Robert Brewer

Although he was more quiet and reserved by nature, Robert Brewer was a strong and dependable man who could be counted on to lend a hand in a time of need. He loved his family and took his role as provider seriously, working hard throughout most of his life. Bob was a meat and potatoes kind of guy who was content hanging out at his home, often with a cold beer at the end of a long workday. With a life that spanned times of war and times of peace, times of plenty and time of want, Bob created a lifetime of precious memories with his loved ones that they will forever cherish.

Even though the entire decade of the 1930s was cloaked in the hardship of the Great Depression, there were numerous accomplishments that demonstrated our American spirit. We celebrated the completion of the Empire State Building and the Hoover Dam while looking to the future with great promise as the Social Security Act was implemented, guaranteeing an income for our nation’s elderly. Nestled within this unprecedented time was the year 1936 that brought great joy to one young family as they welcomed a healthy baby boy into their hearts and home on November 24th. Robert Lester was the only child born to his parents, Lester and Helena Marie (VanScoyoc) Breuer, and was raised in the family home on Fremont Street on the Northwest side of Grand Rapids.

In many ways Bob, as he was usually known, experienced a childhood that was typical for the youth of his generation. He enjoyed playing with his friends and getting together with his cousins, who mainly lived in the area of Evert, Michigan, from time to time. Bob was a student at local schools including Stocking Elementary and Union High School.

Shortly after graduating from high school Bob wanted to drive a truck, so he began driving a semi-truck for Dry-Mix. After about nine years he joined Coit Gravel where he drove a truck for 33 years. Bob truly loved driving and often listened to the CB, occasionally adding his own comments. His country music also kept him company out on the road. After retiring in 1996 Bob kept working. For several years after that he could be found unloading trucks at Meijer on Alpine Avenue. Only when his health limited him did Bob stop working altogether.

Not to be forgotten during his years as a young man was Bob’s introduction to the young girl who stole his heart. Her name was Phyllis Johnston, and they met in the early sixties when she began renting an apartment next door to Bob. The two began talking, which later gave way to dating, and later blossomed into true love. With a desire to build a life together Bob and Phyllis were married on May 15, 1964, at Faith United Methodist Church.

After enjoying a honeymoon at Niagara Falls, the couple returned to Grand Rapids where they settled into their new roles as husband and wife. They moved into their home on Apple Road where they remained for the rest of Bob’s life. Together Bob and Phyllis were blessed with two children, Ken and Sherry. Although the bulk of the parenting was done by Phyllis, Bob supported her and got involved when needed as his primary role was to provide for his family. The neighborhood children, in addition to his own children, loved it when he stopped home with his cement truck during the day. When their children were younger Bob and Phyllis traveled with their family and his mother to Evert to visit with their extended family. Bob loved having fun with his cousins during these visits. They also went on some family vacations to Florida and other destinations that frequently included a major baseball league game on the schedule.

With his leisure time Bob enjoyed a few social activities and relaxing at home, too. For many years he pitched fastballs on a local softball team, and he was a good bowler who averaged a score of 180 for several years. Bob was even on a bowling league with his son for a time. He was also content to be around the house, often sitting back and relaxing with a couple of Busch beers after his day at work. As an avid baseball fan, Bob loved watching the Cubs play, but if they weren’t playing it was the Tigers, and he even arranged a few bus trips to Cubs games with his family. He also loved watching NASCAR. Bob collected die cast cars, ordering the supplies online to decorate many of them himself. He also enjoyed working with model airplanes, although he focused his attention mainly on assembling them not painting them. Later in life Bob and Phyllis enjoyed a few special trips including one to Las Vegas and a cruise.

As his health demanded he slow down, Bob mainly stayed around home. He still enjoyed getting out to mow the lawn with his tractor, providing him with some fresh air and sunshine. As his schedule became more structured he preferred things at specific times such as dinner on the table promptly at five o’clock. Bob’s favorite meals were meat and potatoes as he was a no frills kind of guy. He enjoyed reading the newspaper, always the sports section, and he also liked watching golf. The past six years of Bob’s life were plagued with increasing health issues. Although he could be a bit grumbly at times, his sense of humor also surfaced such as the way he always referred to himself as “older than dirt!” Declining heath over the past year left Bob unable to leave his house at all.

A thoughtful, quiet, and kind man, Robert Brewer was a dear man to many. He was a dedicated husband and father whose family grew to include six grandchildren he deeply loved. Bob could be talkative in the right environment and had a unique relationship with each family member and friend. He generally kept to himself, yet he also gave the best advice when asked. Bob will be dearly missed and warmly remembered.

Mr. Robert Brewer, age 76 of Grand Rapids, passed away January 26, 2013. Bob is survived by his wife of nearly 50 years, Phyllis; their children, Ken (Stephanie Ziolkowski) Brewer, Sherry (Chad) Parkinson; grandchildren Joshua and Abbi Brewer, Madison and Alivia Oley, Renee and Tyler Parkinson. A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, January 30 at 2 PM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home - Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel, where friends may visit with his family on Tuesday from 2-4 and 6-8 PM. For those who wish, memorial contributions to the American Lung Association are appreciated. To read more about Bob's life, to share a memory or to sign the guestbook, please visit www.lifestorynet.com