Community Gathers in Memory of MVUSD Staffer

Tear-filled laughter filled the room at Gershwin Performing Arts Center Sunday, as loved ones recounted fond memories of Britt Rees.

Rees - who was the director of construction at Murrieta Valley Unified School District - died May 12 of a heart attack. He was 51.

At the service -- held to commemorate Rees' memory -- his son Gunnar -- who turned 23 Sunday -- spoke of how he was crushed by the news of his father's death.

“My world came crashing down that night,” Rees said. “I was the last one my dad got to talk to before calling 911. 

“He was not only my dad, but literally my best friend,” Rees said.  “I love you dad.”

Nearly 700 people attended the service, where Nancy Rees spoke lovingly of her husband of 26 years.

“He taught me unconditional love and how to love dogs,” she said. “When I would leave early for work on Saturdays he would always tell me, ‘hurry home to me.’

“I loved, loved, loved that man more than any of you can imagine.”

Schools Superintendent Stan Scheer lauded Rees and praised his work ethic.

“Britt will be sorely missed," Scheer said. "He touched the lives of many people across this district and throughout the community. 

“I have never met anyone who had more of a 'can-do' attitude, focusing always on solutions rather than the problem.”

In lieu of flowers, a memorial college fund was established for Rees' children at.

Donations may be mailed to the Rees Educational Memorial Fund at P.O. Box 2343 Sun City, CA, 92586.