I came to know Bret well my first year at KU and was shocked to hear of his drowning in the Colorado in 1980. Although Bret and I didn't hang out much in high school, we recognized each other from across the ampitheater in one of those huge KU classrooms and the rest is history. We partied a lot and played a lot of tennis that year. His passing that next summer made me realize how short life can be. He was a good friend.
I got to know Brett beginning of 9th grade at Indian Creek Jr. High. Brett had gone to Hillcrest Jr. High the year before that, and I had gone to Nallwood Jr. High, so we became fast friends at Indian Creek. At 14/15 yrs. of age, Brett would sneak out at night and drive over in his dad's Porsche. We would cruise the neighborhood doing stupid stuff (circling the house of Connie Ramos repeatedly...). Brett had not yet mastered the stick shift and we'd laugh hysterically at the "gear grinding" while trying to be cool. I also remember climbing out Brett's 2nd floor bedroom window so we could jump into the pool from the rooftop of his parents house. Brett always looked out for his little brother and he loved to have fun.
Bret, I remember after your accident the whole neighborhood grew silent, for you were one of our running buddies and greatly missed. I know the neighbor has never been the same. Rest in peace, buddy! ~Darby
I played tennis with Bret the night before he left with his family and had a check from him in my hands when I read the paper and saw he was reported missing! What they believe happened was while camping one evening on a rafting trip down the Colorado River he woke and went to relive himself in the river. The river had risen a few feet and he likely stepped off a ledge thinking it was shallow and fell into icy waters. Probably unable to catch his breath and call out he was found downstream some weeks later. Terrible . . .
Bret has always been missed. He was my highschool sweetheart. I dated him for several years through highschool, junior and senior year, and the first year we went off to KU together. I was still dating him the night before he left for the canoe trip, It was very sad that he drowned in the Colorado River. It was such a horrible accident. I spent a lot of time with his family afterwards. He has been in my thoughts throughout the years. I miss him. Rhonda Lee Merrill
Robert Rafferty
I came to know Bret well my first year at KU and was shocked to hear of his drowning in the Colorado in 1980. Although Bret and I didn't hang out much in high school, we recognized each other from across the ampitheater in one of those huge KU classrooms and the rest is history. We partied a lot and played a lot of tennis that year. His passing that next summer made me realize how short life can be. He was a good friend.Bart Miller
I got to know Brett beginning of 9th grade at Indian Creek Jr. High. Brett had gone to Hillcrest Jr. High the year before that, and I had gone to Nallwood Jr. High, so we became fast friends at Indian Creek. At 14/15 yrs. of age, Brett would sneak out at night and drive over in his dad's Porsche. We would cruise the neighborhood doing stupid stuff (circling the house of Connie Ramos repeatedly...). Brett had not yet mastered the stick shift and we'd laugh hysterically at the "gear grinding" while trying to be cool. I also remember climbing out Brett's 2nd floor bedroom window so we could jump into the pool from the rooftop of his parents house. Brett always looked out for his little brother and he loved to have fun.Darby Moran (Lohrding)
Bret, I remember after your accident the whole neighborhood grew silent, for you were one of our running buddies and greatly missed. I know the neighbor has never been the same. Rest in peace, buddy! ~DarbyBrenda Morse (Long)
What happened to Bret?Gayle Thomas (Hopkins)
Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think he was on a canoe/float trip and drowned.Robert Rafferty
I played tennis with Bret the night before he left with his family and had a check from him in my hands when I read the paper and saw he was reported missing! What they believe happened was while camping one evening on a rafting trip down the Colorado River he woke and went to relive himself in the river. The river had risen a few feet and he likely stepped off a ledge thinking it was shallow and fell into icy waters. Probably unable to catch his breath and call out he was found downstream some weeks later. Terrible . . .Rhonda Lee (Merrill)
Bret has always been missed. He was my highschool sweetheart. I dated him for several years through highschool, junior and senior year, and the first year we went off to KU together. I was still dating him the night before he left for the canoe trip, It was very sad that he drowned in the Colorado River. It was such a horrible accident. I spent a lot of time with his family afterwards. He has been in my thoughts throughout the years. I miss him.Rhonda Lee Merrill