James Beverly 'Bev' Brears of Listowel passed away peacefully in his sleep on Tuesday, January 10, 2023, in his 87th year.
Dearly loved husband of Sandra (Miller) Brears for almost 64 years. Loving father of Brenda and Gerry Dykstra of Norwich, Brian and Melissa Brears of Kurtzville, Karen and Rob Regan of Mount Forest, and Paul and Suzanne Brears of Rodney. Dear grandfather of 10; Mark and Julia Baldwin, Kyle and Carrie Baldwin, and Todd and Hailey Baldwin, Elysha and Dan Gonser, and Britany and Karim Bandali, Brock and Megan Regan, and Courtney Regan and Justin Wheeler, and Emma, Erin, and Lee Brears. Great-grandfather to Alexandra, Megan, Ethan, Lucas, Logan, Chase, Rhett, Blair, Beau, Jaxon, and McCrea, and one more on the way. Survived also by his brother Wayne Brears of Medicine Hat, Alberta, sister-in-law Elaine Miller and her husband Grant of Sudbury, as well as many nieces and nephews. Bev was predeceased by his parents James and Ruth (Cowan) Brears, parents-in-law Archie and Isabel Miller, sister Gerry Noble, and brothers Larry Brears, and Harold Brears in infancy.
Bev was born on March 9, 1936 and raised on the family farm on Concession 5, Howick Township. He attended trade school in Toronto and worked as a crane operator for several years, including at Mowbray Construction in Wingham. He and Sandra farmed on Concession 5 before purchasing the family farm in 1965, where they farmed until 1982. Then they moved to Listowel where Bev operated Brears Livestock Trucking along with his sons Brian and Paul. Bev was a long-time member and usher at Calvary United Church, Listowel, and a member of the Legion. Bev and Sandra enjoyed spending time at their cottage at Point Clark, attending dances and playing cards with their many friends, and several winters in Florida.
Visitation will be held at the Eaton Funeral Home, Listowel on Thursday from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., where the funeral service will be held on Friday, January 13, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. The service will be live streamed, and the link available on the funeral home website. Reception to follow at the Listowel Legion. Spring interment in Fordwich Cemetery. Memorial donations to Listowel Memorial Hospital or the Heart & Stroke Foundation would be appreciated.
www.eatonfuneralhome.caPublished by Waterloo Region Record on Jan. 11, 2023.