Donald Brewer , May 26, 1933 — May 21, 2018

Donald M. Brewer of Portland passed away on May 21, 2018, after a relatively brief illness just days shy of his 85th birthday. Donald was born in Hackensack, New Jersey, in 1933 but arrived in Maine to attend Bowdoin College. After meeting Marie Grover, from Topsham, at a dance between Bowdoin College and Westbrook Junior College, Donald decided to make Maine his forever home.

Donald and Marie Brewer were married in 1955 and first settled in Portland where Donald started his lifelong career in banking. Donald advanced his way through the banking ranks, beginning as a part-time teller in Portland and, at the high-point, serving as Vice President for Maine National Bank in Bangor. Sadly, he ended his career not with a gold watch and a well-attended retirement party, but as an employee of Fleet Bank who simply provided his date of retirement on which he packed up his desk and left the building.

Despite this, Donald learned to enjoy his retirement. He and Marie settled back in Portland and he discovered a passion for bike touring. Soon he combined his love of cycling with traveling.

He took several bike tours through Europe that included coastal Greece, southern France, and Ireland (his personal favorite). When he wasn’t on his bike, Donald spent a considerable amount of time at the gym, reading, gardening, and, as he would say, keeping his hands and face busy. He remained independent until his last days forced him to become otherwise.

He will be greatly missed by those he loved and who knew him best. Donald is survived by his wife of 62 years, Marie, and his children, Glenn Brewer of Bangor, Suzanne Ndure and husband Ousman of Westbrook, Adam Brewer and wife Kassandra of Bangor, and Barbara Brewer and husband Steven Chabot of Portland. He is also survived by several grandchildren and one great grandchild.

Donald’s family wishes to thank the staff of the Gosnell Memorial Hospice House for their compassion and kindness during his last, most difficult, days. Donald was a very pragmatic man and requested no services upon his demise. For those who may wish, donations may be made to the Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland in lieu of flowers.

Alternately, blood donations to the American Red Cross would be equally meaningful as Donald was a lifelong blood donor.

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