Born Jan. 6, 1964 to the late Merle and Sharleen Thompson, he attended Falconer High School and for a short time worked for Kwik Fill before joining the Navy in 1984.

Brett traveled the world as Active Duty until he retired in 2004, finding his home in Alaska. In 2005 he worked for Pacific Air Force as a defense contractor. He transitioned to civil service with Alaskan Command in 2010. He was also a volunteer fireman in Chugiak, AK. Brett loved Alaska.

He was a dad to his four life companions, his canines, Abbey, Nanook, Marley, and Onya, whom he loved very much. He traveled to New York and Pennsylvania as often as he could to see his siblings and always shared the wonders of his life in Alaska and his big plans for retirement.

Unfortunately, Brett never got to retire as God’s journey and plans to eternity came unexpectedly on Oct. 18. He now walks with the Angels instead of his Earthly walks here.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his grandparents, Signart and Odetta Thompson, and George and Beatrice McMillen.

Brett leaves behind his sisters who miss him dearly, Dawn Thompson (Wayne), Sherry Streed (Scott), and Wendy Smaltz (Ray); as well as nieces and nephews, Justin and Jeremiah Swartz, Nicholas, Andrew and David Jaroszynski, and Jordan, Joshua, Katelyn Carter and Kristen Carter Hill.

A Celebration of Life was held in Brett’s honor in Alaska, led by Captain Vandermolen, Chaplain and Colonel Timothy Meerstein, Presiding Officer.

John 16:22 “Therefore you too have grief now; but I will see you again, and your heart will rejoice, and no one will take your joy away from you.”