On May 14, 2010 a mass and celebration of life were held for Brett. Brett touched so many people which could be seen with the church that holds 400 people being full. There were people from all parts of Brett's life; family, the boys from Saratoga, parents of the boys from Saratoga, kids from Little League, elementary school friends and friends from Santa Cruz. The Celebration of Life was held in the perfect spot, Capitola Beach by The Sea. Tributes were paid to Brett that recognized his love for his family, his gift as a teacher, his passion for the outdoors and life. His love for his family and friends showed in each story told. Kenzie; a family friend in the neighborhood ; wrote a poem about Brett. He had an impact on all the kids in the neighborhood. Stories were told of how he helped teach his friends growing up to pitch, ride a bike, dress up for a costume party, and push them past their limits of comfort. Brett was the glue that kept everyone together for years. The stories of laughter and the adventure brought out the warmth of what Brett means to so many. After the celebration of life many gathered at Zelda's to share even more colorful stories of the years growing up. As the afternoon went on many wished they had said more about how he had helped them and how happy he was when he fell in love with Sue. Not known to many Brett first had an interest in Sue back in high school. There was so much to tell and will be for years to come. Life does not bring us the opportunity to meet such extraordinary indiviuals every day. Brett will truly be remembered as an individual that touched many hearts.
The passion Brett had for life has brought alot of talk on how to continue his memory. There was a suggestion to walk the Wharf to Wharf but unfortunately registration is sold out for 2010. Brett loved Jimmy Buffet and many are talking about attending the concert at Shoreline on Oct 16th. Plans will be made to do an annual fund raise of some type for the kids.
Brett was the glue that kept everyone together. It is now up to each of us to stay in contact and be there for Brett's family.
Monday, May 17, 2010
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Brett is now at peace
For all those that have been waiting for news on Brett. On Sunday, May 8, 2010 Brett was found by another abalone diver. The mass for Brett is Friday May 14, 2010 11:00 AM at St Joseph's Catholic Chrurch in Capitola. Please write a letter with your favorite memory of Brett to each of his children Reily, Rory and Kiana. The letter can be brought to the mass. His memory will live on through family and friends.
A memorial fund has been set up for the children.
FISH ON!
A memorial fund has been set up for the children.
FISH ON!
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Status on Brett
There have been many inquiries as to the staus on locating Brett. Unfortunately after diving yesterday they did not locate Brett.
Sue has planned a memorial mass for Friday, May 14, 2010 at 11:00 am.
St Jospeh's Catholic Church
435 Monterey Avenue
Capitola CA 95010
Sue has requested that everyone wear Aloha attire and puka shells.
Many of you have asked what can be done to help Sue and the children. A fund has been set up for the children.
You can make a donation by sending a check payable to:
Santa Cruz County Employees Credit Union or SCCECU and in the memo line of the check write "Uchiyama Children's Fund"
The check can be mailed to the above at 8030 Soquel Ave. Suite 201, Santa Cruz, CA 95062A
Many of you have pictures of Brett that would be wonderful to share the memories. We have set up an account at www.photobucket.com. The user name is fishonbrett The password is kianau
Please post your pictures for everyone to see.
Check back for more information over the next few days.
Sue has planned a memorial mass for Friday, May 14, 2010 at 11:00 am.
St Jospeh's Catholic Church
435 Monterey Avenue
Capitola CA 95010
Sue has requested that everyone wear Aloha attire and puka shells.
Many of you have asked what can be done to help Sue and the children. A fund has been set up for the children.
You can make a donation by sending a check payable to:
Santa Cruz County Employees Credit Union or SCCECU and in the memo line of the check write "Uchiyama Children's Fund"
The check can be mailed to the above at 8030 Soquel Ave. Suite 201, Santa Cruz, CA 95062A
Many of you have pictures of Brett that would be wonderful to share the memories. We have set up an account at www.photobucket.com. The user name is fishonbrett The password is kianau
Please post your pictures for everyone to see.
Check back for more information over the next few days.
Remembering Brett By Brian "Guy" Bose
Since we were young adults, our parents have instilled in us the importance of being a success in life. For most of us, that meant jumping head-on into that endless and futile financial pursuit called the rat race.
Some, however, interpret success in life on a whole other level. For them, it isn’t “keeping up with the Jones’s,” that they care about, it’s taking this miracle of life and living it as well and happily as possible.
One of those rare, special individuals is my friend Brett.
