Our hearts rejoice in the celebration of your life and the goodness and kindess you bestowed on everyone who’s life you touched. May you rest in peace in God’s holy arms now & forever.
I still can’t believe I won’t be coming to your office to grab some pretzels when I am hungry or just come talk to you when I needed to laugh… I miss you soooo much dudeee!!! I will forever remember you and will keep you in my heart always. You were one of a kind my friend, the best kind.
My most sincere condolences to the LNC family. As a former member of the family, I know how close everyone is. You all will be in my thoughts and prayers, as well as Brett’s family.
I miss your laugh, smile, our afternoon chats, our banter in the hallways, sipping on some Strong Rod, jamming to music, your stories, the emails, the lunches…You are an amazing man. You will always be in my heart. I will never forget you.
Brett has touched so many lives for the better. I will keep him in my heart and cherish the memories we shared. I will take a page out of his book of life and live it to the fullest, with joy, laughter, and music. We all love you Brett!
Why did you have to go Brett? We need you here with us! Will never forget you… You were such a warm, loving, funny, smart, gentle, kind, sweet guy. I will never forget you!
Brett …
Although I’m sure you’ll be watching, the NBA playoffs will not be the same without you, buddy. I’ll miss our debates on matchups; I’ll miss our re-hashing of meaningless statistics; I’ll miss the hallway trash-talking; I’ll miss you.
Peace. Love. Hoops.
“Let’s Celebrette” My friend Brett, I really gonna miss your daily words and your enthusiastic way to live life. I have learned a lot of you. Thank you and god bless you wherever you are. “Peace. Love.Dapper” You were one of the coolest creative guys I ever met. Keep your dictionary close to me. My heart is with you and your family.
My heartfelt love and prayers are with Brett’s family during this most trying time. Mrs. Elliott, thank you for bringing Brett into this world. Brett’s sheer kindness, generousity and caring soul have been imprinted on my heart forever. His genuine belly laugh is what is needed most right now.
In Brett’s honor, I would like to share our favorite “Brain Droppings” courtesy of George Carlin. He recently bought me the book and DVD. Each day we read a little to each other. Today, I am reading with you. I hope it lends a smile, or even a belly laugh. Brett would want it that way.
- When cheese gets it’s picture taken, what does it say?
- When someone asks you, A penny for your thoughts, and you put your two cents in, what happens to the other penny?
- If lawyers are disbarred and clergymen defrocked, doesn’t it follow that electricians can be delighted, musicians denoted?
- When someone is impatient and says, “I haven’t got all day,” I always wonder, How can that be? How can you not have all day?
- I thought about how mothers feed their babies with tiny little spoons and forks so I wondered, what do Chinese mothers use? Toothpicks?
- What if there were no hypothetical questions?
- Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day. Teach him how to fish, and he will sit in a boat and drink beer all day.
- Before they invented drawing boards, what did they go back to?
- Procrastination is the art of keeping up with yesterday.
- Why do croutons come in airtight packages? It’s just stale bread to begin with.
- I have as much authority as the Pope, I just don’t have as many people who believe it.
- Have you ever noticed that anybody driving slower than you is an idiot, and anyone going faster than you is a maniac?
- If the #2 pencil is the most popular, why is it still #2?
- Men are from Earth, women are from Earth. Deal with it.
I am a better person having known you Brett. Save me a place on the love-bus.
Your teachers, colleagues and friends in the Department of Advertising at The University of Texas remember you fondly and will miss you. You have always been a wonderful and supportive friend of our department and our University!
Isabella Cunningham and the faculty at the Department of Advertising at The University of Texas at Austin
I wish I would have shared moments with such a wonderful guy. On Friday, I offered him a doughnut but he had already had one, so I missed it. At least, I received an email from him (the only one I received). In the subject: FREE BEER.
See you in heaven for that free beer… This one is for you, master!
…but Brett…what about your rythmn egg in the tragically uncool white mini-van? Only you could make that seem sorta hip. (The rythmn egg. Not the mini van.) And your favorite Madonna “Erotica” concert video and uh…her very uninhibited coffeetable book? And the One Man Woman Party? And the time you and that fun, cute camera guy came to dinner at my little place? Remember? And dinner at Boulevard Bistro? And my birthday dinner at Maggiano’s? And dinner w/ Brad and my folks at Benjy’s? It would appear we ate a lot, Brett. It would also appear that this is feeling like a high school yearbook entry. I wish it was. I wish we’d've had the chance to laugh about this stuff again. I’m looking forward to circling the wagons tomorrow w/ sooo many people you love you. We need that.
