Dennis Charles Brewer

Dennis C. Brewer was born 09/04/1936 in New Westminster, BC, to Dennis James and Elizabeth Jane Brewer (Hogg). He grew up on Buller Avenue in Burnaby, BC along with sisters, Betty, Barbara, Margaret, Phylis and Deja. He worked many jobs as a young man finding a passion in the automotive industry as an apprentice at Majestic Motors, in Burnaby. He loved to ride his motorcycle. He met his first wife, Carol Prior, at Burnaby South High School. Together they had four daughters, Teresa, Carol-Anne, Valerie and Rhonda. He immigrated to the US in 1963 and took a job with D & L Body and Plastics where he worked for most of his career. Many in the automotive industry knew him as “Denny”. He met second wife, Barbara Joyce (Miller) Bates through the friendship of two of their daughters while they were in High School. She had a car that needed work and he had the tools to repair it. He married Barbara soon after on June 10, 1972 and welcomed her children Doug, Terry and Stuart. He proudly became a US Citizen on March 13, 1974 with a passing score of 88%. He went to Europe to study the Sikkens Auto Body Paint Systems, visiting auto body shops in Holland and West Germany. He received numerous certificates of Achievement in unibody vehicle repair. Also served in many organizations including, the Lion’s Club, on the board of Bellingham Traditional Jazz Society. He loved to volunteer and help people out, changing car light bulbs for free program, coaching hockey in the US and Canada. Dennis had a genuine heart for children. Known to many as the ultimate “prankster” always making us smile. We will always remember his whistle. Dennis and Barbara enjoyed hosting family get-togethers at Christmas, for extended family for many years. They also enjoyed traveling, gardening and Dixieland Jazz. Preceded in death by father Dennis J Brewer, mum Elizabeth Jane Brewer, previous wife Carol, and Sisters Betty Lea, Margaret Cook and Phylis Fryer. Survived by wife Barbara, children Doug Bates, Terry Page, Teresa Brandt, Carol Rohwer, Stuart Bates, Valerie Brewer and Rhonda Abbott, and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren. You are invited to join family and friends at Moles-Bellingham, Bayview Community Life Center, 2465 Lakeway Drive on Monday, July 17 at 1:30 p.m. There, we will gather, then proceed to Bayview Cemetery for a graveside committal of urn. We will return to the Community Life Center afterwards for a celebration of Dennis’ life. You are welcome to attend either or both services. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to Whatcom Hospice Foundation https://whatcomhospice.org/donate/ or Alzheimer Society of WA (support groups) https://alzsociety.org/donate/.

Dennis Charles Brewer

September 4, 1936 - June 15, 2017