Peter Michael Brackett

Pete was born in Falmouth, Massachusetts and along with his older brother Kevin, he was raised by his remarkable mother Ruth Ann Wirick. His father left the family when Pete was two never to return. Pete’s favorite story, “The little engine that could” was read every night before bed and that became his theme song throughout his life. His mother married John Brackett and little brother Clifford joined the family. Most of their childhood was spent in Connecticut and summers at Cape Cod. Pete’s love of the outdoors began at a very early age.

Pete was a licensed surveyor. He was introduced to this line of work when his brother Kevin left for college and Pete replaced him. Pete loved working for Close, Jensen and Miller tromping through the woods and fields while measuring the land. Pete moved to Washington in the 1970’s and continued this line of work until finally retiring from David Evans and Associates. He loved to tell you that he designed the sky bridge from the Hyatt Hotel to Lincoln Square in downtown Bellevue. It was an engineering marvel!

Pete has two children, Courtney Brackett (Seattle) and Michael P. Brackett (Spokane). When Courtney was two Pete discovered a new way of living through a twelve-step program that changed his life forever. He made many lifelong friends and 30 years ago he met a gal named Liz Thompson who would become his devoted and adoring wife. They were married on April 2, 2000 and began an adventure together that took them to many beautiful places. They loved hiking, golden retrievers and camping in the Methow valley. Pete built his dream home in Winthrop (with all the engineering marvels!) and they retired there in 2020.

Pete passed away from cancer while receiving a stem cell transplant therapy at the UW Hospital. While it happened very quickly, Pete’s body was tired and he was ready to begin his next adventure even if it meant leaving all of his loved ones behind. The 3 wishes project through Fred Hutch made it possible for Pete’s beloved golden retriever Dusty to come into his room and join him on his bed and give him goodbye kisses. He was surrounded by his wife Liz and many friends as his spirit transitioned. Please think of Pete on your next visit to the mountains or when you read “The little engine that could”.

In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the 3 wishes project at

https://www.uwmedicine.org/patient-resources/3-wishes-project

We will be celebrating Pete’s life on Saturday July 1st at Camano Island State Park

1-5pm at the Lowell cabin near the boat launch. It is a potluck so please bring a side dish. Dessert, beverages and main dish will be provided. A special program will begin at 2pm honoring Pete. Carpooling is recommended, you can purchase a one day Discover Pass for $10 or use your annual Discover Pass.

2269 S Lowell Point Rd, Camano Island, Washington,