Brett Michael Partridge was born on March 28, 1958 in Billings, Montana to James Michael and Ella Mae Partridge.
Brett graduated from Brighton High School in 1976. He married his high school sweetheart, Kimm Evelyn Rodda, in 1977, to whom he was married for over 43 years. They welcomed their son Jarred Michael in 1978 and their daughter Erinn Mae in 1982. Brett attended the University of Utah and graduated in 1983 with his Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering. Next he attended Purdue University for his Master’s Degree in the same field, graduating in 1985. His daughter Deveree Roanne was born that same year.
Brett enjoyed a long career in construction, making lifelong friends at Pankow Builders and Layton Construction. Brett worked hard and played hard, too. He always made time for his family, taking Kimm and the kids on countless trips and outings throughout their childhood and beyond. He enjoyed many trips with his friends and colleagues over the years as well, from annual deep sea fishing trips in Alaska to motorcycle rides across the country with his high school buddies.
Brett lived life to the fullest and was passionate about everything he did. Brett was an avid cyclist, hunter, fisherman, motorcyclist, scuba diver, skier, golfer, hiker, wine, whiskey and fossil collector, home chef and baker, pinball wizard, and world traveler - to name a few! He lit up every room he walked into with his genuine smile, infectious laugh, and endless humor.
Burt, as he was lovingly referred to by many in his inner circle, was quick to make new friends wherever he went, mostly by sharing embarrassing stories and irreverent jokes. Brett’s heart was huge and generosity unmatched. He was very proud of his children and spoke of them often. Perhaps his greatest joy in life, though, was being Papa to his grandchildren. He stepped into that role with boundless energy and dedication, hosting “Papa Camp” twice a year and spending birthdays and holidays with his grandkids whenever he could.
Sadly, in June 2020, Brett was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a rare and incurable form of cancer. This diagnosis sparked many physical, emotional, and mental challenges, all of which hit him hard and at the same time. Brett waged an intense and desperate battle against these challenges. He was making positive strides in his battle against cancer but it all took a terrible toll on his mental health, which tragically led to Brett taking his own life on December 17, 2021. Although the end of his life was marked by heartache and tragedy, the rest of his life was filled with triumphs, joy, humor and above all else, unwavering love for his family and friends. That is how Brett’s legacy will be remembered.
Brett is survived by his mother Ella Mae and sister Ruann Marie Partridge; his three children Jarred Michael Partridge (Amy), Erinn Mae Contreras (Pete), and Deveree Roanne Partridge (Drew); and his six grandchildren Summer Evelyn (9) and Leo Francisco (7) Contreras, James Michael (8), Olivia Mae (8), and Nathan Michael Partridge (4), and Shiloh Brett Taylor (1.5).
Brett loved hosting parties and celebrating everything in a big way. In honor of Brett and the incredible life he lived, Brett’s family is hosting a Celebration of Life at the Cleone Peterson Eccles Alumni House on Saturday, April 23, 2022. Details about the event can be found below and at www.celebratebrett.com.
In lieu of flowers, Brett’s family requests that donations be sent to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
Services
Celebration of Life
Family
- Survived By
- Ella Mae Partridge, Mother
- Ruann Marie Partridge, Sister
- Jarred Michael Partridge, Son
- Erinn Mae Contreras, Daughter
- Deveree Roanne Partridge, Daughter
- Summer Evelyn Contreras, Granddaughter
- Leo Francisco Contreras, Grandson
- James Michael Partridge, Grandson
- Olivia Mae Partridge, Granddaughter
- Nathan Michael Partridge, Grandson
- Shiloh Brett Taylor, Grandson
- Preceded in Death By
- James Michael Partridge, Father
Life Story Info
Post Date
Contribute
“In lieu of flowers...”
https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/Personal Info
Age
William Eugene Rainey
Kimm, Jarred, Erinn, Deveree, Mrs. Partridge, Ruann, thank you for holding this Celebration of Life for Brett today and inviting me and others, as members of the extended Partridge Family, to participate.
Many of us here today have known and loved Brett and the Partridge Family for nearly 50 years and have come to consider ourselves very much as brothers to Brett and each other.
Over these past many years we have shared many life experiences and created many life memories together.
I don’t think that there are very many days that go by that we don’t think about Brett and miss him.
