It was once said that to understand Brett Heffner you had to read The Three Musketeers and The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy. One can certainly see his strong moral compass and quirky sense of humor reflected in these books. However, Brett’s most treasured book was The Hobbit. Brett truly embodied “it is no bad thing to celebrate a simple life.”

Surrounded by those who loved him, he created his own personal Shire. A beautiful oasis celebrating nature, surrounded by so much that was built by his own two hands. Brett was a carpenter and craftsman of the like you no longer see in these times. His love could be felt in the carefully maintained trails in the woods including playsets and tree houses, the breathtaking gothic arch balcony overlooking the pond, and the remarkable yet simple and unique woodshop where he spent much of his time.

But just like Bilbo, he also from time to time chose to pick up a sword instead of a walking stick. Brett was known for standing up with his community to fight for the little guy against Goliath. More often armed with a harmonica, quick wit, and unabashed sense of humor instead of a sword, he stood against the towering windmill with a Don Quixotesque bravado. Perhaps just as important as the battles fought were the lifelong friends made along the way.

Brett was a true outdoorsman with a deep connection and love for river fishing. The Huron River was his most treasured location, one that he enjoyed with his family often over the decades. We all share many beloved memories in those waters. No matter the size of the adventure, Brett would return to his humble home in the Shire, often with a book in hand, sitting before a fire with a cat on his lap.

Over the past year, he frequently traveled the rolling hills of Kentucky to visit his newest joy, his granddaughter Josephine. The love and laughter they shared will stay with me forever. It is difficult to process the sudden, unexpected loss of someone like Brett. It has often been said that he was the last of his kind, yet he touched so many lives. So let each of us keep a little piece of Brett living within us and bring to the world what he gave to us.

“If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world. But, sad or merry, I must leave it now. Farewell!” Thorin, The Hobbit.

A celebration of life will be held at The Vault in Shelby on Sunday, July 26th from 1-4pm.