Closter native Jeff Brewster’s friends remember him for his sense of humor, his laugh, loyalty and talent as a stone mason.
"He could always get everybody laughing," said a lifelong friend of Brewster’s, Donnie Quarles. "He could make you feel special and was always happy to see you. He wore his heart on his sleeve and was always helping anybody in need."
Fond memories such as these are driving his friends to establish a fund in memory of Brewster, who died unexpectedly of a brain aneurysm in January at the age of 47.
The fund will help Brewster’s wife Ellen put their 9-year-old daughter Amanda and 2-year-old son Kevin through college.
In addition, the friends hope to compile pictures of Brewster’s masonry accomplishments to leave Amanda and Kevin with memories of what their father was known for.
Brewster operated a masonry business out of the borough for many years and Quarles remembers him as a mason with a "meticulous" work ethic who always "wanted to get everything right."
Another childhood friend of Brewster’s is Jim Oettinger, who called him "one of the most talented and skilled masons in the Northern Valley."
"My goal is to be able to put together a book [of pictures of his work] to show to his kids someday," said Oettinger.
"He worked on at least three dozen houses in Closter," he said. "For his son, besides hearing stories, to be able to see some of his handiwork I think that’s a nice thing."
Any residents who had masonry or construction work done by Brewster may contact Oettinger at closterrecjim@aol.com.
In addition, Oettinger, Quarles and another friend of Brewster’s hope to get council approval for a "Memorial Fundraising Street Hockey Game" on Brewster’s birthday, July 3, at 6 p.m. at the Roller Rink at Ruckman park.
Those who wish to donate to the fund can do so by sending contributions to the Jeffrey Brewster Memorial Fund at PO Box 143, Closter, NJ 07624.
E-mail: wilde@northjersey.com or call 201-894-6706
