Brett Layne Ray

Wasilla resident Brett Layne (Bretto) Ray, 26, died from injuries suffered in a June 1, 2012, motorcycle collision.

Brett was born July 25, 1985, in Juneau to Dean and Ann Ray. He was the fifth of five children, and lived in Alaska for most of his life. He attended Wasilla High School and graduated with a 4.0 GPA at Universal Technical Institute in Phoenix, Ariz., where he studied to become a diesel mechanic.

Brett was married June 1, 2008, to his beloved wife, Laurie West, in Big Lake. He worked for 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 also was 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, he was a model of safety. Brett loved his family, especially his wife Laurie. He lived to have playtime 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, his quick wit and smile were a joy 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.

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

Viewing is at noon with a memorial service at 1 p.m., June 7 at the Wasilla Chapel of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 901 E. Bogard Road.

Bishop David Breshears of the Settler’s Bay Ward will conduct services. Pallbearers will be Dean Ray, Brandon Ray, Bates West, Michael West, Doug Bowe and Troy Eberline. Honorary pallbearers are 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 were provided by Kehl’s Palmer Mortuary.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established for Brett’s wife to assist with her needs.

“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,” the family wrote.

For more information, call 357-7088.

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