Jon Kuzyk says:

I’m out of the country travelling, right now, so unfortunately I wont be able to attend the funeral. I thought I’d share a couple quick stories. I first met Brett in the CIMCO shop in 2003 he was working on Pepsi machines, if I remember correctly. I remember he took the time to chat with me, which I thought was cool. In 2005, one of the first jobs I ever worked on in the trades was with Brett at Schneider sausage plant in Cloverdale. Brett was a legend at that plant and I was always amazed at how he interacted with the Plant Manager and maintenance workers, they all loved him. It’s something that really amazed me at the time and I hoped one day I would have customers that treated me the same way. I worked with him as hatch-watch while he worked in the attics looking for refrigerant leaks. Brett always treated me fairly and as an equal, even though, I was just a kid and had no idea what I was doing. He taught me a lot and I’ll always appreciate that he took the time to teach me even though he probably didn’t have to. It helped me build the passion I have for the trade and now I’m over 20 years into my career. When Brett moved to Kelowna, he rescued me on the side of the highway — my water pump failed when I was towing my boat to Okanagan Lake. I remember he was pulling my boat about 130 km/h back to town I thought the wheels were going to fall off the trailer! He said he had a service call and has to get back to work. LOL. Brett was a good man and my sincere condolences go out to his wife and family. Brett, you are gone too soon and will be missed buddy. I’ll have a couple beers in your memory.
– Jonathan Kuzyk and Family.

Ross McMillan says:

Dear Lee-Ann, Daniel and Family,

I was heartbroken to hear about Brett’s passing. I can’t fully express how sorry I am, and I want to offer my deepest condolences to you and your family during this incredibly painful time.
Brett was an old friend of mine, and even though we didn’t see each other often in recent years, I carry warm memories of him and of the connection between our families.
I will always remember the joy we shared when our sons were born — Charlie, and Brett and Lee-Ann’s son Daniel — arriving within a year of one another. That was such a special chapter of life, and it created a bond that I’ve never forgotten.
One of the things that stands out most about Brett was his unconditional willingness to help. He was the kind of person who would show up without hesitation, without complaint, and without ever making it feel like a burden.
When we renovated our kitchen in Whistler, Brett offered his assistance right away. Over the years, he helped me troubleshoot plumbing problems at our home in Vancouver — always patiently, always methodically, and always with the same quiet generosity.
I also remember when Brett transitioned from his job at Pepsi to becoming a certified refrigeration mechanic. I was in a position where I could direct some work his way, and he did an excellent job in every case. Brett was so thorough and thoughtful in his work. What I admired most was how he took the time not only to fix the problem, but to explain what he was doing and why — to me and to the end users — with real care and professionalism.
Even now, every time I’m in Lynn Valley Mall and I hear the hum of the compressor at Westlynn Bakery, I think of Brett. It’s a small reminder of the way he left his mark through his skill, his dedication, and the help he gave so freely.
I will also always treasure memories of time spent with Brett on the mountain. He was truly an expert skier, and he showed me so many incredible hidden places at Whistler Blackcomb — the kind of secret runs only someone with his adventurous spirit and deep knowledge could find.
And Brett certainly had his funny, spirited side too. I still laugh when I think about a cat-skiing trip we took in the Selkirk Mountains with Don and Colin Stewart, Jeff Lovenuik, Jim Salidas, among others. On the long drive back, Jim was driving very slowly, and it was making Brett absolutely crazy. Finally, Brett snapped and said, “Jim, you are driving like an old lady. If you don’t relinquish the wheel to me, I’m going to go insane… pull over now!” Jim finally gave in, and Brett’s impatience probably saved us a lot of time on that long road home. It was such a classic Brett moment — direct, hilarious, and full of life.
Brett was a remarkable person, and I feel genuinely grateful to have known him. Please know that he will be remembered with real respect, warmth, and affection, and that his kindness and presence made a difference in the lives of many.
My thoughts are with you all, and I am so sorry for your loss.
I am sorry we are unable attend .

With sincere sympathy,
Ross

Sandy Sine (Pavone) says:

Lee-Ann, Daniel and Family,
We were so saddened to hear of Brett’s passing. Our prayers and thoughts are with you at this most difficult time.
Sandy Sine (Pavone) & Family, Panorama Neighborhood