My friend,

A lovely memory of you came out of nowhere today, which is an experience I've had many other times. But this time I wanted to do something with it, so I came here to write it down. Your wit, far-beyond-your-years wisdom, leadership, bright mind, and kind heart are still vivid. I am so thankful we found each other as artists and collaborators. I miss you.

To Juanita and Chick, I have thought of you as well, many times. Thank you for your warmth and support. Now that I have two kids of my own (with Emily, who you may remember) I imagine more vividly what you might have experienced, and hope the years have been kind to you. Big hug.

A V

April 21, 2017

Another year, I think about you every March. Love you your family.

A V

April 21, 2017

Another March has past. I think about you every year. I hope your parents are doing well. So Much Love.

Alexis

February 25, 2016

Just thinking about your bright smile, wondering what plays we would be working on together... love you always.

Jennifer

March 21, 2015

Even though a decade has passed, we still remember how you touched our lives.

David

October 31, 2012

We were in Mrs. Starke's public speaking class together at Miramonte High School. I was a year or two younger. You were an inspiration. I looked up to you and emulated your performances.

A V

March 5, 2012

Thinking about you old friend, still missing you.

Shelley Ruhman

March 21, 2006

Bret is in my heart and mind every day, as are you. Love you both.

Nancy Kurpinsky

February 2, 2006

Thinking of you both today and remembering Bret.

Andrew Woodberry

June 4, 2005

I was very sorry to hear of the passing of Bret. I first met him at St. Mary's Football Camp prior to going to Miramonte with him, and you could just tell from the moment you met him that he was special. He was so geniunely nice, incredibly smart, and had an unparalleled wit. I was lucky enough to spend four years on the Public Speaking team with him, and he made those otherwise mundane Saturday events enjoyable. He was a great role model, and I think we are all better for knowing him.

Scott Bell

May 6, 2005

Dennis and Juanita -

I was very saddened to learn of the tragic loss of your son. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this very difficult time. God bless you both.

Todd & Tammi Nelson

April 26, 2005

Bret was a remarkable young man. He was always so very happy and upbeat that you could not help but laugh and smile when you were with him. I remember taking a long lunch one day to meet Bret and Tammi in Glover Park during one of his stops in DC while he was at Bowdoin. We took him to our favorite place, Facia Luna, and told stories and laughed over pizza. Bret was one of the most enjoyable people we have ever known.

Please know that you are constantly in our thoughts and prayers.

With love,

Todd and Tammi Nelson

Joan Webb

April 13, 2005

To my dearest best friends, I came to this site to find anything that could help me help you through this unbearable time. I feel your pain and loss. Seeing all these messages has helped me to accept what I did not want to accept, as if this would spare you the pain, but now I know how painfully real this is. I shall miss your dear son forever, also. Know how much I care and love you both. I humbuly hope I can somehow offer some comfort. I know I can offer my love. A part of me and my life shall be forever missing. We shall get through this together.

Sally Morgan

April 11, 2005

Dear Dennis and Juanita

I had dinner with Brian Smith last Thursday, and he told me about your loss. My thoughts are with you. Please be kind to yourselves during this difficult time.

with love

Sally

tim masters

March 31, 2005

Dennis and Juanita,

I was shocked and sddened to hear of your loss last night. From all I have ever heard, Bret must have been a remarkable young man. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Karen Szpaller

March 29, 2005

I am so sorry for your loss. Bret was a wonderful, happy, upbeat person that I always enjoyed seeing when I worked in Berkeley. He always had such amazing positivity surrounding him. My thoughts are with you in this difficult time.

Kathy Palmer

March 29, 2005

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Harte,

My sympathy and prayers are with both of you in this time of grief. As a teacher at Miramonte, I knew your son through the public speaking program. Bret was one of those unique and special students who impacted all who met him. He had a grand sense of purpose and maturity about him, rare in someone his age. I remember with fondness his politeness, his warm smile and his confident and joyous sense of humor. God has gained what we all have lost. May time and faith help ease your pain.

