It's been some time since Brett's passing and I just wanted to send my condolences to the "entire" Sunderland family - I was fortunate enough to know Brett and the wonderful individual he was...we shared many good times and my heart goes out to all who knew him and whom he touched in so many ways.     We lost touch over the years but Brett always held a "special" place in my heart.

I am very sad to hear this.  Brett ( Allnut) was a great Architect and a GQ kinda guy.   His fellow Architrcts and SAE brothers will miss him.  From the Banner Elk Ski trips to all the hours spent in the Architectural Lab at Clemson to watching Franz Klammer's famous Olympic downhill run !
My deepest Condolences ,
Bob Walters

Happy Birthday,  brother Brett. 
LYM, miss you 
-Brother Bie

Our condolences to all of Brett's family, friends, and coworkers. We will all miss him greatly. Brett was such a nice and down-to-earth person- he always had a friendly word and positive attitude, with a smile, in a business where that's hard to do sometimes. We enjoyed working with him for many years. He was the best. RIP Brett.

I first met Brett in1999 and worked with him briefly shortly after my family and I moved to Atlanta from Annapolis, MD.

Over a decade later I was exiled from architecture due to the Great Recession and struggled greatly in supporting my family for an extended period of time. I, like many others, took positions unrelated to their profession and/or education just to survive and landed as an automotive service writer in 2011 at a local service facility. 

It was the darkest era for my family and me personally and apparently a customer of mine took notice at work one day. He was a WWII veteran and told me to "buck up son, it'll get better." He then gave me an old Saint Jude coin with the inscription "Holy St. Jude, please come to my assistance at this time of great need" that I continue to treasure.

Two days later entered Brett Sunderland to our showroom. I later learned this was where he had his Chevy truck "Bowtie" regularly serviced. I immediately recognized Brett but doubted he'd recall me from so long ago. I was writing thank you cards to customers and introduced myself. On a notion he may recognize my unique handwriting I handed him my thank you card and asked if he could guess what vocation I was once involved in. In a typical Brett mannerism he peered over the top of his professor like eye glasses and responded "Architecture!"

After expanding on my architectural background Brett invited me to PFVS for an interview that ultimately resulted in an offer to return to the industry I had previously served for over 20-years. I am still at his firm to this day. Maybe that grizzled WWII vet knew Brett was coming to our rescue after all.

My family owed Brett an enormous debt of gratitude as if not for him (and his Partners) I simply don't know what would've become of us. Brett saw the value and potential in some of us that otherwise would have been cast off by others for a variety of reasons. He was a great listener and was always available to discuss any topic, business or personal. I will miss the office encounters discussing vintage sports cars or his beloved Crimson Tigers. I will miss his candor (sometimes :-). I will miss him immeasurably more.    

That old coin is still carried with me today but the memory of Brett Sunderland will be with me forevermore. Vaya con Dios my friend....

Brett was a wonderful, kind soul. He was a very bright architect, but also had the insights, patience and understanding to help his clients through any situation. This is an unexpected, tragic loss for all who knew him. I will miss his presence very much.

My thoughts and prayers are with the family during this hard time. 

We plan to come down for the services.

Brett was truly one of the kindest, truly good souls my family and I have known, and had the privilege of growing up (with). To all the Ridgeview alums, news of his passing is received with great sadness, but also a smile when remembering him. With Love to the Sunderland Family,
Anita Herman Hogan

My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.

I will truly miss my longtime friend Brett.  The kindness, warm-hearted, sincere and beautiful human being I have ever met.  I will miss leaving you your annnual birthday singing message on your work message machine and getting mine on my birthday.  It was always very special to know that even though we didn't talk all the time, we could count on these 2 days to connect.  I guess I will just sing to the heaven above.  The memories of you and Marty will forever be in my heart.  I miss you already my friend!

We are distraught to hear of Brett's passing, but are comforted that he lived a fulfilling and adventurous life. We are indebted to his selflessness donating over 1,200 hours over the past 10 years to Georgia Aquarium. We remember him as not only a friend to all he encountered and volunteer with the Dive Operations department, but a family member to the Georgia Aquarium team-- one that has walked this journey alongside with us, supported our mission, and taught us to be generous and kind in what we do every day. Thank you Brett for allowing us to be in your life. 

