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
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 heart goes to Brendo’s family and friends. I am very sad to hear of his passing. I only knew him for a short while living in Victoria, but I will never forget the impact he had on my life. I met him at the Pacific Northwest Bartending comp in 2015, which he won. It was my first comp and I’ll never forget how he made me feel so welcomed, relaxed, excited and his friend within seconds of meeting him. That experience of his personality and energy was inspiring. Such a beautiful soul that will be missed and is greatly loved.
May you find peace.
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.
Brendan and your family have been so close and supportive of Jordan through good times and bad and I am crushed to learn of Brendan’s passing. He was a generous, loving bear of a man and I always enjoyed discussing politics, history or life in general with him. He had the wonderful ability to form and keep close and personal relationships as shown by the outpouring of affection for him from so many people. In his work he was a true professional and a mentor to many. His creative, caring and inclusive spirit made the world a better place. An affectionate goodbye Brendan, rest in peace.
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
We first met Brendan through our daughter Maeve who introduced him to us at our home in Vancouver. We took an immediate liking to him, finding him to be a very warm, friendly and unpretentious guy.
My last memory of him was several years ago when we shared drinks on St. Patrick’s Day at the Trap and Gill Pub where Brendan was bar tending.
We are both very saddened by his untimely demise and offer our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.
I’m so sorry for your loss. He will be remembered dearly.
Soooo heartbroken about Bren, he was like a son to us. Big hugs ❤️
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
Dear,
Violet, Dwight, Rory, Liam and all extended family and close friends. I am so sorry for the loss of the wonderful man we called Brendo. I met him at the winking judge pub in Vancouver. Within a very short time Brendo made me feel so welcome and accepted. Whenever I saw him I would run into his arms for a big bear hug. He brightened my day and I am so much better for having known him. Thank you for raising such a wonderful man. I’ll miss him. I’m sorry your hearts hurt, you will be in my thoughts and wishes.