Violet and I are heartbroken to have to announce the sudden, unexpected passing of our eldest son, Brendan James Brewster, at his home in Victoria, B.C. on 6 March 2016, about three months shy of his 38th birthday.
Brendan was a bartender, who practiced his craft at Clive’s Classic Lounge in the Chateau Victoria hotel, and there will be a wake and celebration of his life there from 1 to 4 PM on Sunday, 13 March (remembering we “spring forward” Sunday morning); there will also be a separate memorial for family and close friends. Arrangements are being handled through McCall Bros. Funeral Home. There will be no obituary in the newspaper, as social media seems to be filling that need. The coroner was unable to determine the cause of his death; although Brendan had dealt with severe depression of late, and addictions in the past, he had been receiving treatment, and was looking forward to continuing to develop cocktails, and being able to swim often, since moving in next door to the Crystal Pool.
Brendan was born in Halifax, N.S. on 31 May 1978, the eldest of three brothers; he grew up in Halifax, Victoria, Kingston and Ottawa, in Faringdon, England and Alkmaar, The Netherlands, before leaving home for Dublin, Ireland to continue learning his craft. Brendan was a big, gentle bear of a man, (his nickname was “Bear”), and he was one of the most empathetic and generous people I have ever known. He was also a consummate professional bartender. He was scientific in his approach to taste, and the chemistry of drinks. He was passionate about customer service and his knowledge of the history of beer, wine, spirits and cocktails was encyclopedic. He worked in pubs, bars, and lounges in Bergen Op Zee (Holland), Dublin, Victoria, Vancouver, and Edmonton; as a bartender, he enjoyed nothing more than serving customers, with the exception of mentoring young people who were entering the profession.
Brendan is survived by his mother and father, Violet and Dwight; by brothers Liam and Rory; nieces Kyra and Ea; and best friend always/other brother, Jordan Guest, as well as numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. He will be sorely missed by them, and by hundreds of colleagues and protégés, and thousands of customers.
We respectfully ask that you make a donation to the charity of your choice in lieu of sending flowers.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall’s Funeral Home
www.mccallbros.com
49 Responses
Dear Dwight and Violet,
It so happened that I met this message on googling Victoria (Vancouver Island) and thought about you both.
We only know Brendan from Dwight’s stories, but we are sorry for the loss.
Loosing your child is the worst thing that can happen.
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 Violet Dwight Rory and Liam , i’m so sorry for the loss of you’re brother & son & uncle i don’t no what to say…I remember Brendan as the kindest person and so intelligent and creative..in the time we had so much fun in Alkmaar & Bergen , he gave me so much self-confidence such a big gift ! Wishing you all the strength and love in the world to live with this big loss… all the love from Carlijn Licht (Bergen)
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
Our deepest condolences.
Our family is so shocked and sorry to hear about the passing of sweet Brendan. We have known Brendan since he was a little boy and we always remember him as the kindest, gentlest person. He was the same age as our son and they played together.
Brendan, rest in peace.
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.
Dear Brewster family, I would like to extend my sympathies to you all for your loss. I knew Brendan through our high school years in Ottawa and it was a privilege to have gotten to know him. He was truly a one of a kind and he will be deeply missed by so many. May you find strength and courage during this difficult 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
My most heartfelt condolences to Brendan’s family. I didn’t know him well but we were acquainted as I was a customer of his at several of Edmonton’s top restaurants where he bartended. I always thought of him as the best in the city at his craft. He was charming, professional, and courteous without fail. I’m so sorry for your family’s loss.