Brett -
I didn’t know you too well, and that is my loss. But, I loved your zest for life and your gift for humor. I don’t know why you aren’t in our world anymore; it seems very unfair. Please be there in the next. I look forward to catching up with you then.
As my daughter Angel called him. You will be greatly missed! You were by far the funniest man I’ve ever met. Put a smile on my face for 20 yrs! And all I have left to say is, THE SHOES!!!!! Love Ya Brett! See Ya When I Get There!
When I first started working at LNC and heard your laughter, I turned to my coworker next to me asking “who is that laughing so hard?!!”. Your laughter was so genuine… and so loud it was contagious!! I didn’t know you very well, but that’s what I remember most about you, Brett.
Keep smiling. Keep laughing.
I only had the pleasure of really getting to know Brett over the last year. And most of those times seemed to be at Blancos over pork chops. “Have you had the pork chops?” “Yes, Brett…every time you recommend them, sweetie.” I wish I could have pork chops with you again…not sure I can go to Blancos any time soon… Peace. Love. Pork Chops.
I am one of the many, many, many fortunate people that Brett called friend. Pour the wine and start frying the zucchini buddy - we will see you again soon. I love you and miss you so much.
hey baby, I called and left you a message today. Did you get it? Wanted to tell you about some cool parties this weekend. Did you make them? I thought I saw you….everywhere. I saw Randy and Kenny and The Kidd, Carlos and Chris were there too, so was Rod and Doug….oh yeah..Stephen came in from Baltimore, Ross and Nathan gave me a ride to one of them, lots of people you knew…they all asked about you.
Oh yeah. Alex said you could come in late on Monday….sleep well darling…goodnight.
Brett, in the short time I’ve known you… you made me feel as though I’ve known you forever. You clearly had the heart of a servant and the adoration of a king. I deeply regret not having more time to be your friend. You’ll be missed.
I feel like we’ve all entered the Twilight Zone together. It’s not supposed to happen like this. Now that you’re in God’s arms, perhaps this is the commercial break back here on Earth. Part two of the script has us trying to figure out what happened. We miss you. We’re sad. We’re angry. We’re stunned. The wine tastes a bit bitter now. Raising my glass . . .
I’m listening to your music right now. And I’ll keep on listening ’til I can’t hear. I’ll keep you very near until we meet again. Lucky you got there earlier that I did. Keep a seat warm and a couple of foam cups ready.
This will be a hard week for all of us, especially those that interacted with you on a daily basis… It is hard to describe what it is each of us feels, we are angry, sad, emotionally distress over you loss…
Brett was my Brother’s closest friend. My Brother is in shambles over this tragic and senseless loss, as are you all, all who loved Brett. Your industry is all about getting attention. Get the attention now of our Mayor, Chief of Police and City leaders. Not just to solve this horrific crime, but to stop the disintegration of this community which has been getting worse in the last three of four years. After the tears will come the anger. Use your talents and channel the anger into action, for Brett, and for us all. It will only make his music sweeter
Thanks to Merilyn and Earl for bringing us Brett, his mom for teaching him patience & kindness, giving him true southern hospitality and loving not judging him and to Earl for giving Brett a lifetime of great piano tunes and opening his heart to jazz and pop music, for giving him a love of sports, humor and people, for giving him that awesome work ethic and the knowhow of mixing work, play, family and friends with a big dose of love, passion and fun. Thanks Lisa for being his 1st best friend and the best sister ever. Thanks to all who had a part in shaping Brett into the man we all knew, enjoyed and loved. PEACE,LOVE,MUSIC FOREVER Your Old Pal Rachel F.
Dude…going to the ranch this weekend…first order of duty…stiff greyhound…the steely dan bootleg you gave me…followed by a “kooky” movie. The Hinckley/Elliot formula for fun. I really miss you…no one made me laugh as hard…no one a better, real friend to me. As you often said…you lived in Jerry Garcia years…in the moment and full tilt. What a ride we all had with you. bill
Brett…What the heck did you do this time? As I have asked you many times over the last 20 or so years. You were and always will be an enlightment and a great inspiration to me, especially during my advertising years. I am sure your spirit will keep a watching eye over the Houstonian advertising crowd. May your soul rest in peace. Cheers! Jeroen/Leland, Michigan
Late in 1977, a skinny, articulate, intelligent, freshly minted, UT ad grad showed up in my office looking for his first job in the biz. Having a marvelous grasp of the obvious, I hired him after a 15 minute interview. Brett quickly became an integral part of my small firm, and provided the creative intellect that kept our customers in the fold. Over the 30+ years I knew him, he became one of my closest friends. I will forever miss his quick wit and infectiious laugh. Peace. Love. Brett.
