Brendan James Brewster

Dear family of Brendan, Please accept my condolences. I was in Clive’s a few weeks ago and heard of his passing. It has been very touching to read all the tributes to him here and in the press. I had a chance to meet Brendan when I hired him for a special event for Dance Victoria. He was all that has been described…professional, knowledgable, innovative, a serious researcher, a wonderful and handsome presence with our guests when he worked the bar. He gave me lots of great practical tips to use and did a wonderful job researching a 1930’s Quebec cocktail which he served in honour of our Montreal dance company guests. I still have the recipe and his notes. And it was a pleasure for me to give him a letter of recommendation as he was off to Alberta then.
As a mum and older friend of many young people, I can only say that it must be so heartbreaking to lose your young man. We do love them so much and they are all very precious.
When I was at Clive’s I ordered the smoky cocktail served in his honour. It was as interesting,unusual and warming as Brendan himself.

Sincerely, Lorna Harris

Dear Dwight, Violet, Liam and Rory.
I remember meeting Brendan (and you) many years ago, we were just kids. I wasn’t enthusiastic about the idea of entertaining guests for a week, then you all left, I felt lonely and realized I had a lot of fun. It would be nice to have known him better but I think he was pretty kool just the same. RIP Brendan

To Brendan’s family! My condolances, Brendan was definitely one of the most empathetic and generous people I have met, as you know. I worked with him at the Diner/Manor and rmb what a booming and kind person he was! I was crushed to hear the news and only hope that his kindness, knowledge and his contagious sense of humor will live on through those he loved and who loved him, his family, friends, and those he mentored. Sending bear hugs and strength to everyone during this rough time.

It was an honour to come across such a beautiful soul in this crazy world. One hell of a great person and always a gentlemen with a fabulous sense of pride and humour. He was always a genuine sincere person who was welcoming and cared about us and we, in turn cared about him. He was a rarity, in that he wasn’t just our favourite bartender, but also a dear friend.
We will raise our pints on Monday night here in a Vancouver though! Remembering that contagious smile always.
Bless everyone and most heartfelt condolences to all his family and loved ones. Rest in peace Brendo! Cindy and John Wells

Incredibly sorry to hear of his passing.
I truly hope that in this time you can take a little happiness in knowing that Brendan made so many people happy. It was a pleasure getting to know him.
My deepest and most sincere condolences.

Violet and Dwight, I’m an Edmontonian friend of your son, and wanted to pass on my heartfelt condolences. Brendan was a lovely man with a beautiful heart. He was a great friend to many people in this town, he burned bright and, as you say, he was a gifted and generous mentor – an innovator, inspiration and natural teacher. His talent, spirit and enthusiasm will live on through so many others. He will be so missed by so many, that says it all. Sorry for your loss.

My deepest condolences. He was a great person who touched my life in a way that won’t be forgotten. Rest easy good sir.

I was fortunate enough to get to know, and become friends with Brendan during his stay in Edmonton. He truly was a kind and generous soul. The passion that he had for his craft inspired me, and reignited my own love for it. I can honestly say that he single handedly led the craft cocktail revolution in this town. His presence will be felt for a very long time, as will his absence.

My deepest condolences for your loss of such a truly great man.

I was very sad to hear of the passing of Brendan. But here’s the thing, I never really knew him. Oh sure I knew OF him and had met him in passing on occasion. I mostly knew of him through my wife Twyla and through her I was invited to the impromptu and informal wake held in Edmomton on the day of the news.

Brendan was known of by every member of the edmonton food scene…chefs to eaters and all people in between. We all knew of his singular importance to our burgeoning cocktail scene. Many, probably correctly, credit him with its creation. He has a legacy. That is one hell of accomplishment in such a short life.

Here’s the thing though: he was like a snuffleupagus….always discussed, almost seen, leaving a trial of clues of his existence as he moved from place to place, but hard to find. This fact segues into the most remarkable observation about this elusive barkeep…..you didn’t need to know him to love him. He was so universally admired, you could experience it vicariously. I watched this in action at his wake here….total strangers, people who had never once laid eyes on the man extolling his virtues and crying at his passing. It is usual that people mourn those they knew. It is entirely a differnt level of acclaim when those doing the mourning don’t know the deceased but wish they had.

