JACK BREWIN

1926 - 2002

Frederick John “Jack” Brewin, beloved husband of Mary Brewin, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 31, 2002 in Taber at the age of 75 years.
Jack was born in Bowden on November 29, 1926, a son of R.F. (Frank) and Marjorie Brewin. He resided on the family farm which his father homesteaded, until his passing. He married Mary Hannah in Taber on September 14, 1960. Jack was community oriented and became involved in numerous associations, committees and held prestigious positions within these fields. Jack began his campaign when he was elected Chairman of a local farmer union for three years. He was instrumental in promoting the Hudson Rural Electrification Association which was the first of its kind organized south of Calgary. Jack became the first President of that association for thirty three years until its transfer to Trans Alta in 1983. Jack was one of the first seven members elected to the Advisory Committee of the St. Mary’s River Irrigation development, representing both the Grassy Lake and Purple Springs areas. Jack was later elected Chairman of the Advisory Committee until the St. Mary’s Irrigation District was formed on May 2, 1968. He was appointed the first Chairman of the Board of the newly formed district. Jack was then elected by the water users to the St. Mary’s River Irrigation District Board and was continually re-elected as Chairman of this Board each year until stepping down in 1986.
The Lieutenant Governor appointed Jack to serve on the Irrigation Council. He was appointed as Chairman of the Irrigation Council until 1978. He was the Director of the Alberta Branch of the Canadian Water Resources Association and was presented with the Water Wheel Award; Director of the AIPA serving on several committees and served as Vice Chairman for six years and the last two years as Chairman; re-elected Director of St. Mary’s Irrigation District in 1990 and again played an active role on the AIPA. Jack was also one of the original members of the Sherburne Community Social Society and was active in raising funds for the building of the Community Centre; Director of the local telephone company for ten years and served on the Senate of the University of Lethbridge for four years. In recognition of Distinguished Service, Jack was awarded the Northern Irrigation Operators of USA Award and in 1988 he was inducted into the Alberta Agriculture Hall of Fame. In 2001, Jack retired from the Board of Directors of St. Mary’s Irrigation District.
Besides his wife Mary, Jack will be forever remembered by his children, Jean (Bob) Petrushewsky of Bolton, Ontario and their children Sarah and Katie; Jack Jr. (Gilda) Brewin and their children Jordan and Meagan; Neil (Candace) Brewin and their children Robert and Eric; brothers and sisters, Alfred Brewin, Monica Berryhill, Gerald (Margaret) Brewin, Frank (Colleen) Brewin, Eleanor (Harry) Wagner, Rod Brewin, Tim Brewin and Marjorie (Allan) Scott as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Jack was predeceased by a brother, Norman Brewin; his parents, R.F. Brewin in 1978 and Marjorie Brewin in 1988; a brother-in-law Jim Berryhill; a sister-in-law Lillian Brewin and a nephew Keith Scott.
The Funeral Service was held at Knox United Church, 4929 - 50 Avenue, Taber on Friday, April 5, 2002 at 2:00 P.M. with Reverend Dale Lang of St. Theodore’s Anglican Church officiating. Interment followed in the Taber Memorial Garden.
If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Jack’s name can be made directly to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Alberta, 1011 - 2nd Avenue, South Lethbridge, Alberta T1J 0C8.