Longtime Montana Veterinarian Brent Thompson Dies at 65

Thompson spent decades caring for livestock and wildlife in the state before joining the USDA.

Mar. 19, 2026 at 5:00pm

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Brent Thompson, a 65-year-old veterinarian who spent most of his career serving the ranching community in south-central Montana, has died. Thompson began his career in private practice before joining the USDA in 2004, where he was involved in responding to a brucellosis outbreak in the Greater Yellowstone Area and providing ongoing care for free-ranging wildlife.

Why it matters

Thompson's passing marks the end of an era for the tight-knit ranching community he served for decades. As a large animal vet, he played a crucial role in the health and wellbeing of livestock and wildlife across the state. His career shift to the USDA also highlighted his expertise and dedication to public service.

The details

Born in Culbertson, Thompson spent most of his childhood and teenage years in Browning, where he graduated from Browning High School. He went on to earn his undergraduate degree at Montana State University and his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Colorado State University. In 1988, he married Kathryn Ensign, who he described as his 'future activities director' and lifelong partner. Thompson began his career in private veterinary practice, primarily serving ranching families in south-central Montana. In 2004, he joined the USDA as a veterinarian for the eastern district of Montana, where he was involved in responding to a brucellosis outbreak and providing care for free-ranging wildlife.

  • Brent Thompson was born on April 12, 1960 in Culbertson, Montana.
  • Thompson graduated from Browning High School in Browning, Montana.
  • Thompson earned his undergraduate degree from Montana State University.
  • Thompson earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Colorado State University.
  • Thompson passed away on March 9, 2026 at the age of 65.

The players

Brent Thompson

A 65-year-old veterinarian who spent most of his career serving the ranching community in south-central Montana, before joining the USDA in 2004 where he was involved in responding to a brucellosis outbreak and providing care for free-ranging wildlife.

Kathryn Ensign

Thompson's wife, whom he described as his 'future activities director' and lifelong partner.

USDA

The United States Department of Agriculture, where Thompson worked as a veterinarian for the eastern district of Montana starting in 2004.

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What they’re saying

“So I don't have to walk.”

— Brent Thompson

“When asked what he wanted remembered in his obituary, he turned the focus away from himself. He spoke first of his profound love and gratitude for his wife, Kathryn, and for the steadfast love, care and patience she gave him, especially when life became difficult.”

— Brent Thompson

The takeaway

Brent Thompson's passing marks the end of an era for the tight-knit ranching community he served for decades as a large animal veterinarian. His career shift to the USDA also highlighted his expertise and dedication to public service, particularly in responding to disease outbreaks and providing care for free-ranging wildlife.