Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Brett Howell Obituary
Resident of Santa Cruz
Age 46 passed away peacefully at his home on April 21st, 2012 following a long medical illness. Brett was a loving son, brother, nephew & cousin . Brett has lived in Santa Cruz area his whole life. He began his strong management role with West Marine Products. He continued his success to Senior Management with EBay Inc.
Brett will be truly missed by all of his family and friends. Brett loved helping other's succeed in their dreams. He loved family BBQ's and holidays. Life will never be the same. He will forever remain in our hearts. A message from his Mother, "Fly freely with the eagles, my precious son".
A celebration of life with his family & friends will be held at a later date. Donations may be made in memory of Brett A. Howell with the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America @ www.ccfa .org.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Brett Howell
Aunt Joanna
April 22, 2023
I have many memories of you and I miss you bunches.....I love you soooo much. The loss I feel is heart breaking.
I LOVE YOU SO MUCH...........
Thank you, Sharon
May 20, 2012
The new message written today, "Unconditional Love", takes my breath away with the most beautiful words and thoughts that could be spoken by anyone and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts for such a wonderful tribute to our precious bond we had with our Brett. You did not sign your name, so I will for you..
..From an Angel..
it's us again!
love U~ Sis!!
May 20, 2012
mom and larry driving next to us...we have fun memories
love U~ Sis!!
May 20, 2012
Getting some R and R...
love U~ Sis!!
May 20, 2012
Off to Nana's house christmas time....
love U~ Sis!!
May 20, 2012
Christmas morning w/my brother
love U~ Sis!!
May 20, 2012
Anthony and friends w/Uncle "B", Papa etc...
love U~ Sis!!
May 20, 2012
Brett loved 4th fo July @ Mom's house
love U~ Sis!!
May 20, 2012
Brett n Shari @ michele's son's wedding!
love U~ Sis!!
May 20, 2012
My brother and husband at my BF's son's wedding
love U~ Sis!!
May 20, 2012
My Cousin David, mom and Brother
love U~ Sis!!
May 20, 2012
love you forever...
May 20, 2012
Fun filled day, just the three of us...Anthony and I treated him to a special day and we had a blast....
May 20, 2012
Ready to walk the bridge train tracks...
May 20, 2012
Brother and Sister sharing millions of memories..
May 20, 2012
on another ride
May 20, 2012
Thrill seekers
May 20, 2012
Uncle "B" getting behind his nephew
May 20, 2012
Look Sis, here we go....
May 20, 2012
Were going up!
May 20, 2012
Day with Uncle "B" and mom
May 20, 2012
May 20, 2012
. . . UNCONDITIONAL LOVE . . .
A treasure to be cherished,
A gift from God above;
Dearest Shari and Sharon, Anthony:
It is the beauty of a mother, son,daughter (brother and sister)
Touched by unconditional love.
A love that asks no questions,
Believes in all the best;they do..
Never doubting, ever trusting,
Withstanding any test, challenge that came anyway....You all were so close and tight...I'm sure everyone knows the bond you shared...I know it was clear to me..
A love that weathers any storm,
And yet that love still stands strong
Through the very darkest hour..biggest storm, thunder and lightening..Nothing ever broke the bond.
You all still reached out your hands, to one another..
There in that,the hand is the sweetest gift
That you can and could have ever given a your children; and that they as brother and sister
A heart that cares, a love that shares,
That will be there till the end...
A treasure to be cherished,
A gift from God above;
Is what the three of you shared..
An unconditional love...Brett always knew who he could truly call and KNOW that you and Shari would be there in a heart beat...
He shared how much he loved to two women in his life...
You both were truly "His World"...As he was your's....
He was always so proud to speak so highly of all of your achievements, that you, Shari and his only, one and only Nephew "Anthony"....
Love to all three of you...Carry on...carry on.....
