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
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
gone are the days of our freedom,gone are the days of our carefreeness,gone is a true gentleman who not only loved to learn from people but who also loved people.Rest in peace my friend.
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 condolences to you, and your family. Brendan touched so many lives. I learned more under his wing about being a bartender, and being a better person than at any other time in my life. Words will never truly express the feelings that stir up when I think about Brendo. He was a great teacher and a wonderful man.
May he rest in peace.
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.
I am so sorry to hear of Brendan’s passing. He was a kind, caring individual whose passion for what he loved to do was inspiring. He had a generosity of spirit that was so endearing. I am so thankful to have known him.
Our deepest sympathies to all, a tragic loss.
Our deepest condolences to all of you. While we did not get the opportunity to get to know Brendan very well, when we did meet, we saw a kind, warm and generous man. The love that Jordan and Melissa have for him shows us he was a very special person. May all the special memories you have carry you through this very difficult time. Our hearts are with you.
Rest in peace Brendan, you will be sorely missed.