Bret Monroe Akers passed away peacefully at his home in Benton City, WA on September 10, 2026 surrounded by his family. He was born to Edward and Nancy Akers on August 3, 1959 in La Grande, Oregon. He grew up in Eastern Oregon snowmobiling, rodeoing and logging. He graduated from Prairie City High School and then attended Oregon Institute of Technology, where he graduated with a degree in Civil Engineering and Surveying. He met and married his wife Tami while in college. They then moved to the Tri Cities in June of 1981, where Bret worked on the nuclear power plants. After being laid off, they moved to Painesville, Ohio in February of 1983. They moved back to the Tri Cities in February of 1984 to work for Rockwell International. Over the next several years they welcomed their three children, Ryan, Jared, and Kayla. Bret was active in archery for over 15 years, basketball for over 20 years and snowmobiling most of his life. During his 30+ year career he held several different positions as engineer and manager, with his most recent accomplishments being at the HAMMER Training Facility, starting in 1995, where he worked until his retirement in June of 2022. Some of Bret’s favorite times were spending time with the kids and grandkids at their cabin at Tollgate; whether riding four-wheelers, shooting guns, hanging out around the campfire or watching the wildlife, Bret loved being outdoors. He is survived by his wife Tami, sons Ryan Akers and Jared Akers (Sandra), daughter Kayla Ruble (Andrew), grandchildren Jayden and Brooklyn Akers, Macey and Oakley Brown, Lainey Ruble, mother Nancy Akers, brother Lyn Akers (Linda) and sister Carol Waggoner (Ronni). Bret was preceded in death by his father, Edward Akers. A celebration of Bret’s life will be held October 18, 2026 at The Lost Barn in West Richland, Washington at 12:00.