It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Brent, 65, at home in Paw Paw, Michigan, on Saturday, February 1, 2025, after a brave battle with brain cancer. Brent was the devoted husband of Kathy and adored father of Clare Berzins (Jake), and Blake (Sweta). Proud grandpa to Audrey Berzins, the light of his life. Forever loved by his parents Lee, and the late Lorne Jarrett Sr. Son-in-law of Marcia Williams and the late Jerry Smith. Extremely close brother of Lorne (Dianne), Rod (Sandra), Jamie (Dave) and the late Bart (Mary). Brother-in-law of the late Jeralea Ebmeyer (late William), Beth La Rocco, and Barbara Bharucha (Zubin). Forever remembered by his many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Brent held many roles in his life from Nextel Technician to entrepreneur, but in his heart and soul he was a hockey player. On skates at the age of three, he honed his skills on the backyard rink playing with his older brothers and sister. Despite being small in stature, Brent excelled at every level of minor hockey, eventually earning his way to Major Junior with the Soo Greyhounds and the Windsor Spitfires. More notably, he was a driving force for the Kalamazoo Wings lineup for 6 seasons, known for his exceptional skill, leadership, and commitment to the game. Brent is the franchise all time assist leader (307), Kalamazoo’s first-ever and only league MVP, the scoring race leader, and holds the league record for short-handed goals in a single season (11).
A powerful presence both on and off the ice, Brent was celebrated not only for his athleticism, but also his unshakeable integrity, fierce competitiveness and sportsmanship. On January 18, 2025 the Kalamazoo Wings retired Brent’s jersey honoring his immeasurable impact on the franchise and the game itself. The number “11” now hangs in the rafters of the Wings Event Center and will serve as a permanent reminder of the dedication and heart Brent brought to the rink every day.
After his retirement from hockey Brent stayed in Kalamazoo making it his home with his wife, Kathy. Brent stayed close to hockey and used his ‘can do’ attitude and competitive spirit to launch BJ Sports, a sporting goods store that would provide equipment to athletes of all ages in Kalamazoo and surrounding areas. In 1989 he and fellow Kalamazoo Wing, Paul Pickard, opened a hockey school and would go on to coach youth hockey in Kalamazoo for the next 20 years. After his retirement from Sprint in 2021 he enjoyed spending quality time with his children and grandchild and traveling through North America with Kathy in their motorhome.
Never one to back down from a challenge Brent fought his illness to the very end. Through it all he kept a smile on his face and love in his heart. His smile was greatest when spending time with his granddaughter, Audrey Jude (as he would call her). Despite surgery and on-going treatments Brent would always light up when she walked in the room.
Friends and family will gather at Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes (6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo, MI) on Monday, February 10, 2025 from 3:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m, service and reception to follow. Memorial donations to the Soo Pee Wee Arena would be greatly appreciated (cheque or e-transfer to [email protected]).