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
Marty Walhin
Kevin Northorp
It was a privilege and an honour to serve with BGen Brewer. He will be fondly remembered. Condolences to family and friends. ARTE et MARTE
Guy B. Roy Adjuc-retiré et Francine
The RCEME Branch has lost yet another excellent officer. I served with Bill in Germany and many other postings in Ottawa and Borden, we have been following each other around for many years. He never missed an opportunity to practice his French with me and mingle with the troups, I will miss him.
Repose en paix mon général
Arte et Marte
Jean-François Prévost (Colonel - retiré)
Le Général Brewer a été à la fois mon premier et mon deuxième commandant d'unité. General Brewer was my Commanding Officer both at CFB Lahr and at 4 Service Battalion. So many good memories! An example for me and for all of us. Solid leader, he always remained calm, cheerful, understanding and able to provide quiet guidance. Our paths crossed throughout our careers. I could always feel his love for the Corps and for his soldiers. A great man, he will be missed. My most sincere condolences to the family. A solid handshake to Kevin with whom I had the pleasure to work a few years back.
Malcolm and Michele Campbell
Barb and family, our deepest sympathies to you and yours. So many memories,
I recall you two arriving as newlyweds to Lahr,Germany where we were .
May your years together sustain you and your family in this difficult time Barb .
Pierre Lagueux
It was a great shock to learn of Bill's sudden passing while we were away visiting family. So sorry I could not offer my condolences to Barbara and family in person. Bill worked for me as DGLEPM when I was ADM Mat. I was very fortunate to have him and appreciated greatly his support and wise counsel during a difficult time in the Mat Group. He will be missed by all who knew him. My deepest condolences to Barbara and family.
Andrew Wallace
I offer my sincere condolences to the entire Brewer family for the loss of a husband, father, grandfather at such a young age.
Kindest regards as my thoughts are with you.
Arlene Genik
I’m so sorry to just learn of Bill’s death. Condolences to Barbara and family. He was such a nice man ❤️ We enjoyed spending time with he and Barbara in St. Maarten. He will be missed.
My condolences to the family. Bill was a dedicated, respected and an admired leader and gentleman. His energy and esprit de corps was remarkable. I had the privilege to travel across Canada visiting RCEME soldier-technicians with Bill when he was Colonel Commandant and I was the Corps CWO; memories that I will cherish forever. Although he was a Leafs fan and I cheered for the Habs, we didn’t let this rivalry affect our friendship, just the opposite… it brought on more laughs and teasing. Thank you Bill for the great memories, may you rest in peace. Arte et Marte.