I obviously missed getting to know an amazing human being, though I see his love footprint has been deep. His reach is now without bounds. I know I will still get to know you from your ‘life ripples’ reflected off your friends. I am glad you were loved so much. Manuel
I remain speechless. My mind and heart still can’t wrap themselves around the idea that you are gone and that someone took you from us. At this juncture, I can take solace only in knowing that my life was made much richer by our paths having crossed…and I take solace in the memories, the laughs, the great shows we shared, the music we enjoyed (and critiqued), the films we talked about, and so many of the other things we shared, enjoyed and lived. I am in gratitude, eternal gratitude, for your friendship, Brett. You knew how to be a friend. You knew how to be a colleague. I’ll miss you always.
It’s been threef weeks since we all lost our dear friend, Brett. The sadness, the confusion and the overall shock still remain, clearly. His leaving left an enormous void…and I know that like everyone else, we’re reminded of this void constantly. In small things. In big things. All day long. I know I miss my friend, my writer, my music/concert buddy, my pop culture cohort and my ad club cohort terribly. I always will.
Since the service, I have received many requests for me to share the 10 points of what “Essence of Brett” is all about. I thought long and hard about it, and ended up deciding that this is what he would have wanted. He lived his life right. And his example was his gift to us. So, here they are. I know I am putting on “Essence of Brett” daily. Here you go:
1. IT’S ABOUT UNDERSTANDING THAT THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS A CASUAL FRIENDSHIP. IT’S A FRIENDSHIP OR IT’S NOT. AND IF IT IS, MAKE IT A GOOD ONE. NO EXCEPTIONS.
2. IT’S ABOUT KNOWING THAT EVERYTHING YOU SAY, EVERYTHING YOU DO, MATTERS, TOUCHES AND IMPACTS SOMEONE SOMEHOW, SOONER OR LATER. SO, MAKE IT POSITIVE.
3. IT’S ABOUT LOVING WHAT YOU DO. YOU DO IT ALL DAY. AND SOMETIMES ALL NIGHT. SO, ENJOY IT. YOU’LL FIND THAT YOU’LL DO IT A LOT BETTER.
4. IT’S ABOUT UNDERSTANDING WE ALL HAVE A CHANCE TO TEACH, ESPECIALLY YOUNG FOLKS. SO, TALK TO THEM. SHARE WHAT YOU DO WITH THEM. IT REMINDS YOU WHY YOU DO WHAT YOU DO AND INSPIRES THEM. IT’S A WIN WIN.
5. IT’S ABOUT MAKING TIME TO TAKE TIME WITH EVERYONE. EVEN IF IT’S 5 MINUTES. BUT, MAKE THOSE 5 MINUTES COUNT.
6. IT’S ABOUT GETTING IT THAT NO ONE BELONGS TO YOU, BUT THAT YOU BELONG TO EVERYONE. SO, GIVE THE BEST OF YOURSELF.
7. IT’S ABOUT FIGURING OUT THAT YOU ARE A PRODUCT OF WHAT IS AROUND YOU. MUSIC. FILM. POP CULTURE. TRIVIA. COMEDY. TAKE IT IN. APPRECIATE IT. REMEMBER IT. IT WILL MAKE YOU A BETTER WRITER, A BETTER CREATIVE, AND SIMPLY, MORE FUN. YOU’LL AT LEAST WIN MORE TRIVIA CONTESTS FOR SURE.
8. IT’S ABOUT TAKING YOUR WORK AND YOUR FRIENDSHIPS SERIOUSLY, NOT YOURSELF.
9. IT’S ABOUT SEEING THAT THERE IS A BEAUTY IN NOT ALWAYS ACTING YOUR AGE, BUT IN ACTING YOUR SHOE SIZE.
10. IT’S ABOUT THE POWER OF SMILING AND LAUGHING. A LOT.
So, there you have it. “Essence of Brett”.
With much love, affection and peace to all those of us who shared this wonderful friend, and in his memory,
Brett had a unique appreciation for life that was piercing and transcendent. I believe it was a special gift and it was his greatest talent. He understood that life was a precious but random gift. He made the most of it. He caught the wave.
Brett’s greatest achievement wasn’t his wordsmithing, his associations or his causes. His greatest legacy is the gentle joy and genuine care he lavished upon every soul he touched.
I do not understand why do I have to die first to start hearing good things about me? I rather like to hear good things about me while I am still alive. Look at your surroundings and see who is besides you, just breathing or thinking; maybe admiring you or just following you.
I had the chance to tell Brett how good he was and what a great work he has done. Do not miss the bus telling your coworker how much you loves him/her and how much you appreciate his/her existence. Flowers never gonna see who is talking about it’s beauty on a grave. Amen.