We wish his friends and family peace and comfort during this time.

Brett is a true gentleman, a great ski instructor, a talented Architect, a loyal Clemson Tiger and most of all a wonderful friend.  I use the present tense because he will always be with us in our hearts and minds.  On to your most amazing travels of all my dear friend.

I always enjoyed diving with Brett.  We will miss him.  Praying for his family.

Sending my sympathies and prayers to Pat and the family.  What a fine man.  

Karyn List

I didn't know Brett very well in HS, but he was always a smart outgoing guy. It is so sad to know we have lost another member of our great Ridgeview H.S. My thoughts go out to all his family and my prayers are with you always. A fellow student, Mitchell Fagan, Class of '73

I know I am not alone when I say I will miss seeing Brett at the aquarium. I was fortunate to dive with Brett and I was lucky to call him my friend. He was a kind, caring, hard working person. Over the years we talked about diving, sailing, the lake, Newfoundlands and traveling. I looked forward to the annual volunteer dive party because I knew I would get a chance to talk and laugh with Brett. My heart is heavy tonight with thoughts and prayers for his family and friends.

My heartfelt condolences to the Sunderland family for Brett;  a model of good living; a listener and advisor, always calm, giving, sharing, forgiving ... many memories and adventures; working together or cave diving or sailing or boating or snow skiing or sitting for his beloved pets - ad infinitum ... a good & genuine friend, a brother ... best regards & deepest sympathies to Pat, Bill, Gina, Andy, Bie, brothers, sisters, spouses, Marty, and extended family.... *will truly miss you Brett as you begin another glorious journey ...

Brett lived a brilliant, full life, yet remained incredibly kind and humble throughout. He was a special friend to the Thorsen/Kinsey families and our thoughts and prayers are with Pat and the Sunderlands during this time. Blessings,

My heart aches for you and your family.  Please accept my sincere condolences for you and your family, and know that my thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time of profound sorrow. May you find some peace through our savior, Jesus Christ.

To all of Brett's Friends and his family.  We have all lost a good man.  I will miss him, always.
Eric Sawyer

My love and prayers always to all of you.

So sorry to hear about the loss of Brett. Sending love and prayers to the sweet Sunderland family and friends. I remember spending tons of time at your house in high school and playing tennis....Love you all. Karen Wells

Dear Brett A. Sunderland

Please sleep in peace your

Your friend James Calsson lawless 
Was disappointed and very sad 
 heard of it. 

think,your life enjoyed allmost. 

Think you so much

From James's friend Michiyo Sakurai

Thinking of you all as you say goodbye to your beloved Brett.

Dear Sunderland family,
Brett was such a special person and lived life to its fullest.  I was so sad to hear of his passing.  He will always be remembered fondly by all who knew him.  My prayers are with you all.

My deepest sympathies to the entire Sunderland family. Brett will be missed but never forgotten.

I am so sorry for the loss of Brett!! Please know that your family is in our thoughts and prayers!!! Mary Cusick Powell

My sincere condolences to the Sunderland family. May the many memories comfort you during this most difficult of times.

The world has lost a good man, a friend and confidant. Over the course of 30+ years I had the pleasure of spending many, many hours with Brett and his team on numerous projects, and he was always respectful and professional. I will miss him greatly and my condolences to his family and friends.

My heart goes out to all the Sunderlands, especially the big guy whose hug I always look forward to at Church.  Bill, you raised wonderful boys and I know Brett and you will be together again.  Love to Sunderland Family.

Godspeed on this journey my friend...smooth sailing and fair waters forever.

Mark and I are deeply saddened by the loss of a great colleague and friend. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Sunderland family and his work family.
Sincerely,
Debra Segal and Mark Minick, Minick Engineering, Inc.

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, Barry.

I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Brett.  Although we had lost touch over the many years, he was always one of my favorite people!!  My thoughts and prayers and with the Sunderland family.

OBITUARY

Brett A. Sunderland

March 11, 1955 – January 28, 2016

Arlington Memorial Park

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