Born on July 21, 1969, in Ogden, Utah, to Thomas LaMonte Criddle and Caroline Stephens, Bret grew up with a nature that defied rigid boxes. The youngest of his siblings, Blaine, Cindy, Annette, and Diane. He attended Box Elder High School, later earning his GED, and was raised in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where he earned his priest certificate. Yet, his independent streak was visible early on; he proudly earned 15 Boy Scout merit badges, falling exactly one badge short of becoming an Eagle Scout simply because he fiercely disliked the final required badge and refused to do it.

Bret’s life was also defined by a long, deeply honest battle with addiction that began in his teenage years–Through every mountain and valley, Bret remained a man worthy of love and dignity. His family stands incredibly proud of his resilience, his tender heart, and the quiet peace he found in his final days under hospice care, wrapped in the comfort of family.

After high school, Bret moved to Salt Lake City, where his charismatic personality and striking looks led to an eclectic mix of chapters. He modeled school clothing for ZCMI, worked as a tuxedo waiter, and took on various construction and day labor jobs. Bret was a wandering soul who prioritized experiences and freedom over a standard nine-to-five routine. In his youth, he loved spending time with horses, fishing, and joining his father on hunting trips. He was a man who looked at the world through the eyes of an artist, and he was never too proud to call his parents for a little backup when rent was due, always knowing he was anchored by their love.

In his 40s, Bret followed his heart to California to pursue his deepest passion: drawing and animation art. While he sustained himself through gritty day labor–including roofing, framing, warehouse loading, and cooking–his true solace was found in his sketchbooks and in the great outdoors. He spent countless hours hiking through the Hollywood Hills and finding peace in the quiet expanses of Griffith Park.

The family would like to thank Annette, Steve and their grandson Tristan for opening their home to Bret in his final days. And thank you to his nieces Krisha Caraway and Chelsea Yates for helping Bret remember how to laugh again.

He is survived by his mother Caroline Stephens Criddle; siblings: Cindy Leigh (Rich) Briggs, Annette Burnett (Steve) Shelton, Diane (Dean) Bodily and many nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by his father Thomas LaMonte Criddle, his brother Blaine Mont Criddle, and grandparents on both sides.

Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Aaron’s Mortuary, 888 South Main Street, Brigham City, Utah. A Visitation will be held prior to the service from 10:00 – 10:45 a.m. at the Mortuary. Interment will be at the Downey Idaho Cemetery, 452 East Grant Rd #436, Downey, Idaho.

Services entrusted to Aaron’s Mortuary of Brigham City.