For me it happens almost daily, as I catch a glimpse of a photo from a past get together, take a ride on my motorcycle, smell the smoke of a fine cigar or wind down the week with a toddy on a Friday afternoon.
We think of Brett all the time. Every time we get together as a group . . . for lunch, to take a ride, to play golf, whatever it is we’re doing together . . . we think of Brett and miss not having him with us.
A few weeks ago, March 28th to be exact, while on a golf trip to Las Vegas, Bruce Aoki pulled a cigar from his golf bag, held it up and said, “this is in honor of Brett, today is his birthday.” When the Utah Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control held a recent auction for Pappy Van Winkle whiskey, Greg Windley sent us all a text message, remembering Brett and his love of the finer things in life. This happens all the time . . .
Brett’s heart was huge and he loved each of you very very much, he told us so every time we were with him, in fact he beamed with pride when he spoke of you.
You know, us all (Bruce, Greg, Steve, myself and others . . . ) being brothers to Brett, whether you know it or not, means that the Partridge Family has a whole bunch of ex-officio brothers, uncles, great uncles, and other, that LOVE YOU TOO!!
We hope to be a part of your lives and to create even more life memories together with you going forward.
Kimm, Jarred, Erinn, Deveree, Mrs. Partridge, Ruann . . . thank you again for inviting me to share and express my love for Brett, for you Kimm, the Partridge Family and my brothers.
Love You Brother !! RON
How do you write something about someone so important? Someone who played such a large role in so many lives? Uncle Brett AKA “roomie” was someone who would walk into a room and light it up with his smile and laugh. I have so many wonderful memories from living with him not once but twice. From his famous piccata dinners, stuffed peppers and 99 cloves of garlic chicken you never left the table hungry. We spent countless hours watching the cooking show together. I remember the first time he made 99 cloves of garlic his fingers were raw for days! Never again would he peel those by hand- he found some special tool to make it faster and easier! That’s who he was. Someone who would sacrifice whatever he had to make life a little better and a little easier for someone he loved, or a complete stranger. It didn’t really matter. One of my fondest memories was the night I woke up to a mouse on my nightstand. I slept upstairs on the couch for weeks as uncle Brett caught 7 mice with Reese’s and rolos! After each mouses passing we’d put tic marks on the baseboard to make sure those bastards knew not to return! He is so missed. His memories love strong in everyone who knew him. I will always try to love up to his example of kindness and generosity. I will always try to love my nieces and nephews the way he loved all of us. Till we meet again uncle Brett! Play some cards with Gigi, ride your motorcycle and soak up heaven with your wine in one hand and an old fashioned in the other! Love and miss you forever!
I had the great fortune of joining Brett and his family on many adventures over the years. I always envied Brett as being a professional vacationer……no one savored every moment and experience like Brett. I admired his generosity, kindness and love of family and friends. I am so thankful to have known Brett and so honored to call him my friend. You will be missed.
Love ….Seppi
This Life Story of such a great man, son, brother, husband, father, papa and friend to every person who had the opportunity to meet him. We all knew him to be a kind giving individual, if he chose to do something it was 100% all in!
I met Brett at a very early age, he knew what he wanted to be when he grew up and nothing would stand in his way. Family was always his number one priority, providing and spending as much time with them in his working days was a struggle but he seemed to always make it work.
Brett would say Retirement was the the best! He would never pass up an opportunity to travel, although managing his calendar of all these exciting events would not be one of his strongest points. Accepting an invite when he already had 2 or 3 others planned at the same time didn’t phase him, the best part was he would make it all work out!
My thoughts are with his family, this is a terrible tragedy and I hope they can some day find peace.
His Life Story suggests making a donation to a cause, suicide prevention. Maybe we can all help prevent this from happening to someone else.
Toni
Happy travels and adventures Brett. Its been a privilege to have met you. Jayne & are so saddened to hear of your passing. Love and strength to Kimm, Brandey and the rest of the family.
What an unbelievable loss for so many people. There aren’t many people in this world to look up to like Burt. That guy had it all and made life great. He will undoubtedly be missed. Love you Burt and all of the Partridge family!
Brett was always, in every meeting, friendly and welcoming. He helped me feel a part of the family regardless of the circumstances. He will be missed.
Unfortunately, I didn't get the opportunity to really know Brett, but what I saw each time I was in his prescence was an extremely kind and caring man. This is a wonder tribute to a man that left too soon.
So sorry that you are going thru this.