It is with the heaviest hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of Kirk Brewer. Kirk lost his courageous battle with Glioblastoma at home on Saturday, May 30. He was hand in hand with his high school sweetheart and adoring wife of 46 years, Freda, and surrounded by his loving children, Dana and John Michael, along with his sons-in law, Mike and Pavo.

Kirk lived with integrity, worked with purpose, and loved without reservation. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, uncle, brother, and friend whose love remains within everyone who was graced by his smile and sense of humour.

Born and raised in North Sydney on July 8, 1956 he was the son of the late Petronella [Nellie] and John [Ariel] Brewer.  The middle child of fourteen, Kirk is survived by twelve of his brother and sisters: Linda (Bob), Lloyd (Mary), Brenda (Dave), Pat (Gordon), John (Madeline), Greg (Kim), Brendon (Verna), Glenda (Gordie), Pete (Anna-Marie), Wayne (Beverly), Wanda, Kim (Dave). He is also survived by his brother in-law Charlie (D’anne), his granddaughter Nela, and a magnitude of nieces and nephews from a family tree with far extending branches and deep roots. Kirk was particularly close with his nephew Scott, who he thought of as a second son, Scott’s girls Mindy and Tessa and his lifelong friend, Thad. Kirk is pre-deceased by his sister Chris, her wife Betty and his sister-in-law Annie. 

To know Kirk was to know a man of quiet strength, steady values, and deep devotion to those he loved.  He was an electrician for 40 years followed by 14 years at Marine Atlantic. He was a lifelong member of Saint Joseph Church, North Sydney and a third-degree member of Father William Keilly, Branch 5109, Knights of Columbus. He lived by a simple code: do what's right, work hard, and take care of the people you love. He never sought recognition for doing what was right; he simply believed it was the right thing to do.  

The family would like to express their appreciation for the comfort and support received from the community over these past months. Thank you to the outstanding nursing staff from both 4W at Northside General and 4C at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital; Doctors Alexander and Andrew Wawer; the VON and Palliative Care teams; Kirk’s crew from Marine Atlantic; as well as family, friends, and neighbours. A very special thank you to his homecare nurse, Cathy, for making dad comfortable and happy at home during his final weeks and his personal family nurse Kathleen Dooley, who has been his guardian angel since the beginning. 

With a song always in his heart, he lived a happy and peaceful life - the kind of life that didn't require much talking, as his actions told the story well enough. And when there was nothing else, a simple ‘Yes Dear’ or ‘Good Dear Good’ would do. 

Words cannot express the sadness in our hearts or how much he will be missed.

 “I’m going to love you forever. Forever and ever, Amen”

Visitation for Kirk will be held from 5-8 p.m. on Wednesday in the W.J. Dooley Funeral Home, 107 Pleasant Street, North Sydney.  A funeral mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday at St. Joseph Church, North Sydney with Rev. Doug MacDonald officiating. The mass will be live-streamed on the W.J. Dooley Facebook page. Burial will follow in Holy Cross Cemetery, North Sydney. A reception will follow at the North Sydney Fire Hall, Pierce Street, North Sydney.

In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made to  The Gord Downey Fund for Brain Cancer or Hospice Palliative Care Society of Cape Breton. Online condolences may be sent to the family by leaving a message on the tribute wall.