Rusty was born in Hammond, Ind., on April 28, 1924, to Herbert and Margaret “Marne” Bloom Brewer. Rusty and younger brother, Fritz, were later adopted as adults by Alexander Silveria, whom Rusty called the dad of his heart.
While a youngster, Rusty’s family moved to the San Francisco Bay area, where he graduated from Lowell High School. During his years at Lowell, Rusty earned multiple ‘Block L’s’ for competitive diving and worked as a lifeguard at the Fairmont Hotel, where he did exhibition diving. In later years, he was the diving coach for Hermiston’s summer swimming program.
After high school, Rusty attended University of California at Berkeley for a year before enlisting in the Army Air Corps and serving during World War II. Following the war, Rusty enrolled at the State College of Washington, as Washington State University was known at the time, earning a coveted spot in the Crimson Circle honoring his commitment to scholastics and service.
While Rusty was at Washington State, he met his wife, Beverly J. Brewer. Rusty, luckily and conveniently, had the same last name, and a running chuckle before the wedding was that Beverly would not have to change her monogram. The pair were married in 1950 and both graduated college together that same year.
Rusty went on to graduate from Lewis & Clark Northwestern School of Law and passed the Oregon State Bar exam. In 1957, the Brewers settled in Hermiston and Rusty established his law practice. Rusty was an active member of the Oregon Bar Association for 57 years, during which time he served on many committees, but was especially proud to serve as chair of the Government Law Section, which he helped create to assist attorneys working for public agencies.
An integral part of Hermiston business and civic activities, Rusty served as Hermiston city attorney for 45 years, beginning in 1958. He was involved in several organizations including presiding over the Oregon Water Resources Congress for a number of years, acting as secretary and attorney for the Hermiston Irrigation District, and assisting the local school board as attorney for 10 years. During his time working with the Hermiston Industrial Corporation, Rusty served as the secretary and attorney and was instrumental in helping bring Marlette Coach Company to the area.
One of Rusty’s dreams was to be a ‘farmer/rancher’, and in his spare time he launched his cattle ranch in the backyard pasture. As his herd expanded, Rusty moved his cattle ranch out of the backyard and eventually had a farm where he raised alfalfa, wheat, and sand.
There were no strangers in Rusty’s life, he truly enjoyed people and upon crossing his path he wanted to know you. Trips to Safeway, the post office, or even walking down Main Street were opportunities to visit with both new and lifelong friends. His children grew up believing he knew everyone in town, because not only did he talk to everyone, but he knew their names. Rusty treasured and nurtured his network of acquaintances who encompassed everyone he met anywhere.
Rusty was a willing volunteer, always ready to assist. He loved the pro bono work he did for non-profit organizations and group causes, which led to one instance of being ‘paid’ with a goat named Suzy. There were few civic activities that Rusty was not involved with over the years. Rusty believed education was the key to improving lives and could always be found on an educational committee whether it was Hermiston High School, Blue Mountain Community College, or the Oregon State Bar.
Rusty was preceded in death by his parents, Alexander and Marne Brewer; brother, Fritz Brewer; and his wife Beverly.
Survivors include daughters Kristie Brewer Lemmon of Hermiston, Melissa Brewer (Dennis Soapes) of Seattle, son Rustin P. Brewer (Beth) of Vancouver, Wash., grandsons Jared Lemmon of Seattle and Tyler Lemmon of Hermiston, and granddaughter McKelvey Brewer of Vancouver.
“Rusty Brewer (was) the epitome of that Greatest Generation. He served his country in war, he served his community as a public servant, and he has provided for and served his family. In a lifetime of service there are great acts and simple acts and I don’t think people like Rusty are concerned with the difference; for they do as they have always done”, stated his son-in-law Dennis.
There will be a celebration of life at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Stake Center at 1035 SE 9th St., in Hermiston on Saturday, Jan. 31 at 2 p.m. There will be a public viewing at Burns Mortuary, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 27.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Rusty Brewer Scholarship Fund, PO Box 24, Hermiston, Oregon, 97838.
Please sign the condolence book at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
