Obituary for Gerald A. Brewer
East Millinocket –
Gerald Brewer, age 90, passed away surrounded by his loving family on June 17th. Born in East Millinocket to Earl Cleveland Brewer and Florence Mae (Craig) Brewer, Gerald had many aliases throughout his life. To friends and family he was known as “Jake”, to his wife he was known as “Jerry”, and to his grandchildren he was known as “Pa”. On May 19, 1950, he married the love of his life, Joan Marie MacLeod of Boston, Massachusetts. They had just recently celebrated their 70th anniversary. Jake served in the United States Navy for 4 years, where he and Joan lived briefly in Virginia, then moved to Massachusetts. They built their home in East Millinocket Maine in 1959, where they lived for 61 years. Jake worked at the Great Northern Paper Company in East Millinocket for over 30 years before retiring in the early 1990’s. In retirement, they enjoyed vacationing in Florida to escape the cold Maine winters.
Jake was a patient, kind, and humble man. He was known for his lighthearted sense of humor, strong love for his family, and passion for good food; particularly desserts. In the absence of desserts he was known to whip up a concoction of his own with the sweetest ingredients he could find. While a cookie by itself would be sufficient for most people, Jake would take it a step further and frost the cookie with peanut butter before enjoying it. Other interests included golf, reading, going out to eat, and being a lifelong musician. He also enjoyed playing guitar and his jam “sessions” with family and friends. He and his brother Reggie sang together on the radio as children, and they continued with their music throughout their lives. They played locally as adults in a band, where Jake mentored two young musicians (Wayne Brewer and Mark Miller), who have continued with their music careers. Jake and Joan sang in the choir at the First Congregational Church of East Millinocket for over 40 years.
He always made time to play with his grandchildren, whom he adored, and was known for frequently allowing them to win, all the while acting surprised as the children giggled and claimed their victory. He proudly followed their progression through life, most recently enjoying visits to Maine Maritime Academy with his grandson, Devon. Jake was predeceased by his brothers Hudson, Reggie, and Lee. He is survived by his beloved wife, Joan; their daughters, Patty, Terri, Jill, Maxine, and Jeri; grandchildren, Keith, Kris, Frankie, Danielle, Ricky, Tayla, Tara, Jerry, Devon and Connor; and great grandchildren, Christopher, Karis, Jordy, Jamin, Sky, Tyler, Sylus, Cadin, Maddox, Ashton, Skylar, Avery, and Tyrell. Jake had many beloved cousins including Gary (“Gar man”) and Glenn Brewer, with whom he created many memories.
Gone from our sight, but never from our hearts.
There will be a memorial service, with military honors, at the East Millinocket cemetery, Sunday, June 21, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. Arrangements are by Lamson Funeral Home.
Gerald Brewer, age 90, passed away surrounded by his loving family on June 17th. Born in East Millinocket to Earl Cleveland Brewer and Florence Mae (Craig) Brewer, Gerald had many aliases throughout his life. To friends and family he was known as “Jake”, to his wife he was known as “Jerry”, and to his grandchildren he was known as “Pa”. On May 19, 1950, he married the love of his life, Joan Marie MacLeod of Boston, Massachusetts. They had just recently celebrated their 70th anniversary. Jake served in the United States Navy for 4 years, where he and Joan lived briefly in Virginia, then moved to Massachusetts. They built their home in East Millinocket Maine in 1959, where they lived for 61 years. Jake worked at the Great Northern Paper Company in East Millinocket for over 30 years before retiring in the early 1990’s. In retirement, they enjoyed vacationing in Florida to escape the cold Maine winters.
Jake was a patient, kind, and humble man. He was known for his lighthearted sense of humor, strong love for his family, and passion for good food; particularly desserts. In the absence of desserts he was known to whip up a concoction of his own with the sweetest ingredients he could find. While a cookie by itself would be sufficient for most people, Jake would take it a step further and frost the cookie with peanut butter before enjoying it. Other interests included golf, reading, going out to eat, and being a lifelong musician. He also enjoyed playing guitar and his jam “sessions” with family and friends. He and his brother Reggie sang together on the radio as children, and they continued with their music throughout their lives. They played locally as adults in a band, where Jake mentored two young musicians (Wayne Brewer and Mark Miller), who have continued with their music careers. Jake and Joan sang in the choir at the First Congregational Church of East Millinocket for over 40 years.
He always made time to play with his grandchildren, whom he adored, and was known for frequently allowing them to win, all the while acting surprised as the children giggled and claimed their victory. He proudly followed their progression through life, most recently enjoying visits to Maine Maritime Academy with his grandson, Devon. Jake was predeceased by his brothers Hudson, Reggie, and Lee. He is survived by his beloved wife, Joan; their daughters, Patty, Terri, Jill, Maxine, and Jeri; grandchildren, Keith, Kris, Frankie, Danielle, Ricky, Tayla, Tara, Jerry, Devon and Connor; and great grandchildren, Christopher, Karis, Jordy, Jamin, Sky, Tyler, Sylus, Cadin, Maddox, Ashton, Skylar, Avery, and Tyrell. Jake had many beloved cousins including Gary (“Gar man”) and Glenn Brewer, with whom he created many memories.
Gone from our sight, but never from our hearts.
There will be a memorial service, with military honors, at the East Millinocket cemetery, Sunday, June 21, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. Arrangements are by Lamson Funeral Home.