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
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.
Brendan was a terrific person. A friend who saw others through rough times with a joke, a drink and a smile. I am so very sad and sorry that this bright, brilliant light is gone.
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!
May you have peace. He was a fine gent and we will remember him well.
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!
I only had the chance to meet Brendan twice, however it was immediately apparent what a warm, generous, and hospitable person he was. His passion and talent for crafting drinks was obvious to all around him. I wish I had more time to get to know him better. A true gent. He will be missed.
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.
Peace and Love to you all!
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.
Dear Brendan’s Family,
I am so sad that Brendan has left this lifetime. I can imagine how much you all must miss him.
He was a dear old friend to me in Ottawa and later in Victoria. He always made me feel happy and loved. I miss him and will always remember his goodness.
I live in Taiwan now, and am awake at 5am to tune into his service. I just awoke from a dream and saw Brendan and gave him a big hug:) With you all in my heart…
Sincerely,
Emily Sheehan.