I miss you sooo much and I think about you every day especially your smile and how fun you are! I will always have a deep love and respect for your candor, your wisdom and your humor. I promise to be more like you and to raise my children to be like you since you are an exceptional human being. No words can ever describe what you meant to me. Although our friendship was a new one spanning about a year it was a true one. I love you lots B!
I guess there will always be some things and some people that you will never stop missing. I’m an old fart and should be able to cope with loss better. But, I feel like a baby out of a mother’s womb when I think of Brett…lost, yet knowing that his love is still surrounding us all. Tears still come unexpectedly, Anger arouses in me when I know whoever did this is still out there. But yet, comfort comes knowing that Brett is in God’s loving arms. I pray that God will lighten the load on your family Brett so that they can continue to live the life of love that you started and try hard to find closure. Thanks to the Interactive Dept. for giving us a place to release when times get touch. I think I’ll have a toast in Brett’s honor tonight…just because. Peace, Love, Brett Rocks!
My desk was near his office for my very short stay at LNC. Nevertheless, the loss of such a wonderful man is saddening. It was a pleasure briefly knowing Brett. My sincere condolences to his family. His kind heart and warm smile always lightened up our work place. I’m very grateful to have known him.
The work week is longer, the laughter is silenced on the second floor, my writing skillls have gone to shit, I starve around 4 pm b/c there are no pretzels, the beer and wine no longer flows, no one shares a chair with me at the Monday morning meetings, I have no exercise ball to sit and bounce on, the digital babes aren’t as giddy as they used to be, I haven’t heard any cool words circa 1970 lately, I am out of touch on your new glasses and the hearing aid, no one cites Carlin anymore but me and Doug is lonely without you. But worst of all, for me, I have no one to talk to who understands me quite the way you did. I miss and love you friend, dearly. Send me a sign to let me know you are OK.
Miss you, Brett. I very much regret that we never got to go have that beer we always talked about having!! But at least we got to see The Who, The Ramones and “The Ox” together. Speaking of JAE, give him my love, and y’all take care of each other.
I walked by your office today, Brett. For a brief moment, I thought you would be there. For a brief moment, I felt your presence….your smile…and could’ve sworn I heard your laugh. Then, once again, ugly reality showed its head and the hall was silent just like it has been ever since you left. One day, we’ll be able to move forward past this pain and emptiness. But, for now it’s just another day, just like yesterday, and the day before that, and the day…..
You were so much fun to work with… your jokes, smiles, laughs. Looked forward to coming to work every day and working with you. It was such a shock seeing you face on that billboard. I’m glad justice has been served, but it won’t bring you back. Miss you!
I thank God for your sweet & talented life and may you rest in peace,………….. {:,-( ……………….< ♥☀>
75 Comments
We love you and will miss you!
Duuude!
Peace and Love and paper cups.
“Michelle, Cristelle and Rachelle, please call me Brettelle from now on.”
To the man who summed me up in one parenthesis set - I love you. Peace. Love. Cream Gravy!
Brett…what a class act. Bar none!
Do you want candy? He always has candy… almond joy, twix, reeses… you name it!!! We’ll miss you!
Dearest Brett,
Our hearts rejoice in the celebration of your life and the goodness and kindess you bestowed on everyone who’s life you touched. May you rest in peace in God’s holy arms now & forever.
Amen!
Bready Bread,
I still can’t believe I won’t be coming to your office to grab some pretzels when I am hungry or just come talk to you when I needed to laugh… I miss you soooo much dudeee!!! I will forever remember you and will keep you in my heart always. You were one of a kind my friend, the best kind.
I love you!
Peace. Love.
My most sincere condolences to the LNC family. As a former member of the family, I know how close everyone is. You all will be in my thoughts and prayers, as well as Brett’s family.
Kathryn Fortner
The Band will play forever…
God Bless
I miss your laugh, smile, our afternoon chats, our banter in the hallways, sipping on some Strong Rod, jamming to music, your stories, the emails, the lunches…You are an amazing man. You will always be in my heart. I will never forget you.
Peace. Love. Los Gatos.
My heart and prayers are with Brett’s family at this time. Sorry for your loss.
Marshall Levit
Brett has touched so many lives for the better. I will keep him in my heart and cherish the memories we shared. I will take a page out of his book of life and live it to the fullest, with joy, laughter, and music. We all love you Brett!
I’m still in denial. This is all a dream, right?
Lou
Love you Brelliot…you will always be in my heart.
Brett….”sweetie”…I’ll leave the light on for you.
Laura Manning Stokes
Love live Lil’ P Bitsy!
