Gerald "Jerry" C Brett

Jerry (Gerald) C Brett, lovingly known as “The Bear”, passed peacefully from this life October 18, 2021, in Spokane, WA.  A Celebration of His Life will be held Saturday, October 30, 11am-12noon. Viewing for friends and family 6-8pm Friday, October 29. Both services at:  The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints,
401 West Regina Avenue, Spokane, WA.

Born August 27, 1932 in Ogden, UT to Kennedy Culbertson and Rhada Corein Mortenson Brett, he grew up there, playing sports and in school bands. 

He enjoyed singing all of his life and met his future wife Karlyn Summerill Frost while singing in a mixed college quartet.  They were married in 1954 in the Salt Lake Temple. A lifetime member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he served in many local leadership positions.

After three years at Weber State College, he joined the Army during the Korean War and served two years at Ford Ord, CA.  He and his new bride then returned to Utah where he earned his Bachelor of Business Management degree from University of Utah.

His occupations as an Area Manager for Lever Brothers, agent for New England Life Insurance and Owner/Operator of Chem-Dry Carpet Cleaning took their growing family of five children to California, Oregon and Bellevue, Washington prior to arriving in Spokane in 1967, where they have lived for 54 years.

A competitive athlete, he lettered in multiple sports at Ogden High School and in football at Weber State College. He remained an avid golf, tennis, basketball, and softball player as long as he was physically able.

Jerry leaves behind his loving family - the joy of his life! They include his beautiful wife, Karlyn; children, Marci (and Richard) Romney, Thomas (and Andrea) Brett, Becky (and Richard) Carter, Scott (and Jennifer) Brett, and Kelly Brett Armstrong; 19 grandchildren; and 55 great grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in honor of Jerry to a Diabetes or Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, such as www.diabetes.org or www.jdrf.org.  

To share memories and condolences, please visit Jerry’s Tribute Wall.