Brian Fewer Obituary

FEWER, Brian - Native San Franciscan, passed away peacefully at home on June 1, 2005, at the age of 93 with his loving wife Mimi by his side. The second child of the late Edward and May (Devine) Fewer, Brian leaves his devoted wife Mimi Fewer. He is predeceased by his wife Ruth (Webster) Fewer and leaves his six children, Patricia, Brian Jr., John, Robert, Mary and Michael; and his twelve grandchildren. Brian is further survived by his wife's loving extended family. Brian was born September 21, 1911, on 26th Avenue in San Francisco. He went to Polytechnic High School, served in the U.S. Navy, and studied horticulture at San Francisco City College. Known as the "Johnny Appleseed" of San Francisco, he retired as the Supervisor of the Street Tree Program with the Department of Public Works. He was dedicated to beautifying the city with the many street trees seen today. Brian was an active member of Friends of the Urban Forest, the Serra Club, Woodmen of the World, San Francisco Beautiful, St. Thomas the Apostle Parish, and the Neighborhood Parks Council. He contributed many articles to the Richmond Review describing his childhood memories and the development of his neighborhood. He spent many foggy mornings with his Mountain Lake Park tennis friends. He is loved and will be missed by many. Friends are invited to attend a Vigil at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 40th Ave. and Balboa St. on Sunday, June 5th at 7:00 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Thomas the Apostle Church on Monday, June 6th, at 9:30 a.m. In remembrance of Brian, donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (800-873-6983) or the Neighborhood Parks Council (415 621-3260) McAVOY-O'HARA CO. (415) 668-0077

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Jun. 3 to Jun. 5, 2005.

Memories and Condolences
for Brian Fewer

8 Entries

Tracey McHugh

June 6, 2005

Dear Rob and Mike,

I was very sorry to read that your Dad has passed away. I hope all the good memories you have of him will help you at this time. What a fabulous man he was! As a proud 4th generation San Franciscan I appreciate his dedication and how he tirelessly helped beautify our city!! Sincerely, Tracey McHugh

La'Toya Younger

June 6, 2005

To Mr.Fewer's Family:

My name is La'Toya Younger. I am one of the new Outreach Coordinators for FUF. I did not know Mr.Fewer, but reading what he has done for the city keeps me motivated to keep working. I just want to tell his family that my prayers are with them. Don't cry though, for he lead a gracious life. (atleast from what I've read)

La'Toya Younger

Cheryl Kollin

June 6, 2005

My condolences to Brian's family. I was an FUF program manager in the 1980's for 5 years and have such fond memories of Brian's knowledge and willingness to help a new staff member learn the ropes. I enjoyed our weekly chats as I picked up those cross braces before a planting. And I also enjoyed reading Brian's book, about his early years driving cross country. What a wonderful man who gave so much to the city he loved.

Sue Weaver

June 4, 2005

Thank you, Mr. Fewer for changing the face of the city. Your contributions will live on another hundred years; as we have cleaner air, birds singing, foliage and flowers to admire. My family and I never knew you personally, but appreciate your decades of

work every day.

LInda Harte

June 4, 2005

To the Family of Brian Fewer,

May I just say what a debt we owe to this wonderful man. I sit in my Crocker-Amazon home and look out at five beautiful flowering plum trees that bring beauty, joy and little birds into my life. These living tributes are but a tiny blip in the huge population of the trees that Friends of the Urban Forest has brought into our lives. Thank you, Brian Fewer...I never met you but you have brought so much beauty to our city. We are going to continue to support your vision.

Patricia White

June 3, 2005

Dear Brian Jr.,

You have my deepest sympathy on the loss of your father.

Although I did not personally know your father, I imagine that you will have many reminders of his work throughout the city and in your life.

My prayers are with you and your family.

Sincerely,

Patti (Sheehan) White

Sue Rugtiv

June 3, 2005

We would simply like to pay tribute to Mr. Fewer as a co-founder of FUF as well as his other horticultural contributions to the City.

FUF is such a wonderful legacy; it is essential and it has a wonderful feeling of grassroots friendly optimism and dedication. My husband and I are proud to be FUF members and our son, too, has enjoyed working many hours on FUF's behalf. Apparently Mr. Fewer's efforts touched all of our lives for the better. Our sincere condolences to his wife and family.

Chris Buck

June 3, 2005

Brian,

I am sending out the notice of your passing to our Friends of the Urban Forest email list. I told everyone we'd be planning a tree planting in your honor.

Sorry about taking the plywood away from you. It was a great moment a few years back when I met you for the first time; I'd heard stories.

Chris Buck

Education Coordinator

Friends of the Urban Forest