Obituary of Bruce Frank Rhett

Bruce Frank Rhett, 46, a long time resident of Santa Cruz, CA passed away unexpectedly from a tragic auto accident on February 2, 2014. He was born September 12, 1967 in Santa Clara County. He attended Del Mar Elementary and Jr. High School and graduated from Soquel High School in 1985. Bruce was an excellent baseball player earning All-Star honors during his years in the Mid County Little League Baseball program. He continued to excel in the sport and played baseball for Soquel High School, earning All-County honors. Bruce later became a baseball coach for his children's teams, and volunteered his time to work with the Soquel High baseball program. He was a faithful SF Giants and SF 49er fan and regularly attended games. Bruce loved duck hunting and fishing with his son, sailing with his family, golfing, dirt biking, cooking gourmet meals, fine wines, viticulture, NASCAR and classic cars. He was a member of the Ridge Runners Motorcycle Club and volunteered on the Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Search and Rescue Posse. Bruce was a true friend to many and enjoyed the great times that he shared with them. Some of his most treasured times were spent vacationing in Hawaii with his family, relaxing and laughing in the sun. His children were the apple of his eye and he was always so proud of them. Bruce enjoyed working with his hands and became a successful building contractor, operating his own business. He built and remodeled many beautiful houses in Santa Cruz County and especially took pride in the homes that he built for his family. Bruce also ventured into the laundromat business and operated several throughout Santa Cruz County. He is survived by his two children: BreAnne and Bryce Rhett and their mother Sharis Ow Rhett, of Santa Cruz; father Larry Rhett and stepmother Diane Rhett, of Campbell; mother Jean Yamasaki and stepfather Sam Yamasaki of Rancho Cordova; brother Brandon Yamasaki of Capitola; brother Larry Rhett, Jr. of Campbell; stepsister Stacy Texeira of San Jose; numerous nieces and nephews, and many good friends that he considered family. He was preceded in death by his sister Doree Fultz and grandparents Reg and Marge Plagmann. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations in Bruce's memory be made to the Soquel High Fund-Soquel Baseball Program, P.O. Box 1700, Soquel, CA 95073. A Memorial service celebrating Bruce's life will be held Thursday, February 13 at 1:00 PM at Benito & Azzaro Pacific Gardens Chapel, 1050 Cayuga Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95062. To light a candle for Bruce and share your thoughts and prayers, please visit www.pacificgardenschapel.com.