by: Mike Paluzzi
Brett touched so many lives in the short time he was with us.

When I try to think about him I imagine Jim. Brett had so many of the same good qualities that you find in Jim & Kathy. Brett just like Jim always had a smile on his face. Barb and I thought we were going to the Downey 's house to comfort them in these last couple of Days but when leaving we realized that it was Jim & Kathy who comforted us. This is the kind of people they are and type of loving person Brett was.

The Downey 's are one of the most admired and respected families in our sport. I am having a hard time grasping why this would happen to this perfect family. But we cannot dwell on this thought. We have to think about the life they gave to Brett.

Brett had a great life. He has seen and done more things in his eleven years than most kids will have ever done in a lifetime. Brett took with him many memories of good times and left us with many memories of the happiness he felt.

The sport of motocross is unlike any other sport a child could be involved in and Brett loved motocross; he chose to do nothing else. He enjoyed the traveling across country and meeting new friends just as much as the racing.

The motocross community is a strong group of families and judging by everyone here today we are all part of the Downey family.

I cannot express how we are all hurting right now. But I have to let Jim, Kathy , Brittany & Brooke know that they gave Brett everything he could of ever wanted.

He was loved as a son and brother. His personality reflected this.

Though you are gone Brett, I speak for many of us here today, that losing you will help us to look at our lives differently and value the importance of everyday we live.

I'll miss watching you ride your unicycle and watching you hang out with Nick and Daniel. I'll miss the times with Jim scrambling to get bikes ready for racing (usually mine). Like the time this year in Mammoth where we made Brett an ignition using files and grinders.

Brett I know your listening right now and I have comfort in knowing that as I approach the starting gate with my boys I know that you will be riding along with them in every race.

Please be strong for the Downeys and know that they will need our support today and many months and years to come. God Bless.