Virgil Lee Brewster Jr.

Virgil was born to Virgil Lee Brewster Sr and Mary Isabel Brewster on 9/11/1949 in Hanford California. In the mid 1950’s the family moved to Laton and, with the exception of a few years in Lemoore, Laton became his forever home. At a young age Virgil grew a talent and love for rebuilding cars, especially the fast ones. His first car was a 1949 Studebaker Commander. His brother said he’d spend hours polishing that car. His next car was a 1963 Galaxy. He kept that car for many years. Even his grandchildren got to ride in it.

Virgil went to Reedley College to study auto mechanics. At one point he drove the college bus. He had stories of students lighting fires in the back of the bus. He graduated and became a mechanic working at various shops throughout his life. During this time he served 6 years in the army reserves. He loved to tell the story of taking his truck and driving to the top of pikes peak on his way to boot camp. His face would always light up when he told that story. His final job was at the Lemoore Navy base at their service station. Virgil continued to restore cars, dune buggies, you name it. He helped his sons restore two classic mustangs and he restored a classic firebird for his daughter. He was one of the last of a dying breed. The people who can do it all. He could build cars,build shops, do electrical, plumbing, welding, roofing woodworking and so much more. Anything he set his hands to would be restored. His work ethic was unmatched. It was common for Virgil to work 8 hours a day,come home and eat dinner then go work in his shop until midnight.

In 1985 Virgil turned an old walnut orchard into his forever home. In addition he built a shop for himself. He spent countless hours working on family and friends cars.

His true love however was his family. Any invite he received he was there. From weddings and graduations, to sporting events and dance recitals, to the small things like student of the month award. He never wanted to miss a chance to tell his grandchildren and nieces and nephews how proud he was of them. He cherished them all, more than they could ever know.

Virgil is survived by his Daughter Deidra and son in law Mariano Mendiola and grandchildren Marina and Matteo, his son Devin and partner Wendy Patterson and grandchildren Dylan, Danae and Denise and great grandchildren Cashton, Braylynn, Airalina, Dalton, Hudson and Harlyrae. Son Corey and grandson Grayden. Brother Larry and wife Linda and niece Patricia. Brother Wayne and wife Karen, niece and nephews Jonathan, Nathan, Jessica and Nick. Brother in law Dean and nieces and nephew Mike, Krissie and Connie. In addition Virgil had 11 great nieces and nephews. And cousin Roy Victorino who was more like a brother and his children Tye and Jill.

Virgil was preceded in death by his parents Mary and Virgil Sr.,his infant daughter Denise and by his sister and best friend Lois Stone.

A very special thank you to son in law Mariano Mendiola. Mariano loved Virgil as a father and due to his sacrifices Virgil was able to spend the last year and a half of his life in his own home, the home he cherished.

Also to Marina and Matteo Mendiola, Dean and Mike Stone, Wayne and Karen Brewster, Maribel Mendiola and JoAnn Brewster. Your continued presence these last months has brought comfort, love and brightness to some dark times.

I love you dad, you will be missed, until we meet again.