Brett Garen Ledbetter

Obituary A shining star in our lives, Brett “Led” Ledbetter, passed away January 29th, 2019 at 7:40am at Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula surrounded by his family and a few close friends. It was 9 months, to the day, after being diagnosed with colon cancer. His soulmate and beautiful wife Becca preceded him in death, 3 months and 20 days prior, on October 9th, 2018, which made his struggle to survive even greater. But he battled hard until the very end, doing everything possible to live longer for his kids. His courage and determination will be remembered by all who loved him. He is survived by his beloved children Alabama 15, and Diesel 12, his Mother Emy Ledbetter, Sister Kaja and Brother in Law Dave Fortune, Mother in Law Deborah Ellsworth, Sister and Brother in law Jessie and Nate Johnston, Nephews Cash Johnston and Dan Husum, and several extended family members and a very special group of dear friends. Brett was born at Kaiser Hospital in Redwood City, Ca. on June 12, 1970. As a family Emy, Ted, Kaja, and Brett lived in Menlo Park. During those early years Brett and his family spent every summer travelling in their red VW bus. Most road trips included Oregon, Washington, and Canada, but his favorite was always Yosemite. Brett began his love for sports by playing AYSO soccer and baseball while living in Menlo Park. At age 9, Brett and his family moved to Carmel, where Brett’s father Ted was raised. In 1979 Brett attended Carmel Woods School where he formed lifelong friendships. Some of those same friends were with him on his last morning. After graduating from Carmel High School in 1988, Brett began a lifetime of creative talents. Beyond his abilities in sports, he was extremely artistic in many forms. Brett worked for Terry Ream who paved his way in carpentry until he obtained his Contractors license and started LED Construction. He had many grateful, faithful clients who continued to create new “jobs” just to have more of his work in their homes. He also loved being part of a team, so the last few years were spent working for Millette Construction, where he was very happy. He also supplemented his income by utilizing reclaimed wood and other materials to create one of a kind pieces of art. He and Becca created a small business naming it ‘Carmel Woods’. He passionately created the art, and she would do the marketing so others could buy his creations. They were a perfect combination. Brett met the love of his life, Becca, in high school. They started dating in 1995, were married in 2000 and started their family in 2003. As Brett’s son and daughter grew and began playing sports, Brett started to coach both baseball and softball. He used his kind and patient nature to encourage the kids he coached. Brett, Josh, and Craig, who played ball together themselves as youngsters, made a great coaching trio. Many parents expressed their gratitude for the way Brett interacted with their children and we, who loved him, felt so much pride watching him be such a positive influence. Beyond Brett’s love for art, animals, sports, a slice of cheese pizza, a cool sticker, a rare find t-shirt from a thrift store, unique socks, jogging on Scenic, friends, and the Sun, there is nothing he loved more than his Family. Becca, Alabama and Diesel were the center of his universe. They were a family unit that did everything together. Even trips to the grocery store would include all four of them. We wonder now, if they knew their time was short and wanted every second possible to be spent together. We hope that strong feeling of presence and unity stays with Alabama and Diesel forever. One of the biggest gifts Brett shared with all of us is his awesome sense of humor. No matter what type of situation, good or bad, he made us laugh. He was quick witted and often brought us to tears with laughter. He had a huge smile with a sweet twinkle in his eye. He was a super funny guy until the end. Brett’s family wants to say thank you to some very caring people who helped Brett during his transition. We will always be grateful to Dr Koontz for his wisdom and compassion, (Brett even approved of his socks). Dr Garza who always brightened the day. The knowledgeable and friendly nurses at the Pacific Cancer Center. And, the sincere, loving care from the nurses at CHOMP, Terrace West. Each of you are remarkable human beings who we will remember forever. A very special thank you to all the generous, loving community members and friends who had, and continue to support the Ledbetter family. Each act of kindness has been appreciated beyond words. A family day at the beach, in Carmel, to celebrate Brett’s life will take place in March. In lieu of flowers a donation can be made on the “Help Alabama and Diesel” Go Fund Me page. Updates about the celebration of life gathering will also be posted there. May Brett always be remembered as a kind, gentle, loving son, husband, father, brother, and friend who brought laughter to our lips and inspiration to our souls. And, may Brett and Becca be forever together, in love and light, and continue to shine their loving light on to their children throughout their lives. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Brett Garen Ledbetter, please visit our floral store.