Shortly after news broke out about a tragic death, little did the Costco employees located in Timnath know the story would hit closer to home than expected.
According to the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office, first responders recovered the body of a missing ranger at Horsetooth Reservoir mid-August.
On an early Friday morning, the body was recovered from the water and was later identified as victim Brendan Unitt, 27.
The incident was listed as an accident from strong winds.
Unitt was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and had served with the Larimer County Department of Natural Resources for six months.
Before pursuing his dream of becoming a ranger, he was a merchandise stocker at Costco.
“He would say something crazy and out of the box right now to lighten the mood,” Brittany Smith, a Costco supervisor stated in a Facebook post. “I’m going to smile every time I think of him or see his pictures.”
To honor Unitt’s life, employees wore green clothing, green ribbons and necklaces on their workday.
On August 28, sheriffs, rangers and Unitt’s casket were seen driving past the Costco Unitt once worked at.
Later that night, Costco management organized a candlelight vigil to commemorate the fond memories and impact Unitt had with his co-workers.
Tears of sadness and laughter were shed as many Costco employees shared the positive and outgoing memories Unitt treasured with the Costco family.
“Goodbye Brendan Unitt,” Smith said. “So blessed to have known you. Your legacy lives with us forever.”
May he Rest In Peace. A true hero all around. God Bless him. Prayers for his family. Amen 🙏🙏🙏🙏.