Family seeks help to replace tombstone
Courtesy photo Todd Brewer’s sisters, Donna Newman, Sharlee Colby, Kelly Brewer and Rebecca Ross, said they were overwhelmed by the previous outpouring of love and generosity from the community. They hope the community will continue to express their love for Todd by donating to cover headstone costs.
“Step to the left — you’re standing on my liver.”
Those are the words carved into Todd Brewer’s tombstone, which he made himself, years before he passed away.
It was only fitting for the owner of a shop called “Cheating Death Discount Vapor.”
Known for his larger-than-life personality and penchant for performing magic tricks, Todd died of heart problems on Sept. 11. He was 57 years old.
“In his heart, he thought every human being had value,” said Rebecca Ross, one of Todd’s sisters. “The community just really loved him.”
Todd’s final wish was to be laid to rest beside his mother at Riverview Cemetery in Coeur d’Alene. The burial would cost $6,250. When his family asked for help to bury their brother, the community provided — to the tune of $5,000, raised at an auction last weekend.
“The love in that room raised the money needed,” Rebecca said. “It was so beautiful.”
She recalled two of Todd’s friends who were locked in a bidding war over a decorative steer skull. Some attendees even brought in their own items to sell at auction, from motorcycle gear to wristwatches.
An unexpected turn of events has left the family in need of more help.
On Thursday, Rebecca said, she learned that the headstone Todd made years ago and planned to be buried with can’t be used. The stone is too thin; it’s not sturdy enough to withstand the elements and can’t be reinforced.
“We were devastated and heartbroken,” she said. “We really wanted to use it.”
Instead, the family will have to purchase a new headstone — a $1,400 expense they weren’t prepared for.
The previous outpouring of love and generosity overwhelmed Rebecca and the rest of her family.
“It made me burst into tears,” she said. “It restores your hope in humanity. We knew that he was loved, but that was amazing.”
Rebecca said she hopes that the people whose lives Todd touched can come through for him one last time and help fulfill his last wish.
Todd Brewer’s funeral is 1 p.m. on Saturday at English Funeral Chapel in Coeur d’Alene.
After the service, Todd’s hearse — a low-rider with flames painted on the sides, which Rebecca said Todd would’ve appreciated — will lead the way to the celebration of life at Curley’s Hauser Junction, 26433 W. Highway 53, Post Falls.
His family has also set up a memorial account at STCU. Donations for the Todd Brewer Memorial Fund are accepted at any STCU branch.