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
Al Price
Jeffrey Saunders
What a privilege it was to have gotten to know Bill. Such a fine gentleman and a wonderful Colonel Commandant. He played such a key role leading up to and during the Corps 75th anniversary celebrations. I shall look back at our many trips, parades and events attended together with great fondness. To Barbara and family please accept my sincere condolences.
Maxime Champagne
Bill was an incredible leader and such an approachable and inspiring person. My condolances to all the family.
James Hersey LCol (Ret'd)
BGen Brewer was an inspiring person and leader. He will be sorely missed and my condolences to the entire family.
Archie Myers
My thoughts and prayers go out to the family and his friends. He was respected by everyone in the corps that I knew.
GAYE SOMERTON DE JIMENEZ
"Now I know I have a heart, because it's breaking." My sincerest condolences to Mrs. Brewer and her family. I have come to realize that there have been a rare few people that I have met in my life that I felt connected to on a deep level - BGen Brewer was one of the most sincere and geniune souls I have ever met. It was an absolute honour and a pleasure to know him. I will continue to think of him and Col Temple and the special times I shared with them at RCEME. RIP Sir.
Dirwyn and Darlene Hayes
Barb, our deepest condolences to you and family. From our first meeting at RMC on the football field, Bill was always a positive influence on those around him. It was always a pleasure to spend time with you two. He will be missed.
Line Paquette
My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Jeff Spitzig
I first met Bill when I served as his aide-de-camp during his visit to Edmonton in 1999 and our paths consistently crossed until the end of my career when we worked closely when I was Director RCEME and he, the Colonel Commandant. I have not known a finer gentlemen. He always demonstrated a genuine interest in my personal life and a love for the RCEME Corps that was only second to that of his family. He was a great mentor. I will miss his sage advice, his warm smile and of course his unforgettable laugh. My deepest sympathy to Barbara, Sheri, Kevin and your families.
Alison Jennings
I am so sorry for your loss. It has been a long time indeed but I remember his kindness. My deepest sympathy.
My sincere condolences to the family. I had two occassions to work for BGen Brewer it a pleasure to serve with him. He was an outstanding officer and a credit to RCEME. He will.be missed by many.
Sir may you forever Rest In Peace Old Soldier. Arte et Marte