Brett passed away on February 12, 2015 as the result of a tragic mishap at his worksite. Born in Ohio on August 10, 1960, Brett moved with his family to Tucson, Arizona in 1971, where he later graduated from Sahuaro High School. After graduation, he worked as a miner in the copper mines outside Tucson before joining his family in Southern California, eventually settling on the beautiful family ranch in Winchester, California, were he has resided for 29 years.
A life-long tinkerer, mechanic, fabricator and welder, Brett was a hard-working member of the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 12 for 26 years and Coffman Specialties Incorporated since 2000. When not applying his trade in the workplace, Brett’s labor of love was working the many ongoing projects at his ranch. There was no task too tough for Brett, and his tough, calloused handshakes bore proof to his hard work ethic. His vast knowledge of the trades resulted in Brett’s being a mentor to his co-workers as well as his friends, who often solicited advice and help from Brett for their own projects.
Brett was dedicated and loyal to his family, friends, co-workers and employers alike, and he will be remembered for his loving, unselfish commitment to everyone whose lives he touched. Brett and his wife, Coleen, shared a love for discovering the outdoors, and enjoyed long road trips via scenic, historic highways and byways to visit National Parks and monuments, as well as old mining sites and ghost towns. Throughout his travels, he always made it a point to visit good friends and their families along the way. Brett possessed a unique sense of humor, spoke meticulously, and was a magnetic story-teller. Brett will be greatly missed, though his family finds comfort in knowing that he is with Jesus.
Brett is survived by his loving wife Coleen; children Shea, Carly, and Jason; grandchildren Logan and Evelyn; mother Sylvia and her husband Les; siblings Mark, Kim, and Diane; niece Audry and nephew Matthew. Brett was preceded in death by his father, Vern Leading.
I met Brett Leading in the fall of 1973, my family had just moved from Minnesota and a couple months into the 8th grade I started school at MaGee Jr High. I was walking home after school going south on Sarnoff and this kid said "Hey" Little did I know that I had just met one of my best life long friends. From an Early age Brett was a worker. He had a paper route and would get up at 4:00 in the morning to deliver papers and thought are you crazy. The next morning guess who was helping him. So many High school memories with Brett. Brett moved to California and we kept in touch (way before cell phones) all the time.
Brett got Married on February 4 2006 for the first time and he asked me to be his best man, a real honor as Brett had many good friends. Brett and I talked about once every two weeks and I remember the last thing he said to me as he always ended the conversation the same way " Hey I think the world of you buddy and love you " . How many guy friends tell each other that ? Real friends are not afraid to tell each other " Hey love you buddy" Brett meant the worled to me and his death has been the hardest thing I have ever been thru. I still can't believe his name is on that list, it has to be a typo. Tell your real friends you love them, it might be the last time you talk to them.
Many Thanks to Bill Daly another 78 Sahuaro High school grad and good friend of Brett's, Bill lived close to Brett in california and were close friends in school. Bretts wife "Coleen" was so distraught that Bill made all the funeral arangments. Rest in Peace my friend. See you on the other side.
William J Daly
Brett passed away on February 12, 2015 as the result of a tragic mishap at his worksite. Born in Ohio on August 10, 1960, Brett moved with his family to Tucson, Arizona in 1971, where he later graduated from Sahuaro High School. After graduation, he worked as a miner in the copper mines outside Tucson before joining his family in Southern California, eventually settling on the beautiful family ranch in Winchester, California, were he has resided for 29 years.
A life-long tinkerer, mechanic, fabricator and welder, Brett was a hard-working member of the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 12 for 26 years and Coffman Specialties Incorporated since 2000. When not applying his trade in the workplace, Brett’s labor of love was working the many ongoing projects at his ranch. There was no task too tough for Brett, and his tough, calloused handshakes bore proof to his hard work ethic. His vast knowledge of the trades resulted in Brett’s being a mentor to his co-workers as well as his friends, who often solicited advice and help from Brett for their own projects.
Brett was dedicated and loyal to his family, friends, co-workers and employers alike, and he will be remembered for his loving, unselfish commitment to everyone whose lives he touched. Brett and his wife, Coleen, shared a love for discovering the outdoors, and enjoyed long road trips via scenic, historic highways and byways to visit National Parks and monuments, as well as old mining sites and ghost towns. Throughout his travels, he always made it a point to visit good friends and their families along the way. Brett possessed a unique sense of humor, spoke meticulously, and was a magnetic story-teller. Brett will be greatly missed, though his family finds comfort in knowing that he is with Jesus.
Brett is survived by his loving wife Coleen; children Shea, Carly, and Jason; grandchildren Logan and Evelyn; mother Sylvia and her husband Les; siblings Mark, Kim, and Diane; niece Audry and nephew Matthew. Brett was preceded in death by his father, Vern Leading.
Richard Soto
Very sad to hear of his passing. Glad he had such a full life, love and family.
Emmett O'Leary
I met Brett Leading in the fall of 1973, my family had just moved from Minnesota and a couple months into the 8th grade I started school at MaGee Jr High. I was walking home after school going south on Sarnoff and this kid said "Hey" Little did I know that I had just met one of my best life long friends. From an Early age Brett was a worker. He had a paper route and would get up at 4:00 in the morning to deliver papers and thought are you crazy. The next morning guess who was helping him. So many High school memories with Brett. Brett moved to California and we kept in touch (way before cell phones) all the time.
Brett got Married on February 4 2006 for the first time and he asked me to be his best man, a real honor as Brett had many good friends. Brett and I talked about once every two weeks and I remember the last thing he said to me as he always ended the conversation the same way " Hey I think the world of you buddy and love you " . How many guy friends tell each other that ? Real friends are not afraid to tell each other " Hey love you buddy" Brett meant the worled to me and his death has been the hardest thing I have ever been thru. I still can't believe his name is on that list, it has to be a typo. Tell your real friends you love them, it might be the last time you talk to them.
Many Thanks to Bill Daly another 78 Sahuaro High school grad and good friend of Brett's, Bill lived close to Brett in california and were close friends in school. Bretts wife "Coleen" was so distraught that Bill made all the funeral arangments. Rest in Peace my friend. See you on the other side.
Emmett O'Leary