Why did you have to go Brett? We need you here with us! Will never forget you… You were such a warm, loving, funny, smart, gentle, kind, sweet guy. I will never forget you!
Peace. Love. Live on!
Brett …
Although I’m sure you’ll be watching, the NBA playoffs will not be the same without you, buddy. I’ll miss our debates on matchups; I’ll miss our re-hashing of meaningless statistics; I’ll miss the hallway trash-talking; I’ll miss you.
Peace. Love. Hoops.
“Let’s Celebrette” My friend Brett, I really gonna miss your daily words and your enthusiastic way to live life. I have learned a lot of you. Thank you and god bless you wherever you are. “Peace. Love.Dapper” You were one of the coolest creative guys I ever met. Keep your dictionary close to me. My heart is with you and your family.
My heartfelt love and prayers are with Brett’s family during this most trying time. Mrs. Elliott, thank you for bringing Brett into this world. Brett’s sheer kindness, generousity and caring soul have been imprinted on my heart forever. His genuine belly laugh is what is needed most right now.
In Brett’s honor, I would like to share our favorite “Brain Droppings” courtesy of George Carlin. He recently bought me the book and DVD. Each day we read a little to each other. Today, I am reading with you. I hope it lends a smile, or even a belly laugh. Brett would want it that way.
- When cheese gets it’s picture taken, what does it say?
- When someone asks you, A penny for your thoughts, and you put your two cents in, what happens to the other penny?
- If lawyers are disbarred and clergymen defrocked, doesn’t it follow that electricians can be delighted, musicians denoted?
- When someone is impatient and says, “I haven’t got all day,” I always wonder, How can that be? How can you not have all day?
- I thought about how mothers feed their babies with tiny little spoons and forks so I wondered, what do Chinese mothers use? Toothpicks?
- What if there were no hypothetical questions?
- Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day. Teach him how to fish, and he will sit in a boat and drink beer all day.
- Before they invented drawing boards, what did they go back to?
- Procrastination is the art of keeping up with yesterday.
- Why do croutons come in airtight packages? It’s just stale bread to begin with.
- I have as much authority as the Pope, I just don’t have as many people who believe it.
- Have you ever noticed that anybody driving slower than you is an idiot, and anyone going faster than you is a maniac?
- If the #2 pencil is the most popular, why is it still #2?
- Men are from Earth, women are from Earth. Deal with it.
I am a better person having known you Brett. Save me a place on the love-bus.
Peace. Love. Belly Laughs.
Brett was a true gentleman… We will miss you very much, Rest In Peace my friend…
;,-(
Paco Vargas
Your teachers, colleagues and friends in the Department of Advertising at The University of Texas remember you fondly and will miss you. You have always been a wonderful and supportive friend of our department and our University!
Isabella Cunningham and the faculty at the Department of Advertising at The University of Texas at Austin
You will always be remembered as the ‘grooviest’ my friend. rip.
randy
Our hearts and prayers go to his family and friends.
DVA
Bye bye Turkey man. I’ll meet you in the oven.
Sergio @LN
I wish I would have shared moments with such a wonderful guy. On Friday, I offered him a doughnut but he had already had one, so I missed it. At least, I received an email from him (the only one I received). In the subject: FREE BEER.
See you in heaven for that free beer… This one is for you, master!
Rafa Juarez
…but Brett…what about your rythmn egg in the tragically uncool white mini-van? Only you could make that seem sorta hip. (The rythmn egg. Not the mini van.) And your favorite Madonna “Erotica” concert video and uh…her very uninhibited coffeetable book? And the One Man Woman Party? And the time you and that fun, cute camera guy came to dinner at my little place? Remember? And dinner at Boulevard Bistro? And my birthday dinner at Maggiano’s? And dinner w/ Brad and my folks at Benjy’s? It would appear we ate a lot, Brett. It would also appear that this is feeling like a high school yearbook entry. I wish it was. I wish we’d've had the chance to laugh about this stuff again. I’m looking forward to circling the wagons tomorrow w/ sooo many people you love you. We need that.
A
Brett -
I didn’t know you too well, and that is my loss. But, I loved your zest for life and your gift for humor. I don’t know why you aren’t in our world anymore; it seems very unfair. Please be there in the next. I look forward to catching up with you then.
You will be in Russkii heart, miss you Brelliott.
Brat,
As my daughter Angel called him. You will be greatly missed! You were by far the funniest man I’ve ever met. Put a smile on my face for 20 yrs! And all I have left to say is, THE SHOES!!!!! Love Ya Brett! See Ya When I Get There!
