Brett Sherwood Louis, 66, passed away peacefully in his sleep on January 7, 2026, after a courageous journey with illness.
Brett was born on February 8, 1959, in Burlington, Vermont, to Beverly (Wettergreen) Niit and Dr. Dean S. Louis, and was also lovingly raised by his second father, Heimar Niit. He grew up in Sherborn, Massachusetts, graduating from Dover-Sherborn High School in 1977, where he developed the loyalty, responsibility, and kindness that would define his life.
He went on to earn a degree from the Whittemore School of Business at the University of New Hampshire in 1981, thereafter priding himself on his ability to track and manage investments, as well as secure the best bulk purchasing.
Brett worked at Door Systems, Inc., the family business, for more than 23 years as Controller, steadily ensuring that operations ran smoothly. He was instrumental in modernizing the company’s back office, initiating its first move into the early tech world of computers—back in the days of renting mainframes. His reliability, passion, and dedication were hallmarks of his career, and he retired after decades of steady service. During this time, he purchased and renovated a home in Medfield, Massachusetts—a place he cherished and spoke of with pride.
Brett loved skiing, cars, weather, and exploring new places. After college, he traveled across the United States, embracing adventure and independence—an early reflection of the curiosity that stayed with him throughout his life. He especially loved traveling to Aruba, returning often to the island that brought him joy. He famously printed AAA TripTiks for family members before trips, a small but perfect reflection of how he showed love: prepared, attentive, and always thinking ahead. An amateur meteorologist, he delighted in discussing the weather and forecasting upcoming storms. He earned his pilot’s license in his 30s, another testament to his determination and inquisitive spirit.
In his 40s, Brett was diagnosed with Stiff Person’s Syndrome, a rare neurological disorder. In early 2025, he was further diagnosed with myelofibrosis, a chronic blood cancer. Despite significant health challenges, Brett met life with resilience, grace, and humor. His doctors described him as “one in a million,” a phrase that reflected both the extraordinary nature of his medical journey and the singularity of who he was.
Brett was known for his deeply generous and attentive nature. He delighted in sending thoughtful packages to family members, ordering Starbucks for friends—and even strangers—and calling or texting simply to share a TV show that reminded him of you. He was the consummate big brother: helping you choose a new car, reminding you to get your oil changed, giving precise directions, advising you on voicemail settings, and always looking out for those he loved.
He also had a playful, quirky spirit that made every gathering brighter. Brett had a signature style—his beloved Lands’ End flannel shirts part of many spiffy, festive outfits chosen perfectly for the occasion. He would spontaneously dance, sometimes using his cane or wheelchair as a prop, bring a karaoke microphone to family events, impersonate Dustin Hoffman (whom he famously resembled), or find other ways to make people laugh.
For the past 12 years, Brett lived independently at The Highlands, a senior living community in Westborough, Massachusetts. He quickly became the “young buck” and resident tech guru, generously helping neighbors far older than himself navigate phones, computers, and everyday frustrations. Brett’s family is deeply thankful for the care, kindness, compassion, and connections he shared with the staff and residents at The Highlands.
Brett’s friendships over the years remained constant and true. A natural talker, he had a distinctive conversational style—looping, weaving, and wandering through stories, always circling back to his original point. Those who knew him came to cherish this rhythm; conversations with Brett were never rushed and never forgettable. His intelligence and remarkable memory kept everyone on their toes.
Brett is survived by his mother, Beverly Niit; his stepmother, Gwen Louis; his siblings, Heidi Niit Fontana (Eric), Lars Niit (Lisa), Krista Niit Riley (Pepper), Todd Louis, Stacy Louis, and Amy Louis Whitney (Corey); his beloved nieces and nephews, Lexis Niden (Mark), Kelsey Krapf, Jake Krapf, Julia Krapf, Erik Niit, Abi Niit, Max Niit, Lili Riley, Chase Riley, Parker Riley, Anjili Veach (Preston), and Simon Veach; many cousins with whom he shared treasured memories; and his lifelong friend and college roommate, Eric Pettersen.
He was predeceased by his fathers, Dean Louis and Heimar Niit.
Brett will be remembered for his generosity, humor, thoughtfulness, and playful spirit. His quiet acts of love—so many that went unnoticed—are his lasting legacy. A memorial service is being planned for late spring to celebrate his life. In lieu of flowers, donations in Brett’s memory may be made to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (donate.lls.org) and the Stiff Person Syndrome Research Foundation (stiffperson.org).