Brett Layne Ray

Brett Layne Ray (Bretto), from Wasilla Alaska, passed away at age 26 in Wasilla due to injuries suffered in a motorcycle collision.


Brett was born on July 25th, 1985 in Juneau Alaska to Dean & Ann Ray. He was the fifth of five children and has lived in Alaska for most of his life. He was a graduate of Wasilla High School and graduated with a 4.0 GPA at Universal Technical Institute in Phoenix Arizona where he studied to become a Diesel Mechanic. Brett was married on June 1st 2008 to his beloved wife Laurie West in Big Lake Alaska. He was employed by Schlumberger as a diesel mechanic for nearly six years. He was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting, and fishing but most especially riding motorcycles, snowmachines, and four wheelers. He was also actively seeking his pilot’s license so that he could fly airplanes. He was most happy when on top of a mountain in deep powder or on a sand dune rippin’ up the dirt. While Brett played hard, Brett was a model of safety. Brett loves his family, especially his wife Laurie. He lived to have play time with his family. Brett was very conscientious about how he took care of himself and worked hard to be physically fit. He was a rock. He was naturally shy in public, but to his family and close friends he was a true clown. From dressing up as the Incredible Hulk and trying to scare his mother, to his constant funny voices and phrases; with quick wit and smile, he was a joy for everyone to be around. His brother and sisters would often squabble about who got to spend time with him because of his naturally relaxed and fun personality. He was the truest of friends, and had a deep respect for his family.

Brett is survived by his wife Laurie West-Ray of Wasilla, his father Dean Ray and his mother Ann Ray of Wasilla, his older brother Brandon Ray and his older sisters Susie Ray, Deana Ray Bowen, & Leanne Ray Sierra, and by his beloved puppy Kenai.

Funeral services will be held at the Wasilla Chapel of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 901 E Bogard Road on Thursday June 7th with a viewing at 12pm and a memorial service at 1pm.

Services will be conducted by Bishop David Breshears of the Settlers Bay Ward. Pallbearers will be: Dean Ray, Brandon Ray, Bates West, Michael West, Doug Bowen, and Troy Eberline.

Honorary pallbearers: Duff Ray, John Ray, Richard Howard, C.J. Bowen, Doug Mason, and Luke West

Brett will be laid to rest at the City of Wasilla Cemetery.

Funeral home services will be provided by Kehls Mortuary of Palmer.

A memorial fund has been established for Brett’s wife Laurie to assist with her needs. It is requested that rather than flowers that a donation be made for this cause. We wish to thank all of the family and good friends who have sent out their thoughts and prayers to Brett, Laurie and the rest of our family.

For more information please call (907) 357-7088

As Brett would say in a Pirates voice, “They’re more like guidelines!” His philosophy in life was: Live like you were dying.