Good Old Boat Issue 142: Jan/Feb 2022
Ted designed some 260 boats, but theWhitby 42, shown here, is the one he credits for establishing him as a production boat designer. Photo credit: Brian Glaessner/All Coast Yacht Sales.
sleeping at the most out-of-the-way establishments possible. The very vagabond nature of these trips highlights Ted’s indomitable spirit. Betty, as sidekick and best friend, was always one for adventure. They discontinued their travels as it became
Eventually we did get out to Vancouver Island and spent several days touring with Ted and Betty and then following him around as he went through the formalities that his honorary position as commodore of that year’s Victoria Classic Boat Festival required. We have many fond memories of that trip and our time together. Every year we received long Christmas cards detailing the Brewers’ year with stories of family visits and their long road trips, always taking the back roads across Canada and the U.S., eating and
Ted Brewer works at his drafting desk in the early 1960s while at Bill Luders' firm.
increasingly painful to sit for long periods of time, but Ted and Betty stayed busy with family, friends, and the active support of their home community through Royal Canadian Legion projects. Ted died on September 30, 2021, at the age of 88. Along with Betty, he’s survived by her two daughters and one son, six grandchildren, two great-grand- children, and his legacy: scores of good old
can-do, let’s-go approach to life. He knew no strangers. In an author bio we printed in November 1999 we said, “Ted Brewer is, simply put, one of our favorite people and a terrific naval architect. Seems like this should be enough. His real bio is on page 51.” That “real bio” sums up a sailor’s life worth living: “Ted Brewer is one of North America’s best-known yacht designers, having worked on the America’s Cup boats American Eagle and Weatherly , as well as boats that won the Olympics, the Gold Cup, and dozens of celebrated ocean races. He is also the man who designed scores of good old boats…the ones still sailing after all these years.” Jerry and I will be forever grateful for the many connections we made as the founders of Good Old Boat . Ted and Betty Brewer stand out among the best. Like the many others who were influenced by, have boats designed by, or were simply blessed by knowing Ted, we already miss him very much. Karen Larson founded Good Old Boat with her husband, Jerry Powlas, in 1998.
Ted and Betty photographed in Ted's office in October 2019. The two met when Ted chased after Betty's father to learn more about his BMWmotorcycle.
boats built to his designs—what he called his “babies.” It’s hard to
believe he is gone. He was always active
and vigorous, a risk-taker who sought adventure and knew no obstacles, one who was cheerful and outgoing. He had a wonderful sense of humor and a
45
January/February 2022
Made with FlippingBook - Online catalogs