BARRY BREWER

Barry S. Brewer Age 81, passed away unexpectedly at home on Wednesday morning, January 23, 2013. He fought and won courageous battles with prostate cancer and bladder cancer in recent years, but began feeling ill 4 days before he went to be with the Lord. Barry was born on February 17, 1931 in Sioux Falls, SD to Glenn and Gwen Brewer. He grew up in Sioux Falls and in October 1945 his family moved to Spokane, WA where he attended North Central High School, graduating in January 1949. After high school, he attended Gonzaga University where he participated in ROTC. He was a member of the 453rd Engineer Construction Battalion, a reserve unit that was called to active duty in August 1950. The unit served in Korea from February 1951 to April 1952. Barry was honorably discharged from the Army in April 1953. He then attended the University of Washington on the GI Bill and earned his Bachelors Degree in Business Administration, graduating in June 1955. While attending the UW, Barry met the love of his life, Joanne Bock, whom he married on June 2, 1956 in Sumner, WA. In 1957 Barry began working with his father-in-law, Ray Bock, at Ray Bock Equipment Company, an International Harvester farm equipment dealership on River Road in Puyallup, WA. When Ray passed away in 1968, Barry took over the business and ran it until he retired in 1987. He loved old cars, at one time owning a 1917 Cadillac touring car which he enjoyed taking his family on old car tours with the Horseless Carriage Club. He also owned at various times, a 1933 Dodge, a 1938 Buick, a 1951 Ford, and most recently a 1940 Packard. He also loved to play golf in his retirement years, and still played when the weather allowed and he was feeling up to it. He enjoyed the company of his retired golf buddies and they would play the executive nine at High Cedars golf course in Orting. He is now playing in heaven and he doesn't need that knee brace anymore. Barry also was an avid Seattle sports fan especially UW football. He had season football tickets for 40+ years. Although he didn't make it to any games last season, he was looking forward to seeing the new stadium completed and attending a game there. He also loved spending winters at their home in Mesa AZ, and was looking forward to going there next month, after missing last year. He always enjoyed doing his own yard work, and having a garden every summer. Reading books was another passion.. but what Barry loved more than anything was spending time with his family. He loved them very much, and also had many friends that he loved. He is survived by Joanne, his loving wife of 56 years; sister Barbara Haight (Larry) of Spokane, WA; sons Brian of Redmond, WA; Brad (Kim) of Bellevue, WA; Bruce (fiance Deanna) of Sumner, WA; and Brent (Donna) of Kent, WA. Also five grandchildren, Krystal, Brendan, Julie, Dillon and Gwen and two great grandchildren, Tyson and Evelyn and his beloved pet dog, "Sonny". A memorial service will be held on Friday, Feb. 1, 2pm, at the Sumner United Methodist Church, where Barry was an active member for 56 years. The church is located at 901 Wood Ave Sumner, WA 98390. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory can be made to the Sumner United Methodist Church .