He is survived by his wife, Heidi Shaffer; adult stepson, Conor Shaffer, and his mother, Alta Orsburn, all of Kent; father, Jack Orsburn of Arizona; sisters, Linda Way of California, Colleen Orsburn of Vermont and Vicki (Jim) Culler of Cincinnati; nephews, Jeff and Chris; nieces, Susan and Lauren, and great-nephew, Spencer; and his beloved yellow Labrador retriever, Penny.

Extended family include his father-in-law, Michael Hottenstein of Pennsylvania, and his wife, Star Campbell.

Bret was born in Alliance, Ohio. His family moved to Kent when he was eight and, except for a few years living near his workplace in Cleveland, he made his home in Kent. Bret was a board member of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Kent and he was married at that church December 6, 2008. He enjoyed hiking, kayaking, canoeing, biking and camping, and hosting dinner parties with his wife and 12-year partner, Heidi. Bret actively supported his hometown and his wife's involvement in city government. Bret's passions included motorcycle riding, gardening, model rockets, science, politics, reading the comics, birdwatching and fixing up a 1920's house. He was a gifted software engineer and woodworker, and a craftsman in every sense of the word. When he attended Theodore Roosevelt high school he worked as a photographer for the yearbook and he documented the first Earth Day clean-up of the Cuyahoga River in Kent, among many other Kent features and events. Bret graduated from Kent State University in 1982 with a degree in computer science and also worked toward a master's degree. He was a member of Phi Beta Kappa, Amnesty International, the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee, Union of Concerned Scientists and the Progressive Media Project.

Bret leaves behind many friends including his motorcycle club, his church community, his colleagues, and the friends he grew up with in Kent. He will be dearly missed.

Calling hours will be held 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, April 2 at Bissler and Son's Funeral Home at 628 W. Main St. in Kent. A memorial service is planned for friends and family 4 p.m. Saturday, April 4 at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Kent, 229 Gougler Ave. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Minister's Discretionary Fund at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Kent.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Akron Beacon Journal on Mar. 31, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Bret Orsburn

16 Entries

Julie-Ann Silberman-Bunn

April 7, 2009

Bret was a great human being, and I know that he will be deeply missed. I can only begin to imagine that his parting leaves a large hole in life for many, but especially for his family of blood and of choice, I will keep all of you in my thoughts and prayers.

Vivien Sandlund

April 2, 2009

Bret was an inspiration to all of us at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Kent. He started the Progressive Salon a few years back, and this led to the creation of our Social Justice Committee. He was committed to the work of social justice, and he was a beloved member of our community. We love him so, and we will miss him terribly. We promise to take care of Heidi, that strong, caring woman who loves Bret with all her heart. As Bret's mom said the other day, "He had a great life." He sure did.

BETH GHILONI

April 1, 2009

Heidi and Conor,and "Dad" Mike and Star,

This is all just too sad for words. Bret is just star of hope to life, but you all know and experienced that.

Heidi, I am just so crying...period.
Conor, ditto..
Dad Mike and Star, As a daughter, I know that Heidi is just so lucky to have you now...

Richard Popchak

April 1, 2009

I will remember Bret as a gentle soul with an ever-inquisitive mind.

My deepest sympathies to Heidi and the family.

Rich Edwards

April 1, 2009

I had the pleasure of working with Bret for over 10 years, and he was indeed a master craftsman of software. He was a very kind soul, and very thoughtful in all that he did. My condolences go to all of his family, and especially to Heidi who was his soulmate and partner. We will all miss Bret.

Marsha Polk

April 1, 2009

Know that the God who parted the Red Sea to protect his people will
watch over, protect, and help you as you move forward. Know also that
the same God has provided you with a network of friends who are hear
to hold your hand, wipe your tears and comfort you.

Love and friendship,
Marsha

Leslie Trumphour

April 1, 2009

I'm so sorry to hear of Bret's passing. I remember him as a really bright young man in high school. My condolences to his friends and family.

Donna Smith

March 31, 2009

I went to school with Bret but never really had a chance to know him well. The lose of a loved one is always hard so never be afraid to lean on a friend in your time of sorrow. Heidi, Connor, Alta, Linda, Collen and Vicki you are in my prayers.

Rob Hensel

March 31, 2009

Bret was a part of my life for almost as long as I can remember. We have sailed, hiked, ridden motorcycles, and above all talked and argued for almost as long as I can remember. My thoughts and love are with you, Heidi, Connor, Alta, Linda, Collen, and Vicki

Beverly (Scott) Axen

March 31, 2009

Vicki and family,
I knew Bret for nearly my whole school experience. I used to hang out with him at his house and various coffee shops around Kent. My thoughts are with you and your family in this difficult time.

John and Marian Brandenburg

March 31, 2009

Dear Vicki,
Our prayers and sympathy are with you and your family. May the peace of God be with you all during the days ahead.

Sally Burnell

March 31, 2009

Bret grew up with us on Edgewood Drive, so all of us in our family knew him from childhood. He was a valued member of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Kent and all of us on the Social Justice Committee will miss his leadership as Trustee for Outreach to the Wider World. He was a sweet and gentle man who I have nothing but the fondest of memories of from the time we were kids to present day. Heidi, you and Conor are in my prayers, and Bret's family, know that the Edgewood crowd really loved him and you are also in my prayers. I am so deeply saddened by this loss of a lifelong friend who I will miss more than anything. His passing will leave an unfillable hole not only in the hearts of those of us who were his friends, but in the entire UU Church of Kent community.

Annette I. Bell

March 31, 2009

My prayers are with you and the family. Imagine my arms wrapped around all of you as a sign of comforting you all during this time. I would like to leave you with these words taken from Matthew 5:4 "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted."

March 31, 2009

Vicki Culler
Our deepest sympathy to you and your entire family.
Don and Donna Hoffman
Cincinnati

Mary Francis

March 31, 2009

What a tragic loss for you and your family. You remain in my prayers as you learn how to live without his physical presence in your lives.

Your St. Philip's Family

March 31, 2009

Vicki and Family,
All of our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.

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