state and country to wrestling tournaments was the best time of our family life,” Nola said.
In about 1998, Trent achieved another dream, when TNON purchased the Upper Hilger Ranch, also known as the Sleeping Giant Ranch. This property was two homesteads below his great grandparents’ Ole and Maggie Synness’ 1889 Beartooth Homestead, which was closer to the Sleeping Giant. Two-time ladies world bucking horse champion Fannie Sperry Steele once lived in a cabin on the site, and with her cousin Vi (Hilger) Nelson providing most of the artifacts, Trent built the Historic Hilger Ranch/Fannie Sperry Steele Museum, where they displayed some of Fannie’s memorabilia.
For the next 20 years they lived the lives of ranchers, with Trent continuing occasional remodel jobs and Nola relocating her shop to Valley Drive. In 2013 Trent returned to his roots when he roofed brother Curt’s house.
Among his favorite past times later in life were camping at “Curch Camp” on the Missouri River in the shadow of the Giant’s Nose; boating through the Gates of the Mountains; visiting with his grandchildren Odie B, Cobi, Corbin and Lily; and observing the wildlife (huns, coyotes and elk on his property) and sunrises/sunsets in Montana and Florida.
Oden passed in 2017, which impacted a profound effect on his mental health. In 2020 the family sold the ranch. Trent bought two sailboats in Ft. Myers and reconnected with his buddy Bill Semmer, spending most of the last two years of his life in Florida.
He came home for his mother’s 88th birthday last September, missing the landing of Hurricane Ian by five days. The storm devastated San Carlos Island and most of Semmer’s business. Trent lost both of his boats (one on top of a building, the other in the middle of a street) and his vehicle was completely submerged, but he was happy to report that all of his close Island friends – and his E-bike – survived.
A story-teller extraordinaire, he used the Jimmy Buffet “Fictional facts and factual fiction” method. His incredible memory and abstract sense of humor while relating the entertaining experiences of his colorful life will be hard to forget. And the countless “Trent stories” will be told for years to come by the far-encompassing lives he has touched.
Although the harmful addictions and demons that tormented Trent his final years ultimately led to his demise, he is now pain-free and at peace. He was far from perfect, but his character strengths and genuine heart is permanently embedded within all those who knew him well.
Trent was predeceased by his father Wes Synness, son Oden Synness, parents-in-law Chuck and Jean Jorgenson, nephew Hunter Bossler, niece Desiree Synness, and his sister-in-law Amy Synness. He is survived by his mother Carol; ex-wife Nola; son Noell Jorgenson; brothers Curt (Melisa), Greg, Jay (Marla) and Wayne (Carol); sister Brenda; daughter-in-law Laurie Barrett; grandchildren Oden, Cobi, Corbin and Lily; and uncle John and aunt Karen Synness; as well as numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
A special “Thank You” to all the wonderful friends and family who cared for and about Trent over the course of his life, particularly during the last several years.
“Under the wide and starry sky,
Dig the grave and let me die.
Glad did I live and gladly die,
And I laid me down with a will.
This be the verse that you grave for me:
Here he lies where he longed to be,
Home is the sailor, home from the sea,
And the hunter home from the hill.”
— Robert Louis Stevenson
A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, July 28, at the Helena Valley (4H) Community Center.
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
2:00 p.m.
Friday July 28, 2023
Helena Valley Community Center
3553 Tizer Road
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
2:00 p.m.
Friday July 28, 2023
Helena Valley Community Center
3553 Tizer Road
Helena, Montana 59602
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Timothy N Rusek says
We are so sorry to hear of Trent’s passing. I have many fond memories of growing up with him and his family, although we grew apart as we aged I have never forgotten our friendship and the 5 week trip to Florida always brings fond memories. Rest in peace brother, Love Tim
Diane says
I am sorry to learn Trent passed away. he was a good person. my thoughts and prayers are with his family at this difficult time. With sincere sympathy Diane Pedersen
Sue Jackson says
To the Synness Family–I wish you comfort in this hard time. Sue Jackson
Claudia says
How deeply saddened I’ve been since hearing of Trent’s death. He was always such a generous and helpful brother back in the day and I doubt I ever properly thanked him; but, for maybe painting the boat that time 🙂 And, there were the long talks till 5 in the morning out at the lake which I will ever hold fond memory of. Your beautiful family suffered such loss especially when Oden passed and I have ever kept you all in my thoughts and prayers. Nola, Noell & family, Laurie, and the whole of the Synness clan – Jesus told us in the Book of Matthew that “blessed are those that mourn for they will be comforted”. We don’t always comprehend the answers we so seek at times like this; but, submerged in faith, hope and Love, I pray for your comfort and clarity during this time. May our Lord hold you all in the Palm of His hand. Love and Blessings, Claudia.
Mike glueckert says
Trent was a good friend and classmate. A hard worker as well! Sincere condolences and sympathy to his family. So very sorry of his passing and prayers and thoughts too all!
Jim & Sue Sampson says
To the Synness family our deepest sympathy. We hope you find comfort in the good memories of Trent. He was a special friend for many years and will be missed.
Matt Kuntz says
I’m so sorry for Trent’s passing. I’ll always remember him first as Oden’s dad when we wrestled together. He was always there with a smile and kind word, irregardless of how my match went. It really meant a lot. I am grateful for some of the talks we had when I was an adult. He was an amazing man. God bless the Synness family.
Love,
Matt Kuntz
Cindy Williams says
So sorry to hear about Trent. God love and comfort you all.
Kathie Sperry-Arlint says
So sorry to hear of Trent’s passing. Prayers to all of the Synness family.
