He is survived by his wife Kay, of 54 years, children Desmond and Tracy Brett, and grandchildren Jessica and David Brett-Caccia. Born in Cork, Ireland in 1928, he was educated at Crawford School of Art and worked in Ireland before immigrating to Canada with Kay in 1954. Beginning his Canadian career at Vickers and Benson Advertising, he also worked for Howarth and Smith before establishing his own company, Carl Brett Design.

An expert on typography, he had a significant influence on graphic design and won numerous awards throughout his lengthy career. He also taught at George Brown College and gave countless lectures and seminars. Brett was recognised by the GDC as Fellow, the highest honour awarded by the organisation, in 1975.

Memorial services were held on Tuesday, 14 April 2009 in Toronto. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society at www.cancer.ca