To him, there is much more to life than sitting behind a desk in an incandescent lighted office environment for eight to ten hours a day. The two-day weekend just isn’t enough time to do what he really wants: mountain bike, surf, coach Little League, go to San Francisco Giants games, golf, visit with friends and family, and fish.
So, he walked away. Away from his job in corporate America. While he still works from time to time, he devotes the majority of his time to the more enjoyable elements in life – like fishing.
No matter what day or time it is, chances are you’ll find Brett casting a line out somewhere. In fact, he loves to fish so much, he created his own departing expression – “Fish On.”
While most of us say “So, long!” or “Take care,” he always says his salutations with a “Fish On!” (Reminds me of the farewell, “Stay Golden Pony Boy,” from the book The Outsiders.) It didn’t take long for it to become an idiom for good-bye among our circle of friends because it is so catchy and apropos.
Not only does Brett take advantage of life by staying active, but he mentally embraces it as well. Rarely do you ever find him in a bad mood or complaining. (Although I wouldn’t want to be on the wrong end of a bad call during a Little League game or the bartender if the place ever ran out of Meyers rum.)
When the guy isn’t smiling, it’s because he’s laughing. And usually laughing loudly.
One night, we were having a bonfire on the beach outside his house and we got to talking about something. Someone cracked a joke and we all laughed. The chuckling eventually died down for everyone except Brett. Finding it a bit more humorous than the rest of us, he kept on bellowing – to the point that he fell right off the log he was sitting on.
The fall didn’t deter him in the slightest. Once on the ground, he rolled back and forth in the sand all the while howling away. He was having such a genuinely great time, that we all starting laughing again too. To this day, I honestly have never heard or seen someone laugh so hard.
The only thing that comes remotely close is that scene in the movie Porky’s when the male P.E. teachers are busting up as Ms. Ballbreaker attempts to describe the culprit who “poked his head” into the woman’s shower.
That one moment on the beach, I believe, ideally captures the way Brett lives life. But, for him, it goes beyond that. He isn’t just content to earnestly tackle life on his own, he wants to make sure those around him do so as well. More times than I can remember, he would gather all his friends together for a barbeque, basketball game, or even rally us to Lake Tahoe or a fishing trip to a small remote Sierra Nevada lake.
He is not only a motivator, but a leader. His vibrant, extroverted personality is so contagious you can’t say no. No matter how tired, hung over, or busy you are. One minute you’d be on the couch mindlessly wasting the day away watching television, and the next you found yourself on the first hole of the local municipal golf course. And there would be four other guys standing next to you all because Brett said “Come on! Let’s do it!”
Because of that attitude, most of the friends I made growing up and still keep in touch with today are because of Brett. He was the connection; the link that brought us together and kept us together.
A few weeks ago, Brett and I attended a funeral for the father of a good friend. During the Catholic ceremony, I noticed on several occasions he made the sign of the cross with his fingers. It struck me as odd because I never thought the puka-shell, Hawaiian-shirt wearing, Jimmy Buffet fan had a religious bone in his body.
I inquired about it after the services.
“Guy,” he said. “It’s not about this religion or that religion. All religions have great points and aspects and people need to embrace the finer points of each – not fight them or doubt them. There are no set rules to live by, you just have to get out there and live.”
I must admit, it sounded a bit cliché at the time so I didn’t really think much of it. Now, I can’t stop thinking about it as my good friend Brett passed away last week. He drowned while abalone fishing.
He lived life to the fullest and fortunately for those that knew him, he took us along for the ride. For that, he will always be the epitome of success.
Next to the front door of Brett’s house sits a rock. Engraved into that rock are the words “Gone Fishing.” Fish on my friend. Fish On!
Guy Bose
Some, however, interpret success in life on a whole other level. For them, it isn’t “keeping up with the Jones’s,” that they care about, it’s taking this miracle of life and living it as well and happily as possible.
One of those rare, special individuals is my friend Brett.
To him, there is much more to life than sitting behind a desk in an incandescent lighted office environment for eight to ten hours a day. The two-day weekend just isn’t enough time to do what he really wants: mountain bike, surf, coach Little League, go to San Francisco Giants games, golf, visit with friends and family, and fish.
So, he walked away. Away from his job in corporate America. While he still works from time to time, he devotes the majority of his time to the more enjoyable elements in life – like fishing.
