I am so saddened to learn that Brett's bright light has left this world. I am so lucky to work with Brett at Google Fiber where he taught me how to bring teams together, deeply value and acknowledge differences, deeply understand and appreciate one another's origin stories and join together to do hard things. Brett is missed already but his impact will live one in all of us. Sending my deepest condolences for your loss.
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Brett Willms first entered my life as my manager at Google Canada, but he quickly became my mentor and, ultimately, my friend. He had an immediate gift for making me feel seen and heard, and he transported my brain into his world of magic, wonder, and discovery. I'll never forget the day he walked into the office, AirPods still on, brimming with excitement about a next big idea he was eager to implement. His energy was utterly contagious—the same pure, uncontainable energy a child has when sharing a great secret.
Another memory that stands out is after a particularly demanding few weeks. One evening, still working late, he surprised Judy and me with tickets to see Lady Gaga in Toronto. It was my first, and still my last, concert with the Queen of the Little Monsters. Those memories are forever engraved in me.
To you, Brett Willms—thank you for those beautiful moments where the lines between friendship and work collapsed into one unforgettable journey.
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My condolences to Brett's family. I first met Brett when we worked ant Google. We both managed a region in the smb marketing team. He was such an inspiration . Always thinking BIG and open to everything. We laughed, brainstormed and complained about our luxury problems. ;) Last year we sat down for a wonderful dinner in Palo Alto. Our last. Unfortunately that will never happen again. My heartfelt condolences to Anne Marie and all of Brett’s friends and family. You will be missed crazy guy!
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My deepest condolences. I am so saddened to hear of Brett’s passing. I went to school with Brett, and he was such a bright light — wise beyond his years and full of joy. I had the privilege of working with him when I was at Torstar digital and we bought his first company, Performer Media. He was brilliant and destined for greatness.
I remember reconnecting with him a few years ago when he started his new company, and I was blown away by the passion and purpose he still carried for everything he did.
I am so deeply saddened by this loss, but will always remember Brett as the epic human he was.
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2013, Mountain View, CA, USA
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I was Brett’s work wife for the past five years and I just cannot believe he is gone. I see reminders of him everywhere all the time. We were totally complimentary, balanced, and now I feel off balance - like having your chair pulled out from under you. He was a “yes and” kind of guy and I am grateful to have gotten the chance to go deep with him on so many projects.
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So sorry to hear about it. Brett and I had many great conversations about innovations and technology - he taught me a lot, always generous, open-minded and fun to be around. I will miss our conversations and his great energy.
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It is with great saddnes shock I realize that Brett has passed on. I knew Brett well as he lived with us as a house guest in early 2000 for a few months while building a business. He was a very sweet person with exceptional cycle speed. I have met many young entreprenuers and Brett was by far the most impressive. My thoughts and prayers are with his close family and friends who are going through a very difficult time.
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I will always remember Brett for his passion and generosity. He had the exceedingly rare ability to pull groups of people toward the future. I remember my first time walking into Brett’s office at Google when I was 23. He had that glint in his eye and was talking to my boss at the time. Instead of stopping their brainstorm session, Brett included me in it. That was how he operated: inclusive, open, the train was moving toward a vision, and he made it a lot of fun to be on board. He gave people opportunities and believed in them. He did the same for me. I will be forever thankful to Brett, and will carry his lessons with me as an example to live up to wherever I go.
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Pam & Ken - so very sorry to hear (via Stu) the news on Brett’s passing. While I did not know him, it is clear from all the comments that you two had an amazing son that accomplished many things in his life positively effecting each and every person he touched.
As parents we were not designed to out live our children - when such a tragedy occurs, we are left to hold on to all the great memories that exist.
“Our grief sits upon that uneasy perch where the heart is forced to rest with no escape - no bridge, no door. Just one way through - Time.”
My sincere condolences
Rob
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Completely saddened by this news. I had the fortune of working with Brett at Google Fiber and I know Brett will be sorely missed by anyone who had a chance to connect with him, you couldn't help but be touched by him - his enthusiastic encouragement, big ideas and contagious energy...a true spark of life. Sending my deepest condolences to the family and all his loved ones...🙏🏽🕊️
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Please accept my sincere condolences Anne Marie and all his family and friends . He sounded like an amazing man that passed far too young.
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Pam, Ken, and Family...
You are all very much in my thoughts.
I send my heartfelt sympathy, and hold you in my heart as you navigate your unimaginable loss.
With deepest condolences,
Trish Caldwell
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The world lost one and incredible person today. I learned so much from Brett about how to think big, how to push the limits, make things happen and....how to enjoy amazing cars. I'll always remember my timing working with him, and I'll carry his way of thinking with me through life!
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2024, San Carlos, CA, USA
Brett was one of my first managers at Google, when I joined back in 2013. I have such fond memories of his endless curiosity, creativity and constant ambition to infuse fun in everything we did. We laughed...a lot. Our offsites around the world, from Walt Disney World, Tokyo to Toronto are some of my favorite core memories from our shared time together at Google. Dinners with Anne Marie, Arjan and Mickie are also added to this list and I treasure the special friendship we shared over the years. My deepest condolences to Brett's family, Anne Marie and all who loved him. He was truly the gentlest of souls and will forever be missed, but never forgotten. Sending you all my love xx Carmen
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2014, Walt Disney World® Resort, Florida, USA
Glamericas 2014 Class Photo
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2014, Walt Disney World® Resort, Florida, USA
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2014, The Walt Disney Studios, South Buena Vista Street, Burbank, CA, USA
He always brought the fun and creativity wherever he went
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2014, Walt Disney World® Resort, Hollywood Studios Entrance, Kissimmee, FL, USA
Core memory trip of Brett and his Google Glamericas Team
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I still can't quite process this sad news from the LinkedIn post yesterday but just to say my deepest condolences to Brett's family and loved ones. I only worked for Brett for ~6mths in my final chapter at Google back in 2013 but he made such a lasting impression on me for his generosity, kindness, and empathy. He was also an awesome thinker and some of our workshopping sessions were so productive! It was only back in July this year that we were chatting via LinkedIn r.e Laetro and his enthusiasm was palpable..even through chat! I instantly regret not being more responsive or helpful in the moment :( That being said...I will continue to lean in to my superpowers and aim to mirror so many of Brett's amazing qualities in life!
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