Me,Brett,Shari, and Lora what is written above summed up our lives
Renee Kelley
May 19, 2012
I miss my best friend will always remember that day
Renee kelley
May 19, 2012
sunset we saw together forever you will shine in my heart like the sun in this picture my heart
Renee kelley
May 19, 2012
you and forest became so close and you were so proud of him for his amazing drive for adventure
Renee Kelley
May 19, 2012
my most favorite picture together you were my best friend and miss our talks and laughter
Renee kelley
May 19, 2012
we cruzed the cliffs not long ago was such beautiful day I miss your laughter and smiles
Renee kelley
May 19, 2012
Brett, Dad,Forest,and Me at Redwood park
Renee kelley
May 19, 2012
we had such an awesome day together got to see uncle jimmy :)
Renee kelley
May 19, 2012
The day you came to pick me up from airport we were so happy to see eachother and the red charger you rented had to drive it like a racecar lol
Renee kelley
May 19, 2012
Brett n Shari with their mom
May 16, 2012
The Frog, he made his beautiful Aunt DeeDee, she kept for over 42 years!
May 16, 2012
Brett n Shari and cousin Richie
May 16, 2012
Brett and his dad
May 16, 2012
Brett with his Dad
May 16, 2012
May 15, 2012
Brett...it was beautiful as always talking to you this morning..I saw your spirit...you smiled for the camera as always...No one will believe me, but that is okay....I know I saw you and your on my camera.....mom was so happy to hear about that...she is coming over today to see your beautiful, peaceful spirit, you graciously showed your presence to your little sis...I love you always and cannot wait until we speak again...love you so much....We have little birdie's who moved into the bird house we have in the back yard, remember....You helped me hang it up...love you...keep swirling around..
May 15, 2012
My Dearest Sister, I wish I could be there with you, I will miss Brett's phone calls checking on his old Aunt Carol just as you do. The problem of old age is our bodies get so brittle. I love you all.
Our laughter, your memories, our memories..will forever flow like a waterfall.....love you Ian so much!! Thank you for the...Laughter...
May 14, 2012
Ian..this is for you...of our 2 hour phone conversation.....You would normally have with our Brett.....laughter....We have laughter filled with our special memories of Brett...Ahhhh...........<3
May 13, 2012
This is a special picture of my brother Brett and his then girlfriend Tabatha at her Senior Prom.....They were such a special couple and she remains to be a special person in our lives...
Sean Avery
May 12, 2012
I am not one for many words, but my heart goes out to my dear Aunt Sharon. I hold you dear to my heart. I Love You. Your Nephew Sean
me n my Uncle "B"~ R.I.P...
May 11, 2012
Bev Hyatt
May 11, 2012
This is a correction to my message to my sister. THANK YOU FOR GIVING ME THE GIFT OF SUCH A SPECIAL NEPHEW TO LOVE FOR 46 YEARS OF MY LIFE. You know the older you get the mind goes first...I apologize for the typo my sissy. Don't know what I was thinkin' there!
I love you very much, your baby sis Bev
May 10, 2012
From day one,
without knowing it,
I loved you with all my heart.
As I grew older I looked up to you and to no other.
Yes, we fought many of times but you supported,
and encouraged me in everything I did.
You were my best friend and my hero.
At night I miss the sound of your music,
I miss you climbing through the window when you were late.
I miss your comfort and the way you made me feel safe.
I miss our nonsense arguments and all our wrestling matches just to pass time. Making easter egg's our of paper, we would decorate on each paper..
I like to remember our times together, all we shared...You always did care.
I wanted to do everything you did,
because I wanted to JUST like you!
I miss your smile,
and I miss the way your room smelt of your cologne.
But most of all I miss your reassuring hugs.
I wish I could go back and tell you how I felt,
tell you that I really need you no matter what I said.
I kept your favorite sweater and wear it every time I miss you
like I did when I was little.
I will always love you no matter how long its been,
since the day your life came to an end.
I miss my big brother.
I know your Journey has just begun, just remember your never gone..
~R.I.P. Go cause some havick...for Larry, keep him in line, just in time...to tell Grandma-mom and Grandpa-Paul I love them...and your all together...Having all the fun!!
Love you, Sister Shari Lynne
May 10, 2012
Day by day I think of you,
How can all of this be true?
I can't believe you're really gone,
I still can't accept it,
Even after just a couple of weeks.
Just the thought of you makes me cry,
I never even got the chance to say goodbye. Although, we always ended out conversations with "I love you"...
Every picture, every letter,
I don't know if it will ever get better.
I always smell your familiar scent,
It makes me think of all of the times we've spent.
So many things I blessed I got to say,
I never imagined you'd ever be so far away.
