June 27, 2019
Winnifred Lorraine (Pogue) Brewer, 90, passed away Thursday, June 27, 2019 at the Chemainus Health Care Centre
in Chemainus BC after fighting Alzheimer's disease for more than 20 years.
Predeceased in 2017 by her husband of 66 years, Walter Brewer, she leaves behind her son, Kevan Brewer and Kevan's partner, Elizabeth Pollock; a sister, Judy; two grandchildren, John Brewer and Laurie Brewer; numerous
nieces and cousins; and a few close friends.
Winnie was born in 1929 in Mercoal Alberta. The daughter of Hebert and Hazel Pogue, she was one of two
children. Though she spent most of her life as a resident of Duncan she had many fond memories of growing up in the Prairies and returned to visit there many times.
In her early years, Winnie worked as a switchboard operator in Millet where the family ran the telephone office. Mom and her aunt Millie had to sleep by the switchboard and answer calls during the night and then go to school during the day. Not long after finishing high school, Winnie met her future husband, Walter Brewer and they were married a few years later in 1950.
They lived on the farm briefly and then Wetaskiwin. After Kevan was born they moved back to Edmonton where mom worked at the bank. While holidaying on the west coast in 1963 dad got a job offer in Duncan and the decision was made to move to the coast. Mom was able to stay home and be a homemaker for a time, eventually returning to the work force when Kevan started school. She worked at the Bank of Montreal in Duncan where she stayed until she retired. She was loved by her loyal customers, particularly the elderly ones, many of whom would only deal with her.
Mom loved travel, even if it was just a Sunday drive and picnic on the backroads of the Island. Both of my parents also liked camping, which for us started out in an old canvas tent and the back of a '65 Galaxy 500 station wagon. She and dad loved the west coast of Vancouver Island and later would holiday there yearly. Mom was also fortunate enough to travel to England, Hawaii, eastern Canada, Alaska and go on several cruises.
The family wishes to express its gratitude to the amazing staff at the Chemainus Health Care Centre in Chemainus BC for their care and support in the final years of Winn's life.
A graveside service was held July 8 at Mountain View Cemetery, with private burial.