A celebration of life honouring a "giant" in local and provincial Search and Rescue efforts is scheduled for Saturday, April 12. 

Kent-Harrison Search and Rescue is hosting a celebration of life for Neil Brewer, the late manager of KHSAR who passed away on March 3. The ceremony is scheduled to run from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Agassiz Elementary Secondary School's gymnasium, located at 7110 Cheam Ave. Those interested in attending should RSVP with KHSAR secretary Anita Neufeld by emailing secretary@khsar.ca. 

Brewer leaves behind a decades-long legacy of service to his community and his province through Search and Rescue. He has been recognized as Search and Rescue Volunteer of the Year and received several accolades for his service, including the Community Achievement Award in 2019, an Emergency Management Exemplary Service Award in 2023 and an honourary lifetime membership with the British Columbia Search and Rescue Association last year. 

In late February, Brewer became the first recipient of the highest local civilian honour: The Freedom of the District of Kent. 

Brewer's Search and Rescue career began in 1990 and he was approved as a manager the following year. Brewer was personally involved in more than 600 search and rescue tasks and dedicated thousands of hours into local and provincial advocacy for Search and Rescue volunteers. He helped secure funding for KHSAR equipment and a new building in 2017. Brewer is also credited for developing communication systems for Search and Rescue teams throughout B.C.   

Local flags have been at half-staff for several days in observance of Brewer and the legacy he leaves behind. He is survived by his wife Julie and daughter Ashley.