Fondly,

Kathy Palmer

Jennifer Hild

March 29, 2005

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Harte,

I am very sorry for your tragic loss. I am fortunate to have known Bret at Miramonte. He was a friendly face in many of my classes. Bret was a genuinely nice person, always ready with a kind word, a witty comment or a smile. He will be missed by many.

My thoughts are with you,

Jennifer Hild

Jennifer Hild

March 29, 2005

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Harte,

I am very sorry for your tragic loss. I was very fortunate to know Bret in high school. He was a friendly face in many of my classes. He was truly a nice person, always ready with a kind word, a witty comment and a smile. He will be missed by many.

My thoughts are with you,

Jennifer Hild

Michael Lundin

March 29, 2005

Dear Mr. & Mrs. Harte,

On behalf of myself & my older brother we would like to offer our condolences to you & your family. Bret was one of the most enjoyable people we have ever had the pleasure of knowing, and we are both better people for having had the opportunity to be close to him.

Our thoughts are with you.

sincerely,

Michael & Robert Lundin

Les Reinhardt

March 28, 2005

Mr. & Mrs. Harte,

I only knew Bret for a short while, but during that time I found him to be such a kind, caring and fun-loving individual. My heart goes out to your family.

Argo Insurance Brokers, Inc.

March 28, 2005

Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of sadness.

Harry ("Skip") Burrell

March 28, 2005

Dear Dennis and Juanita,

Brian Smith was kind enough to tell me of your son's death. I am so sorry. Although I was not fortunate enough to meet Bret, I can certainly appreciate both his accomplishments and promise. We too are a "theatre family", so we too mourn the loss of such a talented person. The "Bret Harte Young Director's Fund" is a great testament and memorial.

Rita and David Wakeman

March 28, 2005

Dear Juanita and Chick,

All life is precious. But Bret's life was special. He was like a ray of sunshine that smiled on everyone. We are so sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with you.

Bonnie & Dennis Cuneo

March 28, 2005

Dear Chick & Jaunita;

I cannot tell you how sorry we are to hear of Brett's untimely death. The world has lost a wonderful, vibrant person. Our hearts go out to you.

Joan Marie Chapman

March 26, 2005

I just wanted to say that Bret was one of those guys who you always knew would do great things. Talking to him always brought hope for the future.

He continues to speak to all of our hearts, doing great things for the world he has touched.

Thank you Mr. and Mrs. Harte for being the guardians of such a magnificent spirit.

Sincerely,

Joan Marie Chapman

March 26, 2005

Martin Bright

March 26, 2005

Dear Chick and Juanita,

Words won't serve. My heart is broken for you. I can only imagine the pain you endure. Be strong for each other and be kind to each other. I remember well Bret's call after Dad's passing. It was a blessing to me and an indication of the character of a young man I knew not near well enough-more my loss than his. God Bless and keep you both.

Words cannot serve.

Love Martin

Kathleen Bright

March 26, 2005

Dear Chick and Juanita,

I cannot imagine the heartache and pain that you both are experiencing because of the untimely and sensless death of your beloved Bret; I know he was a continual source of joy to your lives. I could sense the wonderful parental pride in your e-mails when you would share with me his accomplishments and plans for the future. No child could have ever have been loved more than you both loved Bret. I will never for get the time Martin's Father died and Bret called and personally offered his condolences, he was so geuine and kind. I remember thinking, how remarkable that one so young would have such kindness and consideration; it ment a lot to Martin and me. People are born with gifts and talents over which they had no control and Bret was blessed with many natural talents, but I know that you two were responsible for rearing and raising a man of integrity and character; of that you can be proud.

Know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Much love, Kathleen

Heather Sugrue

March 26, 2005

Dear Dennis and Juanita,

I am so sorry for the loss of your son. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

All my best,

Heather

Alexae Visel

March 25, 2005

This is such an unbelievable situation. Bret has always left an energy about him. He's always been so positive and energetic that it rubs off. We would go to bars and discuss Checkov, Plato, The nature of theater, and Poi in one sitting. Bret has been such a joy that I am scant of words. Mr & Mrs Harte, Thank you for raising such a wonderful person as your son, I will miss him so much.

