Our family is reeling from the unexpected loss of my brother Brett Hopper, our beloved son,
partner, brother, uncle, and father, on Tuesday, June 16, 2020 in a motorcycle accident less than 2 miles from his home in Wasilla, AK. 

In addition to his immediate and extended family, Brett leaves behind his longtime love and
fiancé, Sammie Wright, and her two children Kielah (14) and Braeden Giles (12). Sammie and
Brett are expecting a New Year's Eve baby this year. 

In one tragic moment, life as we know it dramatically shifted with Brett's unexpected passing. 
Sammie is now faced with being a single parent of three, juggling her immense grief, along with
all the usual home, work, and parenting responsibilities. 

Lend Your Support
As family and friends of the Hopper Wright Family, please consider the various ways in which
you could help support Sammie and the family right now -- drop off a meal, love notes, help with
the big kids when school resumes in the Fall (fingers crossed!), help when the baby arrives at the end of the year, or a donation of any size to the family fund. Any donation is from the heart, and 
will be received by Sammie and the family with deep appreciation.

Brett and Sammie's Story 
Together for 9 years but friends for over 20 years, Brett and Sammie's love is the real deal. It
hasn't always been easy, but it's always been worth it. Their love, friendship, and family
transcends all time and space, and will continue for a lifetime and beyond. 

Brett's Story
When Brett was born on January 7, 1985 , my older sister Alecia and I were 10 and 8, respective-
ly, and we were thrilled to have a tiny baby brother. He was our baby, but most of all he was
Alecia's baby. When he woke up crying at night, often Alecia would wake up to make him a bottle, then bring him back to her bed to snuggle him back to sleep. We were built-in babysitters, and we loved every minute of getting to play, dress, feed, wrangle, love, and help raise him. We love him
unconditionally, as big sisters do.  Brett was crushed by Alecia's cancer diagnosis, and death four years later in 2017, at age 42.

Brett attended Sandlake Elementary, Mears Junior High, and Dimond High School. Athletic at a      
young age, Brett grew up playing hockey, baseball, basketball, and soccer. He attended Shasta
College in Redding, CA in 2004, where he studied Psychology and Business Administration. 

Creative, determined, and artistic by nature, Brett  true passion was for writing and recording
music. He wrote, performed, and produced, in partnership with his brothers at Loop House
Records, all original music under the name CUTLESS A.K.A Cutty. You can listen to some of his
music here: Cutless Music.

Brett was an avid sports enthusiast and lifelong fan of the Raiders. He also was a true animal
lover, as evidenced by his and Sammie’s numerous dogs and cats, and how they always migrated
to him for the best cuddles. 

His favorite hobbies were golf, which he and his Dad Bill played together as often as they could,
and fly-fishing. His and Sammie’s regular ritual was to fish together at Memory Lake, close to
their home. Whatever was going on in the world, they knew they could meet at the lake, cast
their lines, either share stories of the day, or not talk at all, and everything would be okay.

Brett lived fully, and with all his heart. From epic dance battles in the aisles of Fred Meyer to wishing for a yellow Lamborghini for Christmas since he was a little boy, Brett will forever be remem-
bered for his playful spirit, big dreams, and charismatic nature. Whether it was through his music
or enduring friendships, Brett made a lasting impression on the world, and it is a more positive
place because of his humor, humanity, and fierce love for his people. 

Like many of us, Brett encountered obstacles and tumultuous times in his life, and carried
deep pain in his heart, but he remained hopeful, passionate, and excited by life. Without a doubt, he was over the moon at having a baby with Sammie.

A sign hangs by Brett's bedside, stating “ Love Will Save the Day” and nothing could be more true.

A memorial and celebration of life will be held at a later date, once family and friends can safely
travel and gather in groups as COVID-19 restrictions are lightened. 

2020 has been such a difficult and challenging time for so many, and our thoughts and hearts are with you all as we navigate these times together. Community is everything; the love and
humanity we have for each other essential. Please keep showing up for each other, in whatever
ways are possible. We see, hear, and feel all the love that surrounds our family right now, and
are grateful beyond measure. 

Erica Sires (Hopper), sister of Brett