Brett Bear
Does anyone have a story or a memory of Brett they would like to share?
posted by Hapax Legomenon at 10:17 AM
The purpose of this blog is to collect stories that celebrate the memory of Brett's life here on this earth. Please share anything that is special or of interest to you or that you think may be special or of interest to his family and friends that are left behind.
posted by Hapax Legomenon at 10:17 AM
11 Comments:
I remember the first time I heard of Brett at Freed-Hardeman University. I kept hearing about this "great guy" from all these people. I though, "Who is this guy, and who does he think he is being a 'great guy' and making everybody talk about him? He can't be that great?" Later I met him and found, in a short time, that I had formed the same the same opinion. He really was a great guy. I know there have to be a thousand comments waiting to be posted here about him because he left that impression on so many people.
I remember a time when Brett carried Matt Yuhas off of the roof of the BCWE building after curfew at Freed-Hardeman becuase Matt had back spasms during a "late night adventure". For some reason the video is much funnier.
I remember going golfing for the second time in all and it was with Brett and the other guys tried to have a serious game while Brett stole the flags,loosened the golf bags and numerous other things it was the most fun I had had in a long time.
After many dismal years of field day loses on the flag football field the CA faculty had the fortune of Marty Dejarnette breaking both his arms. This terrible accident brought Brett in as QB for the faculty which brought about a great victory. The great part was, as a letter was composed to relieve Marty of any future duties as QB, Brett humbly signed his consent on the letter as Brett "The Gun" Bear.
I remember at FHU Brett often giving me and two other Virginians rides back to Virginia. He would drop us off in Roanoke on his way home. It was very tight quarters riding in his little Chevette (did I say little? It was smaller than little), but we had a great time. I also remember playing against Brett in intramurals and the competitive spirit that Brett displayed. Brett was an athlete! Brett was a great guy and he is missed.
Brett had so many ggod times at the tn Children's Home. On many occasions he and I would have fire drills (which were mandatory) but when the residents went outside there were times they were pelted with cylindical objects containing aquous fluids. The kids loved it and so did we.
Since it is easy to say Brett was everything you would want in a friend or brother, a boss or husband -- I wont. (But he was).
So here is what I will miss most of him in no paticular order.
*His unrivaled ability to get you to do something and then seem blameless in the situation.
*The way he would casually respond to shocking information with 'Really?' and then effortlessly outline a resolution to the matter without even blinking.
*The cheap shots he would deliver to selected individuals during sporting games...an endless source of laughter for me.
*The way those same individuals knew why he had gotten them and respected him for it.
*His fairness-- enough said.
*No matter what you needed from him he always delivered.
*That laugh. The constant laughter that was always around him.
*The way he could calm, the way he could energize. His gentle approach to those girls he adored and his explosive command of volitile delinquints. (The way he could smash you in the jaw on accident and giggle about it at the same time).
*But most, I miss being made a better person by having him around me.
Thanks Brett
I remember Brett as the best person I have ever known. I admired his confidence, wisdom, compassion and sense of humor.(he always laughed at my jokes)
Brett was also the most unselfish person I have ever known. I remember when we were dating that he could never say no when he was asked for help. This was frustrating to me sometimes because it took his time away from me but it also made me love him even more. He gave his time, wisdom,car, money,etc. to anyone that asked and never expected anything in return.
One of my strongest memories from FHU is of a "special" Phi Kappa member. Brett always made a point of greeting him and joking with him. Every time the group had an activity, Brett would make sure this person was payed for. Brett was not kind to people for what they could give him or do for him, he was just kind.
Brett always stood up for what he believed in. So many times it would have been easy to just let things slide but that was not his way. He did not like conflict but was always looking beyond it to the greater good. He was not afraid to admit when he was wrong and he was quick to forgive when he was wronged. Brett believed that hardships were not an excuse to become a lesser person but a reason to learn, overcome and strengthen.
I have never known anyone so alive, full of curiosity, wisdom, laughter and love. I believe he will always remain a big part of who I am and of everyone who has known and loved him.
Brett had a way about him I have never seen in any other friend I have ever had. He was a great leader, boss, friend, and mentor. He made everyone around him better. He was always there when you needed him. I remember he was the first to offer help when it was needed. I broke my arms (quit laughing) and he volunteered to come and stay on the weekends to help with the kids. Of course he brought plenty of help and made sure my drinks and food were just out of reach. He and RJ had a lot of fun with that. I would not be where I am professionally without him pushing me and giving me the opportunity to work alongside him. He set the standard for us and it is tough to keep up. There are so many other things that could be said, but I'm just sorry we all could not have spent more time with him. He definitely always made you laugh. He is missed greatly and thought of often.
I remember when he came t the childrens home to do a chapel,afterwords I grabbed his arm and said youre in pretty good shape for a guy youre age. I dont exactly remember what happened next but brett had me pinned on the floor, Ithink I resisted for about .10 of a second. We had a good laugh after that.
It didn’t take long after meeting Brett to become a victim of his pranks. I, like most, endured several. I can’t mention them all as it would take too long. However, I will talk about the time I got him! I knew it wouldn’t be easy, but was possible. While at the Bear house (TCH) on another one of my useless visits, I caught Brett going thru his mail and he said something about his P.O. Box. They have a P.O. Box I thought? Umm…, this could be good information since maybe only a few people would probably know the Bear’s box number and I wasn’t one of them. I said nothing but managed to look for the P.O.Box number and memorized it. I had been learning about pranks from an expert and knew the key to success was patience. The Master had slipped and soon I would strike. After a few weeks I wrote a letter to Brett. It was a Gay letter inviting him to join the club. I gave as much detail about himself as I could, including Golf, coming out of the closet, and being the leader for the next local march. And then I waited. He said nothing and I certainly couldn’t say anything so I sent another letter with more details and pictures, still nothing from Brett. I was obviously dealing with a skilled professional. I sent one more letter and this time sent the same thing to Rob Johnson just to see what would happen. Finally, he mentioned it to me, he was blaming someone else. Brett was accusing this other person of trying to get him back from a previous prank that Brett had done. Hah! I did it! I beat the Master of Pranks! I told him about a week later that it was me. He seemed to enjoy it and was a bit surprised that it was me or at least led me to believe that he never knew, after all, he was the Master.
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