Bill Bowlby

March 25, 2005

Dear Dennis and Juanita

I am terribly sorry to hear of your loss.

My deepest sympathy.

Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help.

Elisa Krompholz

March 25, 2005

Mr. and Mrs. Harte,

I was a high school classmate and public speaker with Bret. I remember that Bret was a comforting comic relief at the many public speaking tournaments. He was a sincere, compassionate, and inspiring person. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Sincerely,

Elisa Krompholz

Shirley and Debbie

March 25, 2005

Dear Juanita and Chick, We are so sorry to hear about your loss. We met Bret only once, but it was memorable. Willie always kept us informed about how he was doing. May God guide you both through this difficult time.

Shirley and Debbie

Joy Meads

March 25, 2005

I was very saddened to hear of Bret's death. He had a warm heart and a wonderful presence--I always felt a little happier after talking to him. We will miss him very much.

Sari Hamerling

March 25, 2005

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Harte,

I am so sorry to hear about your tragic loss. I have very fond memories of Bret and his whimsical and warm personality from knowing him through the public speaking program. My thoughts are with you.

Heather Bradley Ball

March 25, 2005

I am so sorry about your loss. I worked with Bret on and off for four years. I was always impressed with how upbeat, positive and non-judgmental he was. He was a joy to be with. We will miss him very much.

Karin Butler

March 25, 2005

Please know that I have always found Bret to be an awesome human being, who was nice and caring and didn't even mind when I claimed his left arm mine at Joy's birthday party way back when. I can't even imagine how you must feel right now, but know that so many people support you and loved Bret.

Gil de Vega

March 25, 2005

Dear Mr. & Mrs. Harte,

I'm very sorry to hear about your son's death. I send you my warm sympathy & prayers. I hope the family will all feel better before too long. God Bless you all & may he rest in peace.

Seth Myers

March 24, 2005

I would like to express my condolences to Mr. and Mrs. Harte. Bret was a gentleman and a scholar, and I feel for you in this time of grief. Seth Myers

Emily Hiscocks Manwell

March 24, 2005

When I think of Bret, I think of one word--genuine. He was so talented, kind and was probably one of the most well-liked people in our class at Miramonte. He wore his heart on his sleeve and was not afraid to show people that he cared about them and the kind of person he was. Bret was always fun and uplifting to be around at school and at public speaking tournaments. He was one of a kind.

My thoughts are with your family,

Emily

Rachel (Mack) Cummings

March 24, 2005

Dear Mr. & Mrs. Harte -

I am so very sad to hear of your loss. I was a classmate of Bret's at Miramonte and our senior year I was co-editor of the yearbook. The very first picture that came to me was of the simple, yet heartfelt message that you gave to him in a senior ad the year of our graduation. "Unconditionally Loved." I knew Bret little but learned so much of him through the special pictures of that ad, and by simply reading the notes in this guestbook. It is clear what a special human being Bret was, and will always be, to so many as he clearly touched the lives of those far beyond the small town of Orinda/Moraga. My sincerest condolences to you both during this time, and I will forever remember Bret, "Unconditionally Loved" not just by you but by all of us. Your family is in our prayers.

Prayers & Blessings -

Rachel Cummings

Alison Rau

March 24, 2005

I knew and admired Bret while at Bowdoin as one of the most creative and caring people among his circle of friends. I am so sorry for your loss.

Joy Huang

March 24, 2005

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Harte,

My family and I were shocked and extremely saddened by the tragic news. We want to express our deepest condolences to you and your family. Bret was a great friend for all four years of high school. We shared so many laughs and memories. I always admired his energy, intellect, and infinite array of talents. He was a true renaisssance man. Bret will be truly missed.

My family and I are so sorry for your loss. We send you our love and you are in our thoughts.

Sincerely,

Joy Huang and the Huang family

Malcolm Cowler

March 24, 2005

The Orinda Starlight Players have been so lucky to have had Bret participate in our summer shows during the past two years.

Bret brought a spirit and energy to his roles that vitalized everyone.

I particularly enjoyed the warm summer nights we spent rehearsing together for "Relatively Speaking" last year.