You were my brother,
And I loved you like no other.
In my heart you'll always be,
You'll be my guide and help me see.
I'll never forget your soothing voice,
I would take your place if I had a choice.
But now I have to let you rest,
Although without you, my world's a mess.
I miss you with all of my heart,
I wish we never had to part.
I know you're always by my side,
So now I guess this is my goodbye...
Rest in Peace, my dearest brother... Love you; Sister
Love Always, Mom
May 10, 2012
For my precious son, Brett:
HIS JOURNEY'S JUST BEGUN
Don't think of him as gone away –
his journey's just begun,
life holds so many facets –
this earth is only one.
Just think of him as resting
from the sorrows and the tears
in a place of warmth and comfort
where there are no days and years.
Think how he must be wishing
that we could know today
how nothing but our sadness
can really pass away.
And think of him as living
in the hearts of those he touched..
for nothing loved is every lost –
and he was loved so much.
Mom
May 9, 2012
Son, I got to work this morning and listened to one of the voicemails I still have on my phone and you said "Hi Mom. I just called to wish you a nice day". All of my conversations with you and Shari always end with "I Love You". You did this every day and I will miss that so very much. I know your spirit is with us every day and you will always be in my heart. I could not have asked for a more loving son and the wonderful memories will bring me smiles and sunshine the rest of my life. I know Larry will take good care of you until we're all together again.
Sharon & Bev Sisters Always
Bev Hyatt
May 9, 2012
To my Sister Sharon,
You are in my thoughts & prayers every day. I cannot even attempt to imagine what your pain is like with the loss of your precious son.
I remember when your carried Brett, when you gave birth to him & I treasure the memories I received when I was able to babysit him a time or two!
Last time I spoke with Brett we talked & laughed & shared how we loved each other & missed one another among other stories & thoughts. I will always cherish my memories as his aunt! I am so thankful for the time I got to be a part of Brett's life!
My heart mourns with you my sissy & I wish there was more that I could do to ease your pain...life has led us to where we live far apart but not a day goes by without you in my thoughts & how much I love you & miss you!
Thank you for being my sister & giving me the gift of such a special nephew to love for 32 years of my life! Your baby sissy, Bev
Brett, Me & Larry at Disney World Florida
Bev Hyatt
May 9, 2012
I have 46 years of memories of my precious nephew so I do not have room to write them all of course but one memory that stands out more than others is a story that Brett would tell me every time we spoke. It was how he loved driving fast because he learned it from his grandpa Paul (my dad). He said the 1st time he remembers going fast was when he was little my dad took him on the freeway & just gunned it! He said the thrill was so exciting he never forgot that. We would get to laughing & I would tease him about how fast he drove his Beamer!
He definitely had racing roots because dad & my uncle Albert used to race in the Indy 500 back many moons ago! Also I ride my own motorcycle so being little rebel's has run in our family for a long long time!
It weighs heavy on my heart now though how much I will miss Brettsy! (I am his aunt so I have gotten away with calling him that his whole life)! I know his spirit is alive & he is continuing on in his progression doing what his Heavenly Father has planned for him. He is so special & even though we will miss him being here with us, I am sure he is happy not to be in pain anymore. That is my comfort...all my love, Aunt Bev
Renee Kelley
May 8, 2012
I Remember how much Brett would love to scare the daylight outta me during Halloween growing up watching all the old scary movies ,when i went to see him recently that's what we did the whole week stayed up all night watching scary stuff and he succeeded in scaring me to the point i couldn't go downstairs to my room to sleep lol he enjoyed that one , will miss those times
May 8, 2012
Another memory....When we were kids, we did so many things together...On one day we were in our front yard and our mom made us lunch and placed blanket on the grass and we spread our lunch out and had many picnics...We loved the outdoors...mom and dad would take us camping each summer, Disneyland, Knotts Berry farm, Universal Studios, bike rides, Easter's at Delaveaga Park....Life was good, happy and fun...
Annie
May 7, 2012
Peace to you and your family...
mick harrington
May 7, 2012
Happy trails, Brundle Boy!
May 7, 2012
Brett loved watching football with Ian and Jimbo....They would have their "guy" time often...Ian spoke w/Brett daily and laughed so much about the "good ol days"..Tony, Anthony and I would go down to Brett's for movie night, order pizza and watch scary movies, when I would walk home he would get his little gagets/flash light and walk me home...