Robert Smith says
Trent my friend we will miss you deeply everyone here at bonitabills only have the fondest memories of you
Frank Thomas says
Trent left a huge hole here in Florida with his passing. We always knew we were listening to an old soul who knew what love was. I miss you brother. Love always, Frank
Chad & Shannon says
Nola… thinking of you in this time …and all you and Trent have done for me and many other’s like me .. a home and a family when we needed it the most …
We’ll miss ya Trent …
Mary Kelley says
Very sorry to hear that Trent has passed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Love always. Jack and Mary Kelley
Brenda says
Trent, you lived your life to the fullest! Honored that you are my brother and so happy we got to spend so many fun times at church Camp! Laughing and sharing adventures with family and friends. You taught so many people so much. Your vision, encouragement and support you gave me to build a successful business will not be forgotten I am so grateful. There wasn’t anything you couldn’t build or repair. Your dreams of becoming a sailor, talented successful carpenter/entrepreneur, loving father, husband and grandfather, hunter, friend, athlete, ranch owner were met and exceeded! You and Wes are two of the most successful men I’ve known! Skol Brother! Love You
Lanae Matson Vetsch says
To the Synness family, may you have happy memories with you always
Rick McAlmond says
My thoughts and prayers are with all of the Syness families, there was never a dull moment when spending time with Trent, he will be missed by many.
Susan (Keim) Doran says
So very sorry to hear of Trent’s passing. My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Synness Family. Trent was “one of a kind” and such an adventurous person… no other like him! So glad to have been one of his Helena High School classmates and friend. He will be missed by many… RIP Trent, will miss you. Sincerely, Susan (Keim) Doran
Laurie. Lewis Chandler says
So sorry to hear of Trent’s passing. I went to school with Trent at Lincoln Elem. I specifically remember him and the 6th grade teacher having words lol. It seemed like he had a knack for getting into things. Unfortunately that was the end of our relationship but always heard kind things about him. My prayers to all of his family
Carolyn Pelletier says
My deepest sympathies to Nora and the entire Synness family. Sounds like a wonderful free spirit has joined another world of free spirits. Glad you have so many treasured memories to comfort you during this difficult time.
Eve N Byron says
Curt and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Words fail me, but know that your love and support meant the world to Trent.
Cathy Schneckloth Dawe says
God’s blessings to the Synness family! Trent was a very unique person and will have a special place in our hearts ❤️
Vicki Roehl says
I will never forget growing up with the Synness boys on Poplar street. Time spent with them was always adventurous. Trent was always up for the next exciting thing to do. We have all grown up and gone our ways, but never fail to stop and visit when we happen to meet somewhere. Those memories will last forever. My prayers are with the family at this difficult time. Rest in peace my friend.
Margaret Jenkins says
Curt I am very sad for your recent loss. You are a good man
Beth says
Nola and family, I truly am sorry for your loss, keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers.
Dave Smith says
Trent and I were rasslin practice partners in high school because we were the same size. As I recall, he was a tad bit stronger than me. I always enjoyed seeing him out at the Gates. One time I somehow spun the propeller off my boat as I pulled into my slip. Trent was there and offered to get his scuba gear the next day and go down to fetch it for me. Sure enough, next time we went out there, my prop was there on the dock. What a guy! Rest in peace my friend.
Cris Tobias says
I am deeply saddened to hear of Trent’s passing. I haven’t seen Trent since being teammates on the Bengals wrestling squad with him and his older brother Curt. He at 115 lbs and I at 120 lbs. The work outs were always long and tough, but Trent could lift our spirits with just a twinkle of his eye and that mischievous grin. By all the accounts of his life that I’ve read here it was a life well lived and well loved. To his extended family and friends I want to extend my heartfelt sympathies. Valhalla could accept no greater a man.
Marv St Clair says
My deepest condolences to Nola and all the Synness families. As distant cousins I felt many of Trent’s wondering spirits. Maybe that’s how we ended up in Alaska. Rest in peace Trent.
James Watkins says
I have the fondest memories of Trent. He was such a character. Brought a smile to my face time after time. He had this sparkle that was so endearing. He had a way of making you laugh at yourself when he was entertained by something ridiculous you had said or done. Times with Trent were alway good times. He touched my life in a very good way. I lost touch. Thank you, Curt, for revealing the story of his full and epic life. I hope the void that his passing has left for all that knew and loved him can be filled by his memory and life stories. He will live forever in the minds of us all and the bloodline he left behind.
susie siedentop says
Only fond memories of Trent that “wild & crazy guy” spent one winter living on the Semmer docks w/ TNO in FL.
A most memorable New Years eve party -30 degrees in the beautiful house on Poplar and climbing the Giants Nose.
Will always remember Trent and Nola’s hospitality and care for everyone they met. Blessed to have known the family .
scott Pendergast says
So sorry for your loss. I always enjoyed any time spent with Trent. Seems like only yesterday when he was kicking my ass at Middle School wrestling RIP Trent
Chuck and Marlie Loranz says
Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of Trent’s family and friends, all though we haven’t seen Trent for many years since we graduated high school, everyone who had the pleasure of knowing Trent will always have fond memories. Sincerely, Chuck and Marlie Loranz
Ted Polette says
Curt and family, my heart goes out to you all. I didn’t have the pleasure of meeting Trent, but I sure wish I had because he sounds like a terrific man, just like his brother! Where there is sadness, love plants a garden of memories and may those memories sustain you and dampen the grief that overwhelms you at a time like this. May Trent’s garden forever bloom.