I know the entire troupe will miss Bret and we all send you our deepest codolences on your tragic loss.

God Bless You.

Sylvie Murillo

March 24, 2005

Mr. and Mrs. Harte,

Bret was one of my dearest friends in high school. After losing touch during college, I was thrilled when Bret and I reconnected a couple years ago. It was by chance that we bumped into each other that day. I remember feeling overwhelmingly happy to see him again. I had regained an extraordinary friend.

Whether Bret and I were rehearsing our duo for public speaking, discussing a paper for English, going for a walk, or staying up (way too)late talking about life, Bret and I always had such a good time together.

Bret was a lover of life and of people. He always helped me to look on the bright side and keep things in perspective. He was patient, honest, and kind. It was his support and advice that helped me get through a lot of tough times both in high school and after college. He made me laugh. His comical faces, voices, and gestures never failed to make me giggle. He will be deeply missed by everyone who knew him. I want you both to know that I am thinking of you and sending you my love.

Patricia Triplett

March 24, 2005

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Harte,

I was deeply saddened to hear about Bret's passing. Bret starred as Lysander in my production of A Midsummer Night's Dream at Bowdoin in 2000. During the year we worked together, we also became friends. Bret was very gifted, a truly empathetic soul, a joy and a comfort to all who knew him. I'm so very sorry for your loss.

Morgana Silverthorne

March 24, 2005

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Harte,

Please accept our sincerest condolences on the loss of your beloved son.

He was a fine Actor and Director, and his loss will be felt by the Bay Area Theatre community.

Morgana Silverthorne

Actors' Equity Association / SF

Wil Leggett

March 24, 2005

Mr. & Mrs. Harte,

My deepest condolences in this painful time. Bret had immeasurable impact on those he worked with at Berkeley Rep. I will always remember his smile, his eagerness to learn and to help and the immensity of his heart. This tragedy has deprived the world of a truly good man.

Melissa Mahan

March 24, 2005

Mr. and Mrs. Harte,

There are no words I can write to ease the pain of your loss. I attended Miramonte with Bret, and while we were not close friends, he was always a positive person to be around. I remember him being extremely smart and down to earth. Please know that all of Bret's classmates, whether close to him or not, are thinking of him and your family at this time.

Chuck & Sam Harte

March 24, 2005

Chick/Juanita

Sam and I are sorry for your lose

I've lost my only american nephew and Sam has lost her only american cousin and e-mail buddy and it hurts. It must hurt a lot more for you two. We're here if you need us

Laura Johnston

March 24, 2005

Dennis and Juanita, I am so sorry to hear that your son, Bret, has passed. What a terrible loss for you and I am sure all that knew him. Scott and I send our thoughts are prayers to you during this very difficult time.

Dick Baxter

March 24, 2005

Dear Dennis & Juanita:

We were deeply saddened to learn of the tragic loss of your son. Although we never met Bret,we know of your love and pride in him from the many times you spoke of him. We hope and pray that you are given the strength to endure this tragedy and move forward in life with the memories that you will always have of your dear son.

Dick & Dolores Baxter

Tony Taccone

March 24, 2005

On behalf of everyone at Berkeley Rep, let me express our deepest condolences. Bret was a widely respected member of our extended family and we will miss him dearly. The love he had for the theatre was apparent in every aspect of his work, and his gentle demeanor was always a source of renewal for all of us.

With much love,

Tony Taccone and the entire staff of Berkeley Rep.

Greg and Maureen Johnson

March 24, 2005

Dear Dennis and Juanita,

Words cannot describe the sorrow we feel for your loss. We hope your memories provide strength to you in this most difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Blair Manwell

March 24, 2005

Juanita and Dennis,

I am so sorry to hear about the loss of Bret. He was always a positive influence in class. Seeing the other messages, and from how spread out they are I am sure that his positive influence has covered the U.S. Our deepest sympathy.

Ray Quirolgico

March 24, 2005

Almost a dozen years after I last performed on stage in college, I got to work with Bret and he inspired me to not only be the best creative actor I could be, but he always also inspired me to live life to its fullest and be the best person I could ever be. Please accept my deepest sympathies.

