Obituaries: Joseph William Brewer
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| Joseph William Brewer |
November 30, 2010
Joseph William Brewer, 57, passed away Nov. 20, 2010, just before midnight at his home, surrounded by family, after a courageous battle with skin and bone cancer.
Born in Newburgh, N.Y., on Feb. 5, 1953, he was the son of Paul B. and Evelyn (Wilkinson) Brewer.
Joe had two successful kidney transplants in his lifetime, one in 1979, which lasted 27.5 years, and a more recent gift of life in 2008. He inspired many with his positive attitude and resilience in the face of adversity.
He graduated from Cornwall Central High School in 1971, attended Miami Dade College in Florida, as well as Orange County Community College in Middletown, N.Y., earning a degree in recreational leadership. He continued his education at the State University of New York at New Paltz.
On Aug. 26, 1978, he married Jean Marie Scher in Cornwall, N.Y. While living in Cornwall he was employed by Texas Instruments working on the Hudson River, Black Rock Forest Consortium working in the forest, McQuade Foundation, Orange County Community College, and The Museum of the Hudson Highlands at Kenridge Farm. Joe also spent time coaching Pop Warner Football and wrestling in Cornwall.
Joe and Jean spent seven years on St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands. There, Joe taught physical education at Country Day School and coached soccer, as well as softball.
In 1995, the Brewers moved to Camden. An avid woodworker, Joe spent time as a fellow at the Center for Furniture Craftsmanship in Rockport. He owned and operated his own furniture making business designing, building and hand carving one of a kind pieces.
He enjoyed sailing, bicycling, BMW motorcyles, camping, hiking, swimming, cross country skiing, wrestling, trout fishing, reggae and rock music, art, traveling, and a good argument. He stood up for what he believed in and was active in various environmental organizations in New York and Maine.
Joe is survived by his wife of 32 years, Jean Brewer of Camden; his mother, Evelyn Brewer; and sister, Jill Brewer of Danville, Va.; his brothers, Jon Brewer and significant other Dorothy Arseneau of Camden, Jim Brewer and his wife, Dorothy, of Danville, Va., Jay Brewer and his wife, Lisa; his nieces and nephews, Kayla, Leyna, Bryce and Hudson Brewer, all of Hamburg, N.Y., Brian Wojehowski and his wife, Sarah, of Highland, N.Y., Jason Baxter of New Castle, Del., Dawn Scher and Chuck Brosch and their daughters, Grace and Gretchen of Berlin, Md.; his mother-in-law, Mary C. Scher of Cornwall on Hudson, N.Y.; his brothers and sisters-in-law, Raymond and Virginia Scher of Ruther Glen, Va., Eileen and Rick Wojehowski of Cornwall on Hudson, N.Y., Mary Baxter of New Castle, Del., Ann and Andy Jacobson of Idyllwild, Calif., and Camden, and Margaret and Jack Dautner of Cornwall, N.Y.
He was predeceased by his father, Paul B. Brewer, who died in 1996; and his father-in-law, Raymond E. Scher in 1995.
In keeping with Joe's wishes, no services will be held at this time. A toast to Joe this holiday season and to peace at last for him would be appropriate. In his memory, to honor his artistic talent with wood and Joe's love of nature, black walnut trees will be planted in the spring.
Arrangements are with the Long Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 9 Mountain St. in Camden.
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