Brett W. Secrest's Obituary
Brett W. Secrest, age 42 passed away July 25, 2022. He was born on October 30, 1979 in Grand Junction, CO to Keith and Sandra Secrest, and resided in the West Michigan area since 2014. Brett was a member of the United States Coast Guard for the past 20 years as an electronics technician. He was stationed around the country throughout his career in the Coast Guard.
Brett’s Coast Guard assignments included Coast Guard Cutter Chase (WHEC 718), San Diego, CA, Gulf Strike Team, Mobile, AL, Electronics Support Detachment Grand Haven, Grand Haven, MI, Coast Guard Cutter Douglas Munro (WHEC 724), Kodiak, AK, and Electronics Support Detachment Detroit, Detroit MI. His military service awards included five Coast Guard Achievement Medals, two Commandant’s Letter of Commendation, as well as a vast number of additional unit and personal awards.
As Brett would say, “I am what I am”. You could not put Brett in a box, because words cannot justify him enough. For Brett, the root of everything was his family. Brett was a giver of time, shoulder to cry on, and a great sound board. Brett had an infectious laugh that filled a room and a beautiful soul. Brett also loved to make people laugh, his motto: To make sure everyone felt loved and supported.
Brett was blessed with a skill of working with his hands. He pulled scraps of leather together into beautiful works of art. Brett’s true passion and zeal was for cooking. His favorite spot in the house was the kitchen where he would be creative with spices and perfect his hobby of smoked meats.
Brett was a loving husband to his wife, Tenille; and was a wonderful “bonus” dad to three sons, Jeremiah David Jones, Daniel Luke Jones, and Nolan Matthew Jones. He is also survived by his parents, Keith and Sandra Secrest; brother, Shawn (Debbie) Secrest; nephew, Sean Secrest; mother-in-law, Yolanda Acosta; brother-in-law, William Garcia; and sister-in-law, Michelle Garcia; along with nieces, Ashley (Shane) Raymond and Corrina Cook.
A Funeral Service with Military Honors Celebrating the Life of Brett will be held 11AM Friday, August 12, 2022 at The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 S. Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI 49444, (231) 798-1100 with Chaplain Sue Carter of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary officiating. Memorial Contributions in Brett’s name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital will be appreciated. Share memories with the family online at http://www.sytsemafh.com.
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