So from a man who never really knew your son, I pass on my sincere condolences. His mythic presence will be sorely missed.

Brendan cared most of all about other people, making them feel welcome, and sharing his immense knowledge and warmth. I will always remember the expression on his face when he greeted old and new friends, either behind the bar or in private life. There are countless people in Edmonton who will never fully know just how much he did single-handedly to advance the bartending craft here, but those lucky enough to know him will remember him as a passionate innovator, a devoted mentor, and, above all, a true and loyal friend.

My condolences to Brendan’s family and friends. I worked with Brendan for a short time and had known him casually prior to that. He was always so friendly and generous with his knowledge and so enthusiastic about his craft. His patience with all my dumb questions was very kind! I hope there’s some sort of comfort in knowing what an impact Brendan had on so many people. I’m really regretting all the skipped opportunities to pop into Clive’s to say welcome back to Victoria.
I’ll be sure to toast Brendan with a Mai Tai garnished the way he told me about: a lime-half “island” with a mint sprig “palm tree”. Aloha Brendan!

My condolences. Though I never met him in person, Brendan belongs to a group of folk that I consider as family. Even across the distance, he brought his unique perspective and humor into my life and I feel much richer for having been able to share in his life as little as I was able too.

Rest assured he will live on in my memory as a great individual and will be forever missed in my little corner of existance.

Cheers Brendan!

To Brendan’s family, you raised such an impressive man. As an Alberta bartender for many years, I can say it was truly your son’s energy and passion that helped bring the scene in Edmonton to where it is today. And his kindness and approachability that linked my city of Calgary with the scene he moulded in Edmonton.

My condolences during this hard time.

Thank you Brendo.

Brendan was an amazing Bartender, but even more amazing a person. You raised one heck of a great guy, and while he wasn’t here long enough, he meant more to his friends then words can possibly say. My deepest sympathies to the Brewster Family. Brendan will be terribly missed. RIP.

My absolute deepest sympathy to your family, Brendan had an amazing spirit, and touched the lives of so many. More than he ever knew. He’ll be missed every single day

Sending all my love from Ottawa, Ontario. I met Brendan while I was living in Edmonton and working in a lounge. He was a great friend and mentor. I’m so sorry for your loss

My deepest condolences to you and your family. Brendan has had such an impact on so many lives; he was truly a man of talent, passion and sincerity. As a rep, he was always one of my favourite bartenders to meet with; he often knew as much about the product as I did! His big bear hugs and silly emoji texts will be very missed. Sending my love to all of you. And a unicorn emoji… Just for Brendo.

My sincere condolences to Brendan’s family and friends. Brendon was a wonderful ambassador in the drinks business and I very much enjoyed the brief time working with him. May he rest in peace.

Our deepest sympathies to all, a tragic loss.

Our heart-felt condolences to you in your loss. We were shocked and so saddened at the news. Although we cannot make it to Victoria, please feel our hugs and love for you.

We will keep Brendan and all the family in our thoughts and prayers.

My condolences to the family and friends of Brendan. I am both surprised and shocked to hear of his sudden passing. I knew Brendan years ago when I played paintball with him and a few others. He was great to be around and have a good conversation with. Rest in peace Brendan.

My deepest sympathies to the family and of course Jordan and close friends. I knew Brendo to be a kind and welcoming man who made me laugh and listen hard. His passion for his craft and for his family and friends makes him stand out as a truly wonderful spirit. I will miss him and I know I will never forget him. How could anyone ever forget such a unique soul. We are all blessed to have spent time with him while he resided in this world.
Condolences,
Emily Cowan

I’m so sorry for your loss. He will be remembered dearly.

My deepest sympathy to you and Violet and your family on this great loss. Brendan’s strength, insight and humanity touched and changed my life, as it did the lives of those many who have already paid tribute to him. He was the brother my son never had and they shared a bond few are privileged to share. I hope the warmth of the messages of condolences you receive will bring some comfort to you.

Sincerely, Beverly Guest