Sam Brewster

Sam F. Brewster, Jr. passed away peacefully at home on June 18, 2024. Born in Opelika, Alabama on February 26, 1940, to Sam F. Brewster, Sr. and Mary Ellen Long, Sam grew up in Auburn, Alabama where he was active in scouting, earning his Eagle Scout and God and Country awards. His family moved to Provo, Utah when he was 17 where he graduated from Brigham Young Academy. Sam graduated from Utah State University with a Bachelor's degree in Forestry and later returned to Provo to attend BYU, earning a master's degree and PhD in Plant Physiology. He was a man who never stopped learning. He continued reading, researching, and studying throughout his life.

Sam was a man of many talents and interests. He worked as a professor of botany at Rick's College, a real-estate appraiser, a technical writer, and a reliability engineer before retiring. His career took him to John Day, Oregon; Rexburg, Idaho; Salt Lake City, Utah; Sacramento, California; and finally, back to Provo, Utah.

Sam joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter -Day Saints in 1962 while in college. Sam served in various callings throughout his life. He and his wife served missions in Manchester, England; Nauvoo, Illinois; and Washington, DC. Perhaps his favorite calling, though, was serving for over 20 years as a temple worker in the Provo, Utah Temple.

He met the love of his life, Wilma, on a blind date. They were married in the Salt Lake Temple in 1964. His love for his family was unparalleled, and he cherished every moment spent with them. Sam is survived by his wife of 60 years, Wilma Marie Zaugg Brewster, and their children, Craig (Suzi) Brewster, Scott (Danette) Brewster, Marie (Mark) Wiedeman, Paul (Junko) Brewster, 13 grandchildren, and 10 great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, his sister Barbara Brewster, and one grandson.

A viewing will be held on Saturday, June 22, 2024, from 12:00 -1:30 PM at the Edgemont 9th Ward chapel located at 4300 North Canyon Road, Provo, UT. Funeral services will be at 2:00 PM at the same location. Interment will be at the Provo City Cemetery.

We invite all who knew and loved Sam to join us in celebrating his life. Please share your memories of Sam and upload photos to his memorial page. Your stories and pictures will serve as a lasting tribute to a man whose life was rich in love, faith, and dedication.