When I first started working at LNC and heard your laughter, I turned to my coworker next to me asking “who is that laughing so hard?!!”. Your laughter was so genuine… and so loud it was contagious!! I didn’t know you very well, but that’s what I remember most about you, Brett.
Keep smiling. Keep laughing.
I only had the pleasure of really getting to know Brett over the last year. And most of those times seemed to be at Blancos over pork chops. “Have you had the pork chops?” “Yes, Brett…every time you recommend them, sweetie.” I wish I could have pork chops with you again…not sure I can go to Blancos any time soon… Peace. Love. Pork Chops.
For those who didn’t know Brett that well,
Neither did I. But he was able to make this sour grump smile everytime we passed in the hallways, or shared an elevator.
Long Live the Funnyman
-db
I am one of the many, many, many fortunate people that Brett called friend. Pour the wine and start frying the zucchini buddy - we will see you again soon. I love you and miss you so much.
hey baby, I called and left you a message today. Did you get it? Wanted to tell you about some cool parties this weekend. Did you make them? I thought I saw you….everywhere. I saw Randy and Kenny and The Kidd, Carlos and Chris were there too, so was Rod and Doug….oh yeah..Stephen came in from Baltimore, Ross and Nathan gave me a ride to one of them, lots of people you knew…they all asked about you.
Oh yeah. Alex said you could come in late on Monday….sleep well darling…goodnight.
laura
From one of the youngsters who was able to pass the “Beatles test”…
May you be toasting with John and George.
And I will sing a lullaby…
Brett, in the short time I’ve known you… you made me feel as though I’ve known you forever. You clearly had the heart of a servant and the adoration of a king. I deeply regret not having more time to be your friend. You’ll be missed.
Remembering You,
Brian Webb
Oh Brett, my friend,
I feel like we’ve all entered the Twilight Zone together. It’s not supposed to happen like this. Now that you’re in God’s arms, perhaps this is the commercial break back here on Earth. Part two of the script has us trying to figure out what happened. We miss you. We’re sad. We’re angry. We’re stunned. The wine tastes a bit bitter now. Raising my glass . . .
Peace, my brother. Love. Justice!
Joe
Brettelicious,
I’m listening to your music right now. And I’ll keep on listening ’til I can’t hear. I’ll keep you very near until we meet again. Lucky you got there earlier that I did. Keep a seat warm and a couple of foam cups ready.
Peace, Love, You!
JB
Brett…
This will be a hard week for all of us, especially those that interacted with you on a daily basis… It is hard to describe what it is each of us feels, we are angry, sad, emotionally distress over you loss…
Wish you were here my friend…
Brett was my Brother’s closest friend. My Brother is in shambles over this tragic and senseless loss, as are you all, all who loved Brett. Your industry is all about getting attention. Get the attention now of our Mayor, Chief of Police and City leaders. Not just to solve this horrific crime, but to stop the disintegration of this community which has been getting worse in the last three of four years. After the tears will come the anger. Use your talents and channel the anger into action, for Brett, and for us all. It will only make his music sweeter
Thanks to Merilyn and Earl for bringing us Brett, his mom for teaching him patience & kindness, giving him true southern hospitality and loving not judging him and to Earl for giving Brett a lifetime of great piano tunes and opening his heart to jazz and pop music, for giving him a love of sports, humor and people, for giving him that awesome work ethic and the knowhow of mixing work, play, family and friends with a big dose of love, passion and fun. Thanks Lisa for being his 1st best friend and the best sister ever. Thanks to all who had a part in shaping Brett into the man we all knew, enjoyed and loved. PEACE,LOVE,MUSIC FOREVER Your Old Pal Rachel F.
Dude…going to the ranch this weekend…first order of duty…stiff greyhound…the steely dan bootleg you gave me…followed by a “kooky” movie. The Hinckley/Elliot formula for fun. I really miss you…no one made me laugh as hard…no one a better, real friend to me. As you often said…you lived in Jerry Garcia years…in the moment and full tilt. What a ride we all had with you. bill
Brett…What the heck did you do this time? As I have asked you many times over the last 20 or so years. You were and always will be an enlightment and a great inspiration to me, especially during my advertising years. I am sure your spirit will keep a watching eye over the Houstonian advertising crowd. May your soul rest in peace. Cheers! Jeroen/Leland, Michigan
Late in 1977, a skinny, articulate, intelligent, freshly minted, UT ad grad showed up in my office looking for his first job in the biz. Having a marvelous grasp of the obvious, I hired him after a 15 minute interview. Brett quickly became an integral part of my small firm, and provided the creative intellect that kept our customers in the fold. Over the 30+ years I knew him, he became one of my closest friends. I will forever miss his quick wit and infectiious laugh. Peace. Love. Brett.
