Bret was born in Summit NJ and spent his formative years in Maplewood, NJ where he grew up in a happy home with mother Dina Brachman, father Neil Goldstein, sister Lara and brother Seth. Bret and Lara were close to their maternal uncles, Erik and Armand. Bret went on to graduate from Bucknell University in Lewisburg, PA where he excelled academically and obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Geology and Economics. Bret’s competitive nature and work ethic led him to play numerous sports, but his true passion was lacrosse where he received numerous accolades including being named an All-State player in high school and he was a valued teammate in college.

After college Bret was laser focused on moving to Colorado to be near the mountains. He went on to have a successful analytics career that propelled businesses forward at various companies. He received recognition awards in every job that he held.

Bret’s love of the outdoors began early, nurtured by family trips to state and national parks that sparked his lifelong passion for the mountains. He moved to Denver after graduating from college and eventually settled in the San Juan Mountains where he lived in Montrose for the past 5 years. Bret found a home and a place where he was truly free among the peaks with a community of wonderful friends that shared a boundless enthusiasm for wild places only the mountains could provide. Bret’s adventurous spirit found him hiking, climbing, running, mountain biking, and back country skiing.

Bret tragically died in a fall while climbing one of his favorite 14K Colorado peaks, Mt. Sneffels. Bret had climbed this mountain countless times alone and with his friends and his soul eternally remains within her embrace. His friends and family celebrate a life lived well and fully. His spirit continues to inspire us to follow our passions with friends and family and to absorb the love and beauty that surrounds us.