Brett was a thrill seeker, he loved doing things that got his blood pumping..He would always say "Ahhhh, you taaakkke it"....just wanted to share more as I remember all the fun times I shared, we shared w/my brother Brett!
May 6, 2012
Another memory...Me, Brett, Renee Richie were playing outside at Rodeo Gulch Rd. House, we grabbed all the cardboard we could and walked up the hill and we all sat down on the cardboard, Richie first, Renee, Me, then Brett and slid down all the way under mom's horse Keana and we all looked up and saw her belly and we laughed and ran out so fast. All of our eyes were big and then we all laughed.....Then when Richie was a baby he was in his walker and the garage door was open, he waddled over and fell down, Brett and Uncle Jimmy and I ran so fast to go and get him...Brett loved his Uncle Jimmy...He would take us on many hikes in the woods...One time all of us kids had to go outside and Aunt Beverly locked the door and Brett would look inside to see her rocking in the chair w/her headphones on...He made sure to get us some food then she would lock the door again...lol...Brett got the hose and we all drank water cause it was so hot outside...Aunt Beverly loved us dearly..those are some fond memories of our times together growing up...Love you Brother...love all our family..
Lynetta Denniston
May 5, 2012
My Cousin Brett,
You lived your life on your own terms. You taught by example how to stand up and demand your rights. You loved to talk about politics. Oh how you loved to watch Bill Maher!
You put so much into your career at West Marine and ebay, so many stories!
You so loved your Native American Indian collector plates. The ocean was your comfort, a place where your mind would settle down and bring you peace.
When I first saw you after being separated for so many years I knew that we would be able to help each other. You wanted your health back and I wanted to take off in my career here in the Silicon Valley. We accomplished what we wanted with the support of each other. You were healthy enough to move to Aptos near the ocean that you love. You had your family close to you. I stayed here in the Silicon Valley, I never give up on living my dreams, I love my work.Your support helped me to get here.
All that I wanted to say to you has already been said.
I expressed my appreciation for you each time we talked.
The ocean holds you and the Eagles fly with you!
Sent to you with so much love,
Lynetta
May 5, 2012
Brett loved his family, he used to call every few weeks to see how I was doing and give me news about his mom and everyone in California, I will miss him. Glad I got to see him in August. I will miss him. Love Aunt Carol
Brett,Shari,Renee,Aunt Beverly,Richie ~Disneyland Vacation of many
May 5, 2012
Brett,Crystal,Renee,Ranee,Forest Boardwalk
love ~ShariLynne
May 5, 2012
Uncle Jimmy, Renee,Ranee,Forest,Crystal
love ~ShariLynne
May 5, 2012
Shari,Brett,Crystal
love ~ShariLynne
May 5, 2012
Renee,Brett,Shari,Lora
love ~ShariLynne
May 5, 2012
with cousins Renee and Richie
May 4, 2012
walks
May 4, 2012
family
May 4, 2012
family walks
May 4, 2012
With Best friend Ian, Jim..Friends Mike, with Brett
May 4, 2012
fun times..
love your Sis
May 4, 2012
His Best Friend Jim...
love your Sis
May 4, 2012
Hugging his "Uncle "B"..Lake McClure
love your Sis
May 4, 2012
Dear Cousin Renee, Uncle Jimmy, Dear cousin Richie..
love your Sis
May 4, 2012
Magic Mountain
love your Sis
May 4, 2012
Uncle "B", and his nephew..
love your Sis
May 4, 2012
Mother & Son...
love your Sis
May 4, 2012
Camping with friends
love your Sis
May 4, 2012
Deep thoughts...Carmel ca.
love your Sis
May 4, 2012
Sabrina
May 4, 2012
Brett was always so accepting as a friend and never judgmental. I loved the way we would joke around and always have fun. I remember when we all stayed on a house boat years ago and Brett and I went on a jet ski. He let me drive and we were laughing so hard having so much fun. Then we flew off and hurt our necks but he wasn't mad, he just laughed it off.
He was there for me several times when I really needed a friend and some one to talk to. I hadn't talked to him for years and not that long ago I got to see him again. I'm so glad I got that one last time to see him and to be reminded of what a great person he was.