We need details. If you talked to or saw Brett on Sat. March 28 or Sunday March 29, please let HPD Homicide or Crime Stoppers know.
No detail is too small. They might be able to trace someone who followed him, etc. Times, car descriptions, sounds heard. Anything.
I obviously missed getting to know an amazing human being, though I see his love footprint has been deep. His reach is now without bounds. I know I will still get to know you from your ‘life ripples’ reflected off your friends. I am glad you were loved so much. Manuel
Old school,
I will miss you señor Brett. Say hello to Fer for me.
mb
My sincerest condolences. I didn’t have the privilege of working closely with Brett, but his energy is shared by everyone he touched
Peace.Love.Brett.
Life is good,
Lara Indrikovs
I remain speechless. My mind and heart still can’t wrap themselves around the idea that you are gone and that someone took you from us. At this juncture, I can take solace only in knowing that my life was made much richer by our paths having crossed…and I take solace in the memories, the laughs, the great shows we shared, the music we enjoyed (and critiqued), the films we talked about, and so many of the other things we shared, enjoyed and lived. I am in gratitude, eternal gratitude, for your friendship, Brett. You knew how to be a friend. You knew how to be a colleague. I’ll miss you always.
It’s been threef weeks since we all lost our dear friend, Brett. The sadness, the confusion and the overall shock still remain, clearly. His leaving left an enormous void…and I know that like everyone else, we’re reminded of this void constantly. In small things. In big things. All day long. I know I miss my friend, my writer, my music/concert buddy, my pop culture cohort and my ad club cohort terribly. I always will.
Since the service, I have received many requests for me to share the 10 points of what “Essence of Brett” is all about. I thought long and hard about it, and ended up deciding that this is what he would have wanted. He lived his life right. And his example was his gift to us. So, here they are. I know I am putting on “Essence of Brett” daily. Here you go:
1. IT’S ABOUT UNDERSTANDING THAT THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS A CASUAL FRIENDSHIP. IT’S A FRIENDSHIP OR IT’S NOT. AND IF IT IS, MAKE IT A GOOD ONE. NO EXCEPTIONS.
2. IT’S ABOUT KNOWING THAT EVERYTHING YOU SAY, EVERYTHING YOU DO, MATTERS, TOUCHES AND IMPACTS SOMEONE SOMEHOW, SOONER OR LATER. SO, MAKE IT POSITIVE.
3. IT’S ABOUT LOVING WHAT YOU DO. YOU DO IT ALL DAY. AND SOMETIMES ALL NIGHT. SO, ENJOY IT. YOU’LL FIND THAT YOU’LL DO IT A LOT BETTER.
4. IT’S ABOUT UNDERSTANDING WE ALL HAVE A CHANCE TO TEACH, ESPECIALLY YOUNG FOLKS. SO, TALK TO THEM. SHARE WHAT YOU DO WITH THEM. IT REMINDS YOU WHY YOU DO WHAT YOU DO AND INSPIRES THEM. IT’S A WIN WIN.
5. IT’S ABOUT MAKING TIME TO TAKE TIME WITH EVERYONE. EVEN IF IT’S 5 MINUTES. BUT, MAKE THOSE 5 MINUTES COUNT.
6. IT’S ABOUT GETTING IT THAT NO ONE BELONGS TO YOU, BUT THAT YOU BELONG TO EVERYONE. SO, GIVE THE BEST OF YOURSELF.
7. IT’S ABOUT FIGURING OUT THAT YOU ARE A PRODUCT OF WHAT IS AROUND YOU. MUSIC. FILM. POP CULTURE. TRIVIA. COMEDY. TAKE IT IN. APPRECIATE IT. REMEMBER IT. IT WILL MAKE YOU A BETTER WRITER, A BETTER CREATIVE, AND SIMPLY, MORE FUN. YOU’LL AT LEAST WIN MORE TRIVIA CONTESTS FOR SURE.
8. IT’S ABOUT TAKING YOUR WORK AND YOUR FRIENDSHIPS SERIOUSLY, NOT YOURSELF.
9. IT’S ABOUT SEEING THAT THERE IS A BEAUTY IN NOT ALWAYS ACTING YOUR AGE, BUT IN ACTING YOUR SHOE SIZE.
10. IT’S ABOUT THE POWER OF SMILING AND LAUGHING. A LOT.
So, there you have it. “Essence of Brett”.
With much love, affection and peace to all those of us who shared this wonderful friend, and in his memory,
Alex LN
Will miss you always
Brett had a unique appreciation for life that was piercing and transcendent. I believe it was a special gift and it was his greatest talent. He understood that life was a precious but random gift. He made the most of it. He caught the wave.