Nick Carpenter

March 24, 2005

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Harte,

I am very sorry about your tragic loss. Bret was truly a wonderful person. I always admired and respected Bret. He was one of the most energetic and friendly people that I have ever known. I have many found memories of Bret, but I remember working with him in High School with the Latin club and with Bret's passion for life he really embodied the sentiment "Carpe Diem". Bret will definitley be missed.

Nick Carpenter

Monica Karaba

March 24, 2005

I only met Bret twice, but he struck me as very open and accepting. He was gentle in nature and very easy to talk to. I have a few friends who were so inspired by him and who were so excited to be in his productions. Through Bret's dedication to theater, my friends were able to take risks, learn and grow, and become more fulfilled as performers. What a beautiful gift he gave them. I am greatly sorry for the loss. I know he will be missed by many.

Sean Wilson

March 24, 2005

Mr. & Mrs. Harte,

I'm truly sorry for your loss. I had the pleasure of meeting Bret for the first time last month through a mutual friend, and I knew right away that he was a warm and genuine person. You raised a wonderful son, and he will be missed by many.

Yours,

Sean Wilson

Tom Beck

March 24, 2005

Dennis and Juanita-

May the memories of your son bring you peace, and may you feel comfort during this time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

With Sympathy- Tom and Rebecca Beck

Derek Olson

March 24, 2005

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Harte,

I was lucky enough to have Bret in a lot of my classes in high school. He made me laugh everyday for four straight years. He had the strongest and most memorable personalities of anyone I have ever known. No one could or ever will forget him. I am very sorry for your loss.

Derek

Leo Lynch

March 24, 2005

Dennis and Juanita,

Please accept our most heartfelt sympathy and deepest condolences for the loss of Bret. We have the fondest memories of our visits with him. Everyone who had the good fortune of knowing him will miss his wit, intelligence and beautiful nature. Know that you are in our thoughts and prayers during this most difficult time.

Donna, Leo, Alison and Sloan

Rosemary & Wayne Mauldin

March 24, 2005

PSALMS 23 - WE LOVE THE HARTE FAMILY!

Kurt Kolhede

March 24, 2005

Dennis & Jaunita... I read about a hit & run accident the other day and it stuck in my mind because it was so senseless and insane. Then I read the paper today and see that the victim was your son. I can't begin to tell you how badly I feel. There is no loss as hard as losing a child. You are both in my thoughts and prayers.

Lisa Grossman

March 24, 2005

Dear Dennis and Juanita,

My family and I send you our deepest condolences. I am so sorry. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Love, Lisa and Scott and family

Michel G. Gallo

March 24, 2005

Dear Dennis and Juanita,

I am very saddened to hear of your son's tragic death. Please accept and extend my deepest sympathy to you and your family in this time of sadness

Dave & Debbie Berkowitz

March 24, 2005

Dennis and Juanita

Our deepest sympathy on your tragic loss, our prayers are with you and your family.

Dave and Deb

Linda Young

March 23, 2005

My favorite memory of Bret is watching him dance with glow sticks at the dance club - so entranced by and living the moment. He always had a smile and a good word for everyone, and his energy was inspiring for us all. He is missed dearly by all his friends in the theater community. Please let us know what we can do in his memory.

TYLER MANN

March 23, 2005

I was a classmate of Bret at Miramonte and JM. We all remember him for his intelligence, whit, charm, and great laugh. We are all so blessed to have him in our lives, and we are so fortunate to have him watching above us.

Kristen Sueoka

March 23, 2005

Hello Mr. & Mrs. Harte,

I was a high school classmate of Bret's and have just heard about your loss. I am so very sorry. I have very fond memories of Bret and his aspirations to become an actor/entertainer. I will miss running into his smiling face when I am in the Bay Area.

Sincerely,

Kristen Sueoka

Karen Robb

March 23, 2005

Dennis and Juanita,

My thoughts and condolences are with you. I know that Bret was the light of your life and that two parents could not have been more proud of their son. I am so deeply sorry for your loss.

Kristie Forrest

March 23, 2005

Dennis and Juanita:

We are heartbroken by your loss and humbled by your courage in facing this pain.