I love and will miss you Brett.
May 3, 2012
May 3, 2012
Your the light that shines on my face...
May 3, 2012
To my Brother, I sit here waiting, wondering what to do, say, go...I do not know how my life will be without my brother. However, I remember soooooo many memories....When I was 5 years old, we were playing out on Hacienda Drive in Scotts Valley and a little boy, threw a spider onto my coat I was wearing (that our grandma-mom made). I was crying and running to my brother...He then ran back home to get his plastic baseball bat and hit the little boy and yelled, "Don't you ever hurt my little sister again". He went crying off....I ran up to my brother and cried in his arms, he held me and said "I will always protect you". That is just a small thing my brother did for me...He was always there for me. I was always there for him....I hold precious memories, ton's of pictures of our life we share'd as brother and sister..He was the best Brother, Uncle "B", and Brother In-law anyone could truly ever want, or need...Brett as you know I love you with all my heart & soul...God had to take you away from us, so that you can continue your work, oversee all your loved ones, we are all together and will never forget your generous heart and love you shared with all the one's who were fortunate to be in your life..Actually, we are the fortunate ones..to have been apart of your journey on this earth....You will continue on in Anthony and I we share our blood, sweat and tears of our journey together....I'm still trying to comprehend this..Just know, we will speak each day as we always have for 44 years of my life.....Love you always n forever....Your Sister; Shari Lynne
Renee kelley
May 3, 2012
Brett was my best friend and my life he was the light in my darkest days its taken me this long to except the fact he is gone,but i have realized he never left that he still lives ,he lives in my heart and soul. I still expect his phone calls and to here his voice and his laughter,so many things we talked about doing together and that was traveling and seeing different beauties in the world he was to come see the waterfalls near where i live , when me and forest go to see them we feel him with us always on top of the mountains here .He was always so proud of my son forest and the adventurous hikes and climbing of the beautiful mountains .We were very fortunate to have spent a week with him doing those same things in yosemite me and Brett climbed up the river to the great waterfall and it was like we were kids again i followed him wherever he went i looked up to him he had no fear and was the bravest person i know , forever missed and loved so dearly , your cousin Renee Kelly.
Brett, Hunter, Dave, Kailem, Lora, Shari, Kyle
Dave Campau
May 3, 2012
tony
May 3, 2012
Brett you were like a brother to me we've had some good times together.You were my garage sale buddy.I will miss you very much but in my heart i know your know longer suffering and you have bent set free.I love you and you will missed say Hi,to Loubert for me. Peace Tony
Larry Hoopes
May 2, 2012
Hey Bro,
I'm just sitting here remebering all the good times we had growing up.
I remember when you rented the ski boat and you ran out of gas in the middle of Lake Tahoe, we got towed in and then I dropped the key to the gas tank in the lake and boy were you mad!
Anyways, your probably sitting up there right now talking to dad and your both looking down upon us laughing while remembering all the good times!
I'll miss you bro and please give dad a BIG hug from me and Gage.
Love you,
Your brother Larry
May 2, 2012
Hey bro, Gage and I will miss you.
You've always been a wonderful brother to me.
I bet you and dad are looking down on us and talking about the good old days.
Tell dad I said "hi" and I miss him too.
Love you always,
Your brother Larry
Big Storm..SanLorenzo river over flow..
May 2, 2012
Rob and Brett and Delaveaga Park
May 2, 2012
Camping at Phifer....
May 2, 2012
Ian and Brett off to the game...
May 2, 2012
Anthony w/His Uncle "B"....93
May 2, 2012
Relaxing at his house
May 2, 2012
7 months old with Aunt Beverly
May 2, 2012
Beautiful...
May 2, 2012
Sking....
May 2, 2012
Ahhh......Brett yells to bf Jimbo!
May 2, 2012
Brett, Lora Louise, Mom, Sister
May 2, 2012
memories
May 2, 2012
Aunt Joanna, Brett, Mom
May 2, 2012
uncle Jimmy, playing rough housing w/Dad
May 2, 2012
Showing 1 - 100 of 184 results
Make a Donation
in Brett Howell's name
Memorial Events
for Brett Howell
How to support Brett's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Brett Howell's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
