On May 14, 2010 a mass and celebration of life were held for Brett. Brett touched so many people which could be seen with the church that holds 400 people being full. There were people from all parts of Brett's life; family, the boys from Saratoga, parents of the boys from Saratoga, kids from Little League, elementary school friends and friends from Santa Cruz. The Celebration of Life was held in the perfect spot, Capitola Beach by The Sea. Tributes were paid to Brett that recognized his love for his family, his gift as a teacher, his passion for the outdoors and life. His love for his family and friends showed in each story told. Kenzie; a family friend in the neighborhood ; wrote a poem about Brett. He had an impact on all the kids in the neighborhood. Stories were told of how he helped teach his friends growing up to pitch, ride a bike, dress up for a costume party, and push them past their limits of comfort. Brett was the glue that kept everyone together for years. The stories of laughter and the adventure brought out the warmth of what Brett means to so many. After the celebration of life many gathered at Zelda's to share even more colorful stories of the years growing up. As the afternoon went on many wished they had said more about how he had helped them and how happy he was when he fell in love with Sue. Not known to many Brett first had an interest in Sue back in high school. There was so much to tell and will be for years to come. Life does not bring us the opportunity to meet such extraordinary indiviuals every day. Brett will truly be remembered as an individual that touched many hearts.
The passion Brett had for life has brought alot of talk on how to continue his memory. There was a suggestion to walk the Wharf to Wharf but unfortunately registration is sold out for 2010. Brett loved Jimmy Buffet and many are talking about attending the concert at Shoreline on Oct 16th. Plans will be made to do an annual fund raise of some type for the kids.
Brett was the glue that kept everyone together. It is now up to each of us to stay in contact and be there for Brett's family.
Brett at Hanalei Market
He wishes he caught this fish
Hello Everyone. Here's what I said (tried to say) at the Memorial:
ReplyDeleteI have the good fortune of knowing Brett for the past four years. In that short time it's amazing what a bond we created and what I learned from him. He taught me to catch surf perch. He taught me to pick for abalone. He taught me how to hang a door. I learned that if I didn't want to clean all of the fish in the freezing lake, I'd better step up my game and become a better fisherman. He led by example with his strong work ethic and enthusiastic energy.
The favorite thing I learned from Brett was his happy dance. You've seen it. Brett brimming with excitement and anticipation, infecting the rest of the group with his enthusiasm.
So, from time to time, when you're excited about something, do the Brett Happy Dance. It's easy, it's fun, it puts a smile on your face, and it propagates enthusiasm to others. Best of all you'll think of Brett.
When I think of Brett I see Happy, Funny, Cheerful, Intuitive
Always teaching. Amazing Work Ethic
I asked Reilly and Rory "What did Brett want for you?"
"A good education!"
There were no pauses, no hesitation, they both said the same thing in unison. It must have been Brett's consistency, clarity of thought and helping the boys take the steps to make the aspiration a reality.
I asked Reilly how Brett was helping him achieve that. He said "I used to be the guy that would forget his homework every day. I'm not that guy anymore. Brett taught me that" Reilly, he didn't teach you how to remember your homework, he taught you how to be responsible. This will benefit you forever.
I asked Rory how Brett was helping him achieve his education. He said "he wouldn't help me with homework so that I would learn it myself".
What was Brett teaching you? "Don't always take the easy way" Why? "because someday, you'll be faced with the hard way and you need to know how to get through it"
Self-sufficiency. Classic Brett. Teach the man to fish and he eats for a lifetime.
Josh: He wanted to teach me baseball. Hitting and catching. He taught me how to do these things.
Chloe: Trust and Respect. How? If we were playing a game, he taught us to respect one another and not be un-fair.
Aiden: That you can do anything you want. If you make up your mind, and you believe in yourself, you can do it. Everything is open for the taking, you just have to decide.
MacKenzie: That Josh and Rory should use soap. He was a great role model. He was never mean, he was happy, strong and encouraging.
Just last month, I had the Best skiing day ever, in my life. I've had plenty of great days, but nothing compares to this day. The conditions, the energy, the fun and how well we were skiing. It's Brett. I didn't think I still had it in me, but I did. I've never seen a snowboarder carve through the trees in deep powder at high speed, totally in control. Never. His energy and passion carried me and drove me. It was awesome, thanks Brett.
I wanted to close this by reminding you to cherish the memories of Brett, and more importantly, live like Brett and embrace the principles and characteristics that he embodied. Have fun, learn, teach, live life, take risks, explore, respect the earth, respect one another, love one another and do the Happy Dance!