Kenneth Ray Brackett, of Egnar, CO, passed away peacefully on January 13, 2026, at age 71 after a hard-fought battle with cancer. Kenny, as he was called by most family and friends, was a loyal friend, devoted husband, and loving father.

Kenny was born on August 9, 1954 in Monticello, UT to Roy Kenneth and Nada (Harvey) Brackett. He graduated from Dolores County High School in the class of ’72. Kenny married his high school sweetheart Donna Montano, spending the next 52 years of marriage together. After high school, Kenny completed the Denver Automotive and Diesel school in Denver, CO and worked for Union Carbide as a mechanic and miner until 1981. Kenny was involved in a tragic mine accident which led him to his true calling, law enforcement. He attended and graduated from the Colorado Law Enforcement Western Slope Training Academy where he became a certified law enforcement officer. Kenny spent the next 29 years serving the citizens of San Miguel County and the town of Mountain Village. Kenny served in various additional roles within those departments but is most remembered as the head of the K9 division of the San Miguel County Sheriff’s office with his K9 partners (and family dogs) Bear and Buck. Kenny also had a passion for helping victims of some of the most difficult crimes and situations as proven by his awards and recognitions for helping victims of domestic violence and abuse. He retired from service in 2011 to the Brackett family home in Egnar.

Kenny made an astounding impact on such a large number of people. Those who knew him described him as funny, honest, resilient, trustworthy, tenacious, determined, and a strong role model and mentor. He always listened to what people had to say, never judging, but always willing to offer advice. Kenny was never afraid to lend a helping hand, even as he struggled with his own medical conditions and pain. Kenny was truly patriotic and never failed to demonstrate his pride and support of numerous family members who served in the US military. Kenny loved fishing, hunting, camping, boating, spending time with friends and family, and watching the Denver Broncos play every weekend. Kenny touched so many lives and will be sorely missed.

Kenny is survived by his wife, Donna; three children, Christopher and his wife Amber, Cara and her husband Jesse, and Cory and his wife Tonya; his brother Steve and wife Patricia, sister Diane and her husband Benjamin, and sister Lana and her husband Heath; his grandchildren Liann, Tierra, Tyler, Travis, Zoe, Sophia, Isabella, Hayden, Oren, and Finnley; many great grandchildren; his beloved sister-in-laws Carmelita and Lorraine; numerous nieces and nephews; and Kenny held a deep space in his heart for Julie Bingham, Hannah Merschel, and his surviving nieces Angelina and Faith.

Kenny was preceded in death by his grandparents Tulley and Laveda Harvey, grandparents Roy Alfred and Lula Brackett, parents Roy Kenneth and Nada, brother Gary, in-laws Mel and Adeline Montano, and his two K9 partners Bear and Buck.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, January 23rd, 2026 at 10:00 am at the Dolores County Fairgrounds, followed by graveside services at the Peel Cemetery in Egnar, CO. A meal will be held after the services back at the Dolores County Fairgrounds.