No matter what day or time it is, chances are you’ll find Brett casting a line out somewhere. In fact, he loves to fish so much, he created his own departing expression – “Fish On.”
While most of us say “So, long!” or “Take care,” he always says his salutations with a “Fish On!” (Reminds me of the farewell, “Stay Golden Pony Boy,” from the book The Outsiders.) It didn’t take long for it to become an idiom for good-bye among our circle of friends because it is so catchy and apropos.
Not only does Brett take advantage of life by staying active, but he mentally embraces it as well. Rarely do you ever find him in a bad mood or complaining. (Although I wouldn’t want to be on the wrong end of a bad call during a Little League game or the bartender if the place ever ran out of Meyers rum.)
When the guy isn’t smiling, it’s because he’s laughing. And usually laughing loudly.
One night, we were having a bonfire on the beach outside his house and we got to talking about something. Someone cracked a joke and we all laughed. The chuckling eventually died down for everyone except Brett. Finding it a bit more humorous than the rest of us, he kept on bellowing – to the point that he fell right off the log he was sitting on.
The fall didn’t deter him in the slightest. Once on the ground, he rolled back and forth in the sand all the while howling away. He was having such a genuinely great time, that we all starting laughing again too. To this day, I honestly have never heard or seen someone laugh so hard.
The only thing that comes remotely close is that scene in the movie Porky’s when the male P.E. teachers are busting up as Ms. Ballbreaker attempts to describe the culprit who “poked his head” into the woman’s shower.
That one moment on the beach, I believe, ideally captures the way Brett lives life. But, for him, it goes beyond that. He isn’t just content to earnestly tackle life on his own, he wants to make sure those around him do so as well. More times than I can remember, he would gather all his friends together for a barbeque, basketball game, or even rally us to Lake Tahoe or a fishing trip to a small remote Sierra Nevada lake.
He is not only a motivator, but a leader. His vibrant, extroverted personality is so contagious you can’t say no. No matter how tired, hung over, or busy you are. One minute you’d be on the couch mindlessly wasting the day away watching television, and the next you found yourself on the first hole of the local municipal golf course. And there would be four other guys standing next to you all because Brett said “Come on! Let’s do it!”
Because of that attitude, most of the friends I made growing up and still keep in touch with today are because of Brett. He was the connection; the link that brought us together and kept us together.
A few weeks ago, Brett and I attended a funeral for the father of a good friend. During the Catholic ceremony, I noticed on several occasions he made the sign of the cross with his fingers. It struck me as odd because I never thought the puka-shell, Hawaiian-shirt wearing, Jimmy Buffet fan had a religious bone in his body.
I inquired about it after the services.
“Guy,” he said. “It’s not about this religion or that religion. All religions have great points and aspects and people need to embrace the finer points of each – not fight them or doubt them. There are no set rules to live by, you just have to get out there and live.”
I must admit, it sounded a bit cliché at the time so I didn’t really think much of it. Now, I can’t stop thinking about it as my good friend Brett passed away last week. He drowned while abalone fishing.
He lived life to the fullest and fortunately for those that knew him, he took us along for the ride. For that, he will always be the epitome of success.
Next to the front door of Brett’s house sits a rock. Engraved into that rock are the words “Gone Fishing.” Fish on my friend. Fish On!
Guy Bose
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
In memory of Brett Uchiyama
Brett Uchiyama lived life as no other. When Brett was committed to something he was all in.
Brett lived each moment of his life and enjoyed it to the fullest.
Brett has passed on and started a new journey. He has left behind the memories of his smile and the generousity of his heart.
Sue, his children and the Uchiyama family appreciate all the love and support that have been shown during this difficult time.
Brett will live on in the memories and stories we all share.
A account has been set up at http://www.photobucket.com/ so everyone can share their pictures.
fishonbrett = user name password = kianau
Please share your memories, thoughts and pictures of Brett.
Brett touched many and has left his footprint on all of us.
Fish on, Brett
Brett lived each moment of his life and enjoyed it to the fullest.
Brett has passed on and started a new journey. He has left behind the memories of his smile and the generousity of his heart.
Sue, his children and the Uchiyama family appreciate all the love and support that have been shown during this difficult time.
Brett will live on in the memories and stories we all share.
A account has been set up at http://www.photobucket.com/ so everyone can share their pictures.
fishonbrett = user name password = kianau
Please share your memories, thoughts and pictures of Brett.
Brett touched many and has left his footprint on all of us.
Fish on, Brett
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
