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Jason Bretz Obituary
Passed away unexpectedly at the age of 27. Survived by his wife Elyssa Bretz and their baby Jaleen Michael, expected to be born on October 7, 2002; parents Leonard & Michelle Rankin of Eureka; grandparents Martha & Hal Beeso of Yuba City; sister Jennifer Erin Sorensen; brother Zachary Joseph Rankin; parents-in-law Michael & Chigitta Jeffers; grandmother-in-law Omi Schow; brother-in-law Sean Jeffers; and numerous other family members and friends. Jason was planning to be a writer following his graduation from CSUS in December of this year. He was an avid basketball player who loved movies & skateboarding. He will be remembered for his enthusiasm for life, hip-hop, his cats Dela and Worm, and his lip ring. A memorial service will be Monday, August 19, 2002 at 2 pm at Mount Vernon Mortuary, 8201 Greenback Lane Fair Oaks, CA 95628.
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Memories and Condolences
for Jason Bretz
Sponsored by Len and Michelle Rankin, proud parents of Jason Christopher Bretz.
Michelle Larsen
February 1, 2012
Len & Michelle,
Thank you so much for keeping the guestbook available online. I only learned about Jay's passing a year ago & have been searching the internet ever since. My name is Michelle Herrin-Larsen. My 2 sisters & I lived next door to your family on Monet Way. Floods of wonderful childhood memories have come over me in learning of this great loss. Great memories of us staying up late @ night talking to each other over the fence thru our bedroom windows, playing football or baseball in the street, basketball in the driveway, skateboarding down the sidewalk, him introducing me to Dead Kennedy's & Dead Milkmen...which sounded crazy at the time but I learned to like it.
My heart goes out to all of his family. He has touched so many lives. He is greatly missed.
Cindy (Kimbell) Smith
May 15, 2003
I'm so glad that I found this. I went to high school with Jason, but I didn't get to know him until after we graduated. I remember that the last couple of times I saw him, about seven years ago, I wasn't the nicest person. Thankfully, I had an opportunity to apologize to him. But what I didn't say to him then was that I always thought he was a brilliant, fun, beautiful person. I guess I took for granted that we would run into each other again somewhere, and we would be able to catch up about our lives, families, and our shared interest in writing. I am truly sorry that I won't get that opportunity, at least in this world.
Jason, you are missed. This world is a less-colorful place without you in it.
Kristen Dorman
December 11, 2002
I think about you every day!! I still can't believe what has happened. It's like a permanent boulder has been placed in my gut! It's hard to make sense out of much when something like this happens. I find myself trying to find some reason and of course I can not! I love you Jay and miss you more each minute!! Love you, Aunt Kristen
Elyssa Bretz
October 9, 2002
Q-
Happy Birthday!!! You are suppose to be here so I could buy you your 200.00 basketball shoes that I told you to wait until your birthday. Dang!! This does not get any easier. You are so missed. There is so much pain, the only way for it ever to better, is to see you again. I still can't beleive you are gone. Why did this have to happen to us??!! Your unique personality will forvever be remembered and instilled in every single family member! We all love you so much!! I wish you could have met your son Jalen.
He is everything we had hoped for. He brings me happiness within this horrible pain and helps me to remember all the memories we shared together. We will come and see you today!! I will forever love and miss you and hurt to not spend one more minute with you. I love you Q!
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Kristen Dorman
October 9, 2002
Jason...today will be one of the longest, saddest days ever! When I think that a little over a month ago
I was trying to think of what to do for you Birthday...I just can't believe you are not here. We will bring little Jalen to visit you today. I hope with all my heart that somehow you can see him! I LOVE
YOU AND MISS YOU MORE THAN YOU COULD
EVER KNOW!! Happy Birthday "Q"!
Love you, Aunt Kristen
TAMMY JOHNSTON
September 24, 2002
TO THE WIFE OF JASON BRETZ,I TOO AM VERY SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS.I KNOW THE PAIN YOU ARE IN.I WILL LEAVE YOU WITH MY E-MAIL ADDRESS AND HOPE TO HEAR FROM YOU SOON.TAMMY JOHNSTON E-MAIL ADDRESS [email protected]
Jason Spencer
September 9, 2002
I recently found out about Jay's death at our 10 year reunion. I can't believe that it's true. I wish that we hadn't lost touch. He was one of my best buddies in school and he will really be missed. My thoughts are with his family.
[email protected]
Donna Carolo
September 5, 2002
Jason, I went to class yesterday and Professoressa informed me of what happened to you. I am in shock. I expected to see you sitting two seats behind me again this semester-cracking jokes and making us all laugh. I can see you sitting there now, chomping on gum and smiling. Although I never knew you outside of our Italian class, I knew you loved your wife, were a great writer, and had a true zest for life. God must have needed another angel--you will be missed but not forgotten. God Bless you and your family.
Crystal Pettit
August 29, 2002
Jason- It was very difficult for us to get to know each other well. We were seperated by several states. But the time we did spend together was fun. Even though we were not as close as I would have liked for us to be, you will remain in my thoughts. I will miss you.
Love-(your step-sister) Crystal
Kristen Dorman
August 28, 2002
I still can't believe you are gone. My heart hurts for you. You are sooo missed by all of us in your family! I love you Jason!!
Love,
Aunt Kristen
Terrell Long
August 19, 2002
I first met Jason in the Spring of 1990 when I moved to Sacramento from overseas. It was our love for basketball and hip hop that made us fast become friends. The memory of his life will resonate forever in the minds of us all.
"You are loved, Jason...and through this love, you will live forever!"
- Terrell Long
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