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
Andre Levesque MMM CD
Michael LeBlanc
Kevin and family, please accept our most sincere condolences on the passing of your father. He was a very pleasant man, I remember him from the hockey days. Please extend our sympathy to your family. Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time. Michael and Louise LeBlanc
Alain Ilreguy
B general Brewer was the first general for who I worked for. He was always a gentleman and proud to be part of the RCEME branch.
Armand Delisle (ret’d)
This is sad News and great lost to the RCEME CORPS. My deepest Symphaties to the family and Corps.
Bob Fischer
My sincere condolences to Barbara and her family. After serving as the RCEME Corps' Colonel Commandant, Bill agreed to take on the role of Vice Chair of the RCEME Foundation's Board of Directors. He brought a wealth of knowledge and experience and most of all, an incredible can-do attitude. Although we will miss his good nature and devotion to the RCEME Corps, we will honour him by "soldiering on". Arte et Marte
André Delorme
It is with great regrets that I hear this very sad news...Most sincere condolences to Barbara and Family....Bill is a very very dear friend I have great memories of that fantastic athlete...Will do all my possible to attend the memorial.
Steven Poole, CD, PEng, LCol RCEME (Retd)
So sad to lose Bill. He was my Phase IV Course Officer in Borden and recommended me for Germany upon Graduation in 1975. I could always count on him from then on in my career. Recently we worked together quite often as part of the Foundation. May the family find comfort in thinking about the good times. Arte et Marte. Steven & Marie-Josee.
Marie Totten
May your memories of good times help you through this time
Rayner Wong
Your light-hearted chats and optimism often brightened my day, especially during my time as SO RCEME. You will be missed.
Krista McKeough
My Heart breaks for your family, my sincerest condolences to you and your family. I know there are no words to ease the pain of his loss. BGen Retd. Brewer always made places brighter and more relaxing where ever he was and had a great way of making people feel important and that they could achieve their goals. He was a tremendous leader I was lucky to know him. I am deeply sorry to know he is gone but will always remember his smile, his laugh and how warmly he treated others. He has my respect and appreciation, thank you for sharing him with us I am a better leader and person because of him. Arte et Marte.
Bill was fine gentleman and will be missed by all