Fishman, Bret
6/2/1959 - 11/16/2023

Bret Alan Fishman passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on Thursday morning, November 16th, after a year-long battle with brain cancer. He was 64.
Born in Denver in 1959, Bret was an avid athlete, competing in gymnastics and skiing. He graduated from George Washington High School in 1977 and received a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Denver in 1983.
Bret lived in Vail, Colorado for a number of years, while pursuing his passions of cycling, skiing, and rock climbing. A graceful telemark skier and experienced climber, he was well-known for teaching his friends these sports. He later moved to Boulder, Colorado, and started an outdoor gear sales company.
In 1994, Bret met his future wife, Kathleen. After a whirlwind romance of eleven months, he proposed in a hot air balloon, and the two experienced a happy marriage and business partnership of 28 years. Bret's proudest accomplishments were his two children, Amy and Zoe. He was an outstanding, attentive father who dedicated himself to the well-being of his daughters. After his diagnosis, he lived to see both girls graduate from college and high school respectively.
Bret was known for his sense of humor, his athleticism, and his empathy. While waiting for surgery, he joked about riding his bike in Italy, and kept smiling through months of radiation and chemotherapy. Even until shortly before his death, Bret remained active, riding his bike with friends, and walking with his beloved dog Maisy.
Bret is survived by his wife Kathleen, his daughters Amy and Zoe, his father Alvin, his brother Howard, his sisters-in-law Lorraine and Bridget, his brothers-in-law Thomas and Michael, his nephew Chandler, and his nieces Brooke, Blythe, MacKenzie, and Victoria.
A graveside service will be held Sunday, November 19th, at Rose Hill Cemetery, 1pm. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Glioblastoma Foundation, or your charity of choice.

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

Published by Denver Post on Nov. 18, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Bret Fishman

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4 Entries

Ryan Pecknold

February 27, 2024

I´ll always remember the pears Bret would send every Christmas to our team. He was a great colleague to work with, he maintained a brilliant attitude and level head always. He played an important role in my career in the outdoor industry, and I wouldn´t be where I am today without him. My heart goes out to the Fishmans, I always thought Bret would never age. He always appeared 10 years younger than he looked and his spirit was even more youthful. Life is precious and Bret´s early passing confirms tomorrow is promised to no one.

Brad Klein

November 30, 2023

Bret was my first friend I had when I moved to Boulder in 1991. I will never forget his kindness to me. We were roommates at 1053 Pine St. and he taught me everything about living the Boulder lifestyle. He watched me as I met and courted my wife. He was also at my side, encouraging me from the very earliest days, in my chosen career of real estate. After moving out of my shared space with Bret and into my new life, Bret and I kept in touch via family growth, etc. Bret and Kathleen even became clients of mine much to my joy and appreciation! I still have my wife and same career that he watched me launch and I am so grateful to have had Bret in my life to help me put my feet on the ground. His memory will always be a blessing to me, may it be the same for others.

Bridgid Lupetin

November 19, 2023

I am deeply saddned hear about Bret's passing. He was not just an amazing man but also an incredible colleague. His dedication to his family and the passion he brought to his work were truly inspiring. My heart goes out to the entire Fishman clan during this incredibly difficult time.

Philip Benson

November 17, 2023

Bret was an invaluable business partner and a kind friend. I will forever be grateful for the time we were able to spend together over dinner with his wife Kathleen after his surgery. God Bless, Bret!

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