Robert Lewis Brears, "Lew" as he was known to family and friends, was born on September 21, 1934. He was the first child of 10 born to Robert Albert "Bert" and Anne Jean (nee Thompson) Brears. Lew was brought into this world by a mid-wife, Mrs. Riddy. He attended Clumber School, completing Grade 8, before he was taken out of school to help with the farm work. At 9 years old, Lew was featured in a Western Producer article as being the youngest person to deliver grain to the Bredenbury elevator. As a young man, Lew left the home farm and went to work on the Don Thompson farm for a time. He then went "up north" to work on the rigs, eventually advancing his employment to work for M.R. Hall Drilling, drilling water wells in small towns and resorts across Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Alberta. In June of 1962, Lew was united in marriage to Katherine Hala. They began their married life in Regina and were blessed with two daughters, Deana and Dawn. In 1972, the family moved from Regina to Bredenbury, where Lew began a lengthy career driving a semi-truck. After retiring in 1999, he had earned multiple "Million Mile" award pins. He always took great pride in caring for his truck. Lew enjoyed fishing, camping and boating in his spare time. He loved trips up north with his friends, catching lots of fresh fish. Lew loved his food but wasn't much of a cook. On those trips there was always a heated debate just to get him to butter toast! As far as he was concerned, there was only one person that could make pancakes - lumpy batter or not, he loved them. He looked forward to going for his morning and afternoon coffee time. Lewis passed away on Saturday, December 20, 2014 at the Yorkton & District Nursing Home, Yorkton, SK. He was 80 years of age. He was predeceased by his father, Bert in 1996, his mother, Annie in 2001, his brother, John, his sister, Margret and his brothers-in-law, Ken Walker and Ray Poole. Lew leaves to mourn his passing and cherish his memory, his wife of 52 years, Kathy and their daughters, Deana (Carey) Fyke and grandchildren, Brodin (Christina), Chaz (Rebecca and her daughter, Autumn), Brianne (Dougal) Todd and their son, Cohen; and Dawn (Lyle) Kostiuk and grandson, Justin (Jaclyn) Brears; his brothers, Paul (Judy) Brears, David (Bev) and Stuart (Vi); his sisters, Ann Poole, Sylvia (Allen) Meston, Phyllis (Phil) Jordan, Laurie (Lannie) Lavoy as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives and many good friends. Funeral Services were held on Monday, December 20, 2014 from Knox United Church in Bredenbury, SK with Reverend Walter Farquharson officiating. The organist, Mr. Lorne Neal led the congregation and members of the Knox United Church Choir in the singing of the hymns, "Would You Bless Our Homes and Families", "Give To Us Laughter" and "I Danced in the Morning". The Choir Selection was "All Things Bright and Beautiful". The Cremation Committal followed in the Bredenbury Town Cemetery with Lew's grandsons, Brodin Fyke and Justin Brears serving as the urn bearers. Friends so wishing may forward their condolences to the family by visiting www.christiesfuneralhome.com. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Christie's Funeral Home & Crematorium, Yorkton, Saskatchewan.
