Stephen James Brewster

September 16, 1950 - December 11, 2017

Stephen James Brewster

September 16, 1950 - December 11, 2017

Obituary

Stephen James Brewster was born September 16,1950 in Bellingham, WA, the son of Laurence and Margaret Brewster. After a long battle with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), he died peacefully at Whatcom Hospice House on December 11, 2017. He was in the first graduating class from Sehome High School in 1968. He attended Western Washington University during the time he was working at Yeagers, then went on to open his own business, the Sportsman Chalet. The Sportsman Chalet became an institution for skiers, tennis players, cyclists, and all sports enthusiasts. He was very involved in the Komo Kids Swap program, which was beneficial to many families. From 1972 to 2001, he was able to successfully run his business until the MS made it impossible to do so.

When he lost daily contacts with his customers, he transferred his community to the physical therapists and people he met in therapy. He extended a warm welcome to newcomers and showed a genuine interest and encouragement to those he met there. He was with that group for many years and they formed a family bond.

Steve was preceded in death by his parents, his brother David, and nephew Todd Curran. He is survived by his sister Carol Garguile-Dominic, niece Cheryl Curran, nephew Brent (Leslie) Curran, sister-in-law Patty Brewster, niece Jennifer (Steve) Coughlin, nephew Michael (Kristen) Brewster, as well as great-nieces Shannon, Lily, Caroline, and Cassidy, and great-nephews Vinson, Thomas, David, and Cameron. He was also blessed with many long time dedicated friends.

A memorial service will be held on Tuesday December 19, 2017 at 1:00 p.m. at the First Congregational Church – 2401 Cornwall Ave. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Whatcom Hospice (2901 Squalicum Pkwy. Bellingham, WA 98225) or MS Bike 150 -Bike MS Northwest (192 Nickerson St. #100 Seattle, WA 98109).

Memorial Service

  • Date & Time: December 19, 2017 (12:00 AM)
  • Venue: First Congregational Church
  • Location: 2401 Cornwall Bellingham, WA 98225 - (Get Directions)

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5 responses to Stephen James Brewster

  1. To all of Steve’s extended family;What a great man and friend Steve was. From our early ski days to seeing him in his later years, Steve always had a cheer that was infectious.
    He will be greatly missed.
    Peter

  2. John Hauter says:

    I first met Steve at his store located in what is now Sehome Village. I was a levis guy and Steve’s store had the best selection of Levies and other great cloths that I liked. I was always so impressed with his great attitude and just always looked forward to interacting with him when I would shop at his store. I knew what ever I bought it would look and feel good. Great taste in cloths Steve!Later, I got to know Steve as a competitor in the Ski and Snowboard Business. I owned, what was then called Fairhaven Bike & Ski. My respect for Steve grew even more. He was a tough competitor but always willing to talk. We would sometimes talk on the phone and complain to each other about some of the daily problems of running our Ski Shops and retail in general but really it was obvious to we both loved what we did.
    My last interactions with Steve were at physical therapy. Steve was ever the optimist, he was happy even from the perspective of having to be in a well chair. He always had questions about my business. I felt like I was his window into his past life as a store owner and it was fun talking to him about that stuff.
    I am going to miss my brushes with Steve. He has a left his mark on me and I know some of what Steve gave to me will pass to others. Life eternal.

  3. I had the privilege of meeting Steve in the early 90’s when I worked with him at his store. I am fortunate to have maintained a friendship with him ever since. He was a great inspiration, particularly with MS, he was unstoppable! He will be missed.

  4. Hello,My sympathies go out to the family and friends in the loss of your loved one. May the words found at Revelation 21:4 bring you comfort at this difficult time. “And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.” May you find comfort in the days ahead. www.jw.org

  5. A lovely man. Steve was always charming, personable and kind to us – especially when our son was racing with the Mount Baker Ski Team. We came to know him quite well during the Sportsman Chalet years and he was one of the first people to turn us on to Sun Peaks. Generous, knowledgeable and just an all-around great guy – – an unusually special and fine member of the Bellingham sports community and we feel fortunate to have known him.

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