Brett’s greatest achievement wasn’t his wordsmithing, his associations or his causes. His greatest legacy is the gentle joy and genuine care he lavished upon every soul he touched.
Miss you Brett!
Love,
Lil’ Miss Sunshine
I do not understand why do I have to die first to start hearing good things about me? I rather like to hear good things about me while I am still alive. Look at your surroundings and see who is besides you, just breathing or thinking; maybe admiring you or just following you.
I had the chance to tell Brett how good he was and what a great work he has done. Do not miss the bus telling your coworker how much you loves him/her and how much you appreciate his/her existence. Flowers never gonna see who is talking about it’s beauty on a grave. Amen.
I miss you sooo much and I think about you every day especially your smile and how fun you are! I will always have a deep love and respect for your candor, your wisdom and your humor. I promise to be more like you and to raise my children to be like you since you are an exceptional human being. No words can ever describe what you meant to me. Although our friendship was a new one spanning about a year it was a true one. I love you lots B!
PS that was from your beloved Erica who wants the world to know how much you meant to her!
All my prayers are with Brett’s family at this time. I will miss him he was the best mentor…
Sorry for your loss.
I guess there will always be some things and some people that you will never stop missing. I’m an old fart and should be able to cope with loss better. But, I feel like a baby out of a mother’s womb when I think of Brett…lost, yet knowing that his love is still surrounding us all. Tears still come unexpectedly, Anger arouses in me when I know whoever did this is still out there. But yet, comfort comes knowing that Brett is in God’s loving arms. I pray that God will lighten the load on your family Brett so that they can continue to live the life of love that you started and try hard to find closure. Thanks to the Interactive Dept. for giving us a place to release when times get touch. I think I’ll have a toast in Brett’s honor tonight…just because. Peace, Love, Brett Rocks!
My desk was near his office for my very short stay at LNC. Nevertheless, the loss of such a wonderful man is saddening. It was a pleasure briefly knowing Brett. My sincere condolences to his family. His kind heart and warm smile always lightened up our work place. I’m very grateful to have known him.
The scene that always makes me cry in “As Good As It Gets” is when Jack says to Helen… “You make me want to be a better man…”
Brett, I never knew you, but after reading about half the comments here, you have touched me in a way that makes me want to be a better man myself.
Thank you for your memory that lives in all whom you have touched, loved and who have loved and still love you.
Jay Ellis
I miss you so much, Brett. I KNOW that they will find whoever did this. I have faith and I know it.
We love you. Was a placer for me to work with you, be your friend and learn from you.
Thank You
Nurit Ozeri
The work week is longer, the laughter is silenced on the second floor, my writing skillls have gone to shit, I starve around 4 pm b/c there are no pretzels, the beer and wine no longer flows, no one shares a chair with me at the Monday morning meetings, I have no exercise ball to sit and bounce on, the digital babes aren’t as giddy as they used to be, I haven’t heard any cool words circa 1970 lately, I am out of touch on your new glasses and the hearing aid, no one cites Carlin anymore but me and Doug is lonely without you. But worst of all, for me, I have no one to talk to who understands me quite the way you did. I miss and love you friend, dearly. Send me a sign to let me know you are OK.
i’m sorry for your loss. may god be with you and your family.
Hope he’s in Heaven now.
Miss you, Brett. I very much regret that we never got to go have that beer we always talked about having!! But at least we got to see The Who, The Ramones and “The Ox” together. Speaking of JAE, give him my love, and y’all take care of each other.
xox,
Emily (”Mrs. Entwistle!”)
Brett, this will soon be uraveled and over…but you my friend will never be forgotten!
Peace. Love. Smile!
I didn’t know Brett, but I am deeply touched by these amazing sentiments. Long live Brett!
I walked by your office today, Brett. For a brief moment, I thought you would be there. For a brief moment, I felt your presence….your smile…and could’ve sworn I heard your laugh. Then, once again, ugly reality showed its head and the hall was silent just like it has been ever since you left. One day, we’ll be able to move forward past this pain and emptiness. But, for now it’s just another day, just like yesterday, and the day before that, and the day…..
Brett,
You were so much fun to work with… your jokes, smiles, laughs. Looked forward to coming to work every day and working with you. It was such a shock seeing you face on that billboard. I’m glad justice has been served, but it won’t bring you back. Miss you!
I thank God for your sweet & talented life and may you rest in peace,………….. {:,-( ……………….< ♥☀>
Hello my friend. Your birthday is coming up soon. We will celebrate together. You there. Me here. Love you.