It’s with great sadness that the family of Bill Brewer announces Bill’s sudden passing on Monday, February 13th, 2023 at the age of 74. Bill was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather whose greatest passion was spending time with his family. He leaves behind his loving wife of 51 years, Barbara (nee Phillips) as well as his children Sheri (Jeff) and Kevin (Gina) and his five grandchildren; Kayleigh, Brooke, Brayden, Cali, and Alyssa. Bill was predeceased by his parents Reginald and Violet and will be dearly missed by his brother Gary and a large group of extended family and friends.
Born on 8 November, 1948, Bill joined the Canadian Armed Forces at the young age of 16 and attended both the Collège Militaire Royale de St-Jean and the Royal Military College in Kingston. After graduation from the Royal Military College in 1970, he held many leadership and command appointments and enjoyed postings to Lahr (Germany), Shrivenham (England), Base Borden, and National Defence Headquarters in Ottawa. He was awarded the Order of Military Merit in 1996 and officially retired from the Canadian Armed Forces as a Brigadier-General in 2002.
Shortly after leaving the Canadian Armed Forces, Bill joined DEW Engineering and Development where he worked as Vice President Business Development until 2012. Following this, he volunteered in different capacities in support of the Royal Canadian Electrical Mechanical and Engineer (RCEME) Corps and was appointed as the RCEME Corps Colonel Commandant from 2016-2021. Bill cherished his time with the RCEME Corps and, even after stepping down as Colonel Commandant, continued to be very active with the RCEME Museum and RCEME Foundation. He was also very involved in the development of the Royal Military College Athletics Wall of Distinction.
All of Bill’s family and friends are welcome to attend a celebration of Bill’s life at the Beechwood National Memorial Centre (280 Beechwood Ave, Ottawa, ON) on Saturday, 4 March, 2023 commencing at 1pm in the Sacred Space. A reception will then follow at the Army Ottawa Officers Mess (149 Somerset St W., Ottawa, ON) at 3pm.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, the RCEME Foundation, or a charity of your choosing.
Digital Guestbook
Harold Schwab
David Nicolle
A dynamic leader and an honourable man. RIP sir. Our condolences to his family. Arte et Marte
Geoffrey McClelland, (Maj r,td)
Bill was one of the finest people I knew in my 39 years in RCEME, he is gone far too soon! RIP soldier!
Brian M Cook
RIP Soldier. Arte et Marte. You were much respected and well guarded
Bill Devlin
My condolences to the family. Bill was my Maintenance Officer in Germany and we crossed paths in the years following. He has done so much for the RCEME family.
Steve and Christine Cardillo
Sending our condolences to your family! May he rest in peace.
Sgt (Ret) John Reid and wife Lynn
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Kristen Smith
I’m so sorry to hear this sad news. I will always remember Mr. Brewer as being such a warm, welcoming, and kind man. Sending light and love to all of you and keeping you close to my heart.
Bruce Playfair
Bill was Commandant of the School when I did my phase training and a constant presence during my military career. Later, we were colleagues at DEW. Throughout it all, he maintained a constant spirit of wise joviality. He might say something in a funny manner, but you were smart to listen to what he was actually saying. He will be dearly missed. My condolences to the family and the RCEME Corps. Arte et Marte.
Gilles Nappert
Bill continued serving the RCEME Corps after retirement. His work for the RCEME Foundation and Museum in Kingston was remarkable. He was of great assistance to me in the museum project to digitized the RCEME Book of Remembrance. I will miss him as a co-worker and great friend. RIP Bill.
My Condolances to all Bill's Family, and Friends. He will be Missed by So Many, Especially all the Friends he made in the RCEME Corps! Forever Rest In Peace. Arte et Marte