William James Brewer

1970 - 2019

William James Brewer
Nov. 15, 1970 - April 29, 2019
William "Bill" James Brewer, 48, quietly passed away on Monday, April 29, 2019.
Bill was diagnosed with glioblastoma multiform brain cancer in November 2018 and spent his final days at the Boise Veterans Administration Hospital surrounded by friends and family.
Bill, Sr. and Etta Brewer received their beautiful boy into the world on Nov. 15, 1970. He was the delight of his family and showed his mechanical aptitude and lively personality at an early age by constantly taking things apart and stealing his sisters' food.
As a child, Bill loved to play "soldier" and embraced the role of helper and protector. He became a real soldier at the age of 18, joining the U.S. Army on April 11, 1989, on his father's birthday. His military occupational specialties included stinger missiles and communications.
He later joined the Idaho National Guard where he became a Wheel and Track Technician, rising to the rank of Sergeant, 1st Class.
Bill was deployed to Iraq in 2004 where he took part in dangerous missions and taught children to read, winning many decorations for his service.
He retired in 2013 and spent his days riding his Harley Davidson, which he named "Grace," bicycling the Green Belt in Boise, four-wheeling in his Ford truck and cruising around in his beloved Mustang.
Never abandoning his role as helper and protector, Bill spent much of his time applying his mechanical skills to repairing vehicles and working on other projects for his family, friends and neighbors, who loved him for his optimistic, jovial and giving personality.
He is survived by his parents, Lewis William "Bill" and Etta Brewer, his dog "Charlie," his "backup mom" Jo Aquirre, sisters Tracy Mosier and Kristine Brewer, as well as many friends and surrogate brothers and sisters, including Xanti Aguirre Gerrard, Sarah Aguirre Kuester, Jim and Jerry Aguirre, Alex Hall, Bryan Elayer, Brad Gerrard, Philip Janquart, Andy Kolbe, Harley Lewandowski and Tim Claiborne. Nephews Kristopher Mosier/Majors and Brexton Claiborne.
Bill is also survived by his many beloved babies, including Alexus, Nathanial, Stella, Linden, Andrew, Tyler, Edie, Waylon, Walker, Dagan, Porter, Sawyer, Corbin, Aiden. Eli, Levi, Noah, Chloe, Bella and their older brother.
He also leaves behind a very special Aunt Cheryl Yancey and his treasured cousins Becky, Tabitha, Dusty Ray, Kathy, Shannon, Cherie, Jody, Angela, Richard, Matthew, Linda, Jeremy, Brock, Matthew and Jessie.
His grandparents, his Aunt Ethel Musgrove, Uncle Clyde and brother-in-law Robert Mosier/Majors preceded Bill in death.
A private mass will be held at Holy Apostles Catholic Church, located at 6300 N. Meridian Rd. in Meridian, on Thursday, May 16 at 11 a.m., with Fr. Len MacMillan presiding.
A memorial service will be held at the Idaho State Veterans Cemetery, located at 10100 N. Horseshoe Bend Rd. in Boise, on Friday, May 17 at 2 p.m., with interment to follow. (Those wishing to visit the gravesite can do so after 5 p.m.)
There will be a celebration of life party for Bill following the memorial service at the Boise Elks Lodge No. 310, located at 6608 W. Fairview Ave. in Boise, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
The Brewer family would like to thank Idaho National Guard retired and active duty members for their vigilance and assistance, Boise VA Hospital & Hospice Care, Fr. MacMillan and Fr. John Worster, as well as the many family members and friends who offered their support during this difficult time.