Bret was a gentle soul filled with love, humor and a gift that brightened the life of everyone he met. I am so very honored to have known him.

Trees, Daana and I send you our love and prayers. Love, Kristie

Anita Scheffel

March 23, 2005

Bret was a most outstanding man. He briefly entered my life as a student of Tai Chi. Bret gave joy and held honor. His mind will linger with me.

My heart is full of sympathy for you in your loss of a most magnificent son.

Tom & Laurie McNeely

March 23, 2005

Dennis and Juanita,Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of sorrow.

Mary Ann Collins Cressler

March 23, 2005

Dennis and Juanita:

My heart and deepest sympathies to you both. May you find comfort and love from those who are surrounding you at this time.

Mary Ann and Mike

Rob Barker

March 23, 2005

I just learned of your son's death. I am very sorry and wish to express my family's deepest sympathy. If there is anything that can be done to help please let us know.

Sadly,

Rob

Bernie & Tracy Schwartz

March 23, 2005

Dennis and Juanita, Tracy and I were surprised and saddened to hear that your son Bret succumbed to injuries from his accident.

We want you to know how terrible we feel that you have lost a loving and talented son at such an early age.

Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.

Sincerely,

Richard Sicard

March 23, 2005

Dennis, I am so sorry for your lost... may God strengthen and bless you and your family during this time of grief.

Rich

Robin Carruesco

March 23, 2005

Dear Juanita & Chic:

I am so very sorry for your loss. The way Juanita spoke of Bret makes me realize what a very special man he was. My heart and prayers go out to you this day and always.

Love,

Robin

Armin Berloui

March 23, 2005

Dear Dennis,

Our condolences for the tragic news. May God give you and your entire family patience and peace. We prey for you all. Please let me know, if we can help in any way.

God bless.

Regards,

Armin and the entire Berloui family.

Rick Hall

March 23, 2005

Dennis & Juanita,

I am sorry to hear about your loss. While I never met your son, I have memories of working with Dennis and the pride in his voice whenever he would talk about his son. Know that you are in our in our prayers in this time of sorrow.

Dan Biggs

March 23, 2005

Dennis and Juanita, Please accept our condolences for your tragic loss. Dan and Jina Biggs

Dennis Pope

March 23, 2005

Mt thoughts and prayers are with you in your loss of Bret.

Rick Brady

March 23, 2005

Dennis and Juanita, No words exist to convey my most sincere condolences on your loss. Thankfully I can pray, and please know that I am, as so many others are.

Natasha Raysberg

March 23, 2005

Dear Dennis and Juanita,

I have no words to express what I feel. There is the only one doctor to cure parent's hearts: the time. Please be strong and support each other.

Natasha

Kim Hansen

March 23, 2005

Juanita and Dennis,

I was so sad to hear about your tragic loss. I hope that you are both OK and know that we are thinking about you and sending our very best wishes. If there is anything that I can do, please let me know. Sincerely, Kim Hansen

Chris & Jim Bailey

March 23, 2005

Our deepest sympathy for your loss.

May the Lord hold you in His strength to get through this tough time.

Jill Taylor

March 23, 2005

Dennis and Juanita:

I did not know Bret, but I do know the love one feels for a family member. I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your son Bret.

Jill

Carol and Frank Osmon

March 23, 2005

Juanita and Dennis: We are so sorry to learn of Bret's death. Our thoughts are with you. We'll call later.

Allison Weber

March 23, 2005

Dear Dennis and Juanita,

I'm so sorry for your tragic loss. You are in my thoughts. Please accept my condolences. Let me know if there is anything I can do....

Allison

Douglas Wernerspach

March 23, 2005

Dennis and Juanita

Very saddened to hear of the loss of your son. Deepest sympathies at this most difficult time. You are in our thoughts.

William Gee

March 23, 2005

Dennis&Juanita:Myself and Betty are so sorry this has happened to you.May your faith be strong.

Bill&Betty Gee

Michael Price

March 23, 2005

My deepest sympathies to Dennis & Juanita. I know Bret was everything to you.

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