Ailing minister kept the faith

Friend: ‘He was not afraid of dying'

February 3, 2006

JOEL DAVIDSON\Frontiersman reporter

MAT-SU - Three weeks ago, Nick J. Brewer Jr. left behind a personal library full of thick, dusty books - volumes about ancient Hebrew language, the Holy Lands, biblical encyclopedias and title after title of literary and religious works.

After spending a lifetime both preaching the Gospel as a Presbyterian minister and later shaping the physical landscape of the Valley during a long and successful real-estate career, the 76-year-old Brewer cast off his mortal coil on Jan. 22, 2006.

His home off Seward Meridian still smells of leather-bound literature and cigarettes; the carpeted steps in his house still bear wear marks from countless trips up and down to his basement study.

But Brewer was not content to cloister himself away in a personal castle. No, he was first and foremost a family man, married 50 years with four kids. Outside the house, in his younger years, he was a passionate minister who could out-preach any pastor in town, according to his eldest son, Nick J. Brewer III.

&#8220I might be a little biased,” the younger Brewer admitted recently, &#8220but I always found that when I go to another church and listen to another minister, they never measured up.”

Through the late 1960s and early 1970s, Brewer pastored Wasilla Presbyterian Church, the same church he attended up until his death. His faith in God was unwavering, but even at the end of his life, Brewer's family and friends never described a man who took himself too seriously.

As he grew older, Brewer got a reputation for asking surprised young women and girls if he could give them a little kiss. While it took a few off guard, those who followed along were always rewarded with a little Hershey's Kiss candy from his pocket.

&#8220He always carried these little Hershey's Kisses in his pocket,” recalled longtime friend Bert Hall. &#8220It didn't matter who you were - he'd go to the bank or doctor's office and if he saw a young gal he'd ask her if he could give them a kiss. It was just part of his outlook on life, of making people smile a little bit.”

Hall and Brewer spent many years as fellow members of the Wasilla Rotary Club. Four days before he died, Brewer attended his final Rotary meeting, an occasion Hall used for a final ribbing of his old friend.

&#8220I stood up at the meeting and told him that it's obvious he wasn't thinking big enough with all those Hershey's Kisses,” Hall said. &#8220Then we brought out this great big Hershey's Kiss for him.”

Brewer's recently published obituary contains a long list of civic contributions that are too long to list again here. From helping to establish Wasilla as an official city and founding the Mat-Su Property Owners Association, to heading countless religious efforts, Brewer's fingerprints are all over Valley history. Up to his final day, he was a board member for the Matanuska Valley Federal Credit Union.

In his last weeks, though, Brewer's mind turned toward two competing thoughts. On the one hand he was battling leukemia and other physical ailments in an effort to live until July 1, 2006, the 50th anniversary of his ordination as a minister. His family and friends had planned to throw a big celebration and Brewer wanted to hang on until then.

On the other hand, though, Brewer missed his lifelong sweetheart, Miriam, who died less than two years ago.

&#8220We were going to make a big deal out of his ordination anniversary and he was really looking forward to that,” Nick J. Brewer III recalled as he packed his father's belongings Thursday. &#8220But my father also missed my mother and wanted to be with her. They both had a strong faith, and I know they are together now.”

The day before he died, an old friend paid a visit to the ailing but still sharp Brewer as he sat reclining in his chair on his final Saturday morning.

&#8220I could tell he had taken a turn for the worse,” said current Wasilla Rotary President Al Strawn. &#8220He really couldn't get out of his recliner chair. So we sat there and talked about the credit union and Rotary and life in general.”

Strawn said he could tell Brewer was struggling with his physical ailments but was still able to keep them in perspective.

&#8220His faith has had a strong impact on me and I was able to pray with him there,” he said. &#8220He was not afraid of dying. He was at peace with his maker. I just hope to be at peace with myself as much as Nick was.”

The next day, Brewer died.

A service for him is scheduled today at the First Presbyterian Church of Wasilla, 1375 E. Bogard Rd., where Brewer's body will be viewed at 3 p.m. The service begins at 4 p.m.

At 11 a.m. Saturday, Brewer's graveside service begins at the church, followed by a procession to Aurora Cemetery.

Contact Joel Davidson at 352-2266 